Page 16 - Tropic Magazine Issue 31

TROPIC • TOURISM

Tropical swell

PROPOSAL
Elaborate plans to build a
wave park, lagoon and
resort complex in Far North
Queensland have been revealed.

Words: Annabel Bowles Credit: Visualisation by Hunt Design
If there’s one thing our tropical paradise The complex will comprise
is missing, it’s good surf. a 4.5-star hotel with over
That could soon change, if a $317-million 160 rooms, as well as a
surf park proposal for the Port Douglas self-contained housing
region passes government approvals. precinct of 90 units to cater
NorthBreak Port Douglas would be for long-term guests. 1247
built off the Captain Cook Highway in Camping sites, conference
Mowbray, with proponents ready to begin and function rooms, a spa and full-time-equivalent jobs
construction early next year. Using state- wellness centre and a village
of-the-art technology, the pool would be precinct featuring food and 128,000
able to generate 26 second-long rides, on drink outlets are also part of
waves up to seven feet high. the masterplan. overnight visitors per year

“Something that won’t take from the $79.2m
Wave pools are a global mouths of existing operators, but rather a
new reason to visit … [and] boost tourism
phenomenon right now. when it traditionally dwindles in our hot in regional expenditure
The sport of surfing is and wet months.” “It will be situated at the northern end of
Behind the project are local businessman
growing massively David Imgraben and renowned architect the Wangetti Trail, which will be ideal for
Gary Hunt of Hunt Design – the firm hikers looking for an overnight rest and a
Northbreak that designed Crystalbrook Collection’s cool swim.”
Port Douglas
Flynn hotel and the Cairns Esplanade While the development application sits
Dining Precinct. Mr Hunt said Port with the Douglas Shire Council, Mr Hunt
Plans for a freshwater lagoon and aqua Douglas was chosen over Cairns due to a told Tropic there’s already been extensive
park are also part of the proposal, offering number of environmental factors. consultation with the State Government.
a safe place to swim free of crocodiles “The amount of land required for this He said the project has a “very solid”
and stingers. “We believe that there has complex is quite significant and finding financial backing with a number of
been a need for a new tourist attraction a suitable location in the immediate funding sources.
or activity in Port Douglas to complement Cairns environs that isn’t surrounded
the Reef and Rainforest,” NorthBreak’s by residential houses was extremely MORE: northbreak.com.au
website reads. difficult,” Mr Hunt said.

Cairns Airport’s domestic and international routes

1hr 2hrs 2.5hrs 3hrs 3.5hrs 5hrs

Townsville Sunshine Coast Newcastle Sydney Melbourne Perth
Brisbane Darwin Canberra Auckland
Toowoomba Adelaide
Gold Coast

16 • Tropic • Issue 31