Planned Sunshine Coast waterpark announces switch in wave pool technology

August 5, 2022

Nigel Benton

Aquatics / Attractions / Legal / Tourism / Waterparks /

The developer behind the long-delayed Actventure water theme park on the Sunshine Coast is reported to have chosen to use American Wave Machines technology for its centrepiece surfing lagoon instead of its original Endless Surf pool from WhiteWater.

Recent media reports have advised that Sanad Capital is not only almost ready to start work on the project but that it will also be including the first example of American Wave Machine’s Perfect Swell pool in the southern hemisphere.

A Sanad Capital spokesperson was recently quoted in The Courier-Mail as stating “(American Wave Machine’s) patented technology has been used in world class surf pools, currently operating in Shizunami, Japan; Waco, Texas and The DreamWorks Water Park in New Jersey.”

Noting that the pool would be designed for beginner surfers through to seasoned professionals, the spokesperson added “(it) is the most versatile on the planet and provides a multitude of sessions for all skill levels.”

The report indicated that the company said it had a contract with Shadforth Civil to start initial works on the wave pool attraction on Steve Irwin Drive in Glenview “in coming weeks”.

The surfing lagoon will be one of three key elements in Sanad Capital’s $130 million tourism development featuring the Actventure water park as well as the 160-villa Invitorate Resort.

Sanad Capital Managing Director, Bradley P. Sutherland explained that the surf the pool would be 288 metres long and 80 metres wide and produce “epic waves all day, every day and even into the night”.

Delays in the project getting underway have sparked fears that the project may falter and follow other aborted plans for major attraction developments on the Sunshine Coast. Media reports in May 2020 advised that that the future of the development was "expected to be finalised in coming weeks".

If successful, it will be the first major attraction to open in the region in more than 30 years.

Meanwhile Sanad Capital’s appeal against Sunshine Coast Council’s approval of Surf Park Australia’s wave pool project at Glasshouse Mountains is also ongoing.

The company argues there is no economic need for the Glass House Mountains surf park, proposed by real estate agent and developer Craig Morrison, which would be located 20 kilometres from the Glenview facility.

The appeal is set for a six-day trail in Brisbane in October.

Images: The 2018 concept for Actventure' wave lagoon (top, credit:Sanad Capital) and the PerfectSwell Surf Stadium in the Japanese community of Shizunami. Credit: American Wave Machines.

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.