Perth Surf Park gets the final environmental approval
The Perth Surf Park, set to become a major sporting, tourism, and entertainment destination in Western Australia, has received the final environmental approval from the EPA. The $100 million complex, expected to be the largest in the southern hemisphere, will be built on a 5.8ha site in Jandakot and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. The project is anticipated to attract around a million visits in its first year of operation.
Phase one of the development will include a surfing lagoon with over 20 different wave types, a 140-person beach club, a 3000-person events lawn, a 1250sqm food and beverage venue, a health and wellness center, a boutique hotel, a retail outlet, a skate park, and other outdoor fitness activities. The surf park aims to be an integrated leisure, entertainment, and tourism destination.
Andrew Ross, chairman and chief development officer of Aventuur, the company behind the project, expressed enthusiasm for the endeavor. He explained, It’s interesting people refer to it as the surf park, but really what it is, it’s an integrated leisure, entertainment and tourism destination that focuses on that certain lifestyle. Ross is hopeful that the surf park will have a pre-Christmas opening in 2025.
With an expected one million visitors per year, the surf park is anticipated to be one of Perth’s most significant tourist attractions. Aventuur estimates that about a quarter of the visitors will come from interstate and overseas, relying on the success and popularity of their Melbourne surf park. The location of the Cockburn site, adjacent to the Kwinana Freeway and the Cockburn Central train station, offers easy accessibility for both locals and visitors.
Aventuur is currently in final talks with industry-leading operators to manage the various amenities, such as the food and beverage venues, health and wellness center, and retail store. The company will oversee the surf park elements, including the surf academy and hire store.
The City of Cockburn is optimistic about the influx of visitors and considers the surf park to be a catalyst for unlocking the city’s potential as a top-tier tourist destination. Mayor Logan Howlett believes that the surf park will attract adventure seekers from various regions, expanding tourism opportunities for Cockburn.
While Perth boasts a beautiful coastline, the surf park aims to address the lack of consistent, year-round waves. Surfing is a growing sport in Perth, and the surf park will provide a controlled environment where surfers can spend more time actually surfing rather than waiting for the perfect wave. The lagoon’s wave machine can generate over 20 different wave types, catering to surfers of various skill levels.
In addition to offering a unique surfing experience, the surf park provides a safe environment for beginners to learn and for experienced surfers to refine their skills. Without the presence of sharks, surfers can focus solely on the enjoyment of the sport. The lessons learned and the success of previous surf park ventures, such as the Melbourne surf park, ensure that the Perth Surf Park will offer an unparalleled experience for surf enthusiasts.
As the final detailed design stage is set to be completed in March, construction is expected to span 20-24 months. Andrew Ross remains confident that the project will meet its estimated completion time and is excited to introduce Perth to this exceptional surf park experience.
