The Gold Coast is set to have two major new tourist attractions – Australia’s largest zipline tour and a new surf park.
The Queenland Government has announced that it is backing both ventures through its Tourism Icon Investment Fund.
This includes a $4 million commitment to the Numinbah Escape Project which boasts “Australia’s largest zipline tour”.
The facility will also have mountain biking and bushwalking trails, abseiling, buggy tours and guided bush experiences, as well as a 34-site tourist park, 10 glamping tents, amenities and a permanent cafe.
A further $4 million contribution has been made towards the first stage of the Palm Valley Gold Coast project, backed by retired surfing world champion Mick Fanning.
The Government said in a statement that this project would deliver the Gold Coast’s first surf park, including a wave pool, a high-performance surf academy and an upgraded 18-hole golf course.
Future stages of the project would involve villas, hotel apartments and commercial buildings.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said for all Tourism Icon Investment projects the funding contributed by the government was, at a minimum, matched by the proponents.
“We are delivering on our long-term tourism vision, Destination 2045, by backing bold, world-class attractions that cement Queensland as the Home of the Holiday,” Minister Powell said.
“These projects will attract more visitors to Queensland and strengthen the Gold Coast as a must-visit destination.”
Project developer David Taylor said the Numinbah Escape project would establish a world-class nature-based adventure destination.
“This funding will help us to create a unique experience that showcases the natural beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland while boosting tourism and creating jobs,” Mr Taylor said.
“We are thankful to the Queensland Government for their support, which will help us put Numinbah Valley on the map as a premier adventure destination.”
Parkwood Village Managing Director Luke Altschwager said the Palm Valley Gold Coast project would transform Parkwood Golf Club into a premier resort destination, featuring an Endless Surf ES48 wave pool, hospitality, entertainment, event facilities, and upgraded golf facilities.
“The project will create jobs, support local businesses, and enhance the Gold Coast’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.”
Three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning said the funding showed the Queensland Government backed his vision for surf and the Gold Coast.
“Surf is at the heart of Palm Valley, with golf, hospitality and events built around it,” Mr Fanning said.
“It is going to be something the whole community can be proud of.”
