The Gold Coast's first surf park will be a reality in 2023.
The Gold Coast's first surf park will be a reality in 2023.
You may remember we reported a little while back on the development of something incredibly audacious and never seen before on the Gold Coast by Parkwood Village. The plans were set in motion for an ultra-modern, multi-million dollar surf pool and golf precinct. We’re talking about the kind of place that would produce some severe FOMO and envy from our southern neighbours (if they didn’t feel this way already!?)
So, things have progressed. Parkwood Village is excited to announce the a change of lodgement will see Parkwood become a significant tourism destination, with a first-class 18-hole golf course, as well as the Gold Coast’s first surf park, the ‘Endless Surf Wave Lagoon’.
Meaning when the waves aren’t firing down the beach, they sure will be here!
Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager said the team has spent the past six months engaging the local community and council representatives to reconfigure the current approval to accommodate the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon and upgrades to the golf course.
“The objective is that by 2023, Parkwood Village will be an exciting sports and family venue that not only adds value to the Gold Coast’s tourism industry, as well as a fun family destination for locals, but also has the facilities to create an elite training environment for athletes across various disciplines,” Mr Altschwager said.
Endless Surf will be manufactured by WhiteWorld, a famous Canadian-based wave pool and water park attraction developer. The proposed surf park will be the very first of its kind in Australia. Catering to all levels of surfer, from beginner to professional, everyone will have a chance to experience this unique attraction.
Waves will be produced every 8 seconds, with around 70 people an hour able to enjoy over a dozen waves each.
“The Endless Surf technology is at the forefront of wave pool technologies. The variety and quality of waves are going to truly revolutionise the sport,” Mr Altschwager said.
But this isn’t all. The proposed resort will also have a range of mixed-use facilities, including a hotel with private residences, offices, health, recreation precinct, and a collective food and beverage experience that comprises an extensive casual dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the wave pool.
How about the chance to sip a cocktail right in front of the surfing action? We can’t think of anywhere else where you can delight yourself in an Espresso Martini whilst people tear apart waves right before your eyes!
The collective hub will incorporate not only food and beverage outlets but also a craft brewery, market-style kitchens, cafés, a bakery and various restaurants – most likely alfresco style ‑ options. Along with these there will also be an event and festival hall, sports bar, gaming lounge, bowling alley and a kids adventure playground. How does that all sound?!
The Club at Parkwood Village is already a well-established leisure destination located in the center of the Gold Coast — and only 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise. Yet, once this work comes to completion, the outlook for Parkwood in 2023 is already looking mighty fine.
When: 2023 is the proposed completion date.
Where: 76-122 Napper Road, Parkwood
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
What better way is there to be outside amongst nature and tranquillity than a friendly game of golf? As one of the world’s most popular sports with an estimated participation of over 60 million people, it’s safe to say a decent percentage of Australian’s also love to get out there and score themselves some birdies — or at least try!
Did you know that the Gold Coast has the greatest number of golf courses per capita in the entire country? Add to this fact we have fantastic weather and incredible scenery, and you might think it’s high time to dust off those clubs or get out there and give it a go.
Here’s a list of seven spectacular Gold Coast golf courses, so you can block out a day and hit the fairway — hopefully not the rough, though.
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club
Simply stunning – the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club have a public course with 18 perfectly manicured holes in a sleek country club setting right on the water. If you manage to dodge the many lush pine trees and navigate the abundant lakes, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy yourself out there on one of the Gold Coast’s finest golf courses.
Where: The Parkway, Hope Island
Links Hope Island
Another course with the most stunning backdrops, The Links can be found on the northern end of the Gold Coast. Set within a 360-ha residential resort community, it’s a world-renowned golf course with characteristics of old-school Scottish courses. Challenging to say the least. We highly recommend getting involved in twilight golf because sunsets over the water here are absolutely next level.
Where: Hope Island Road, Hope Island
Parkwood Golf Club
Do you have varying skills levels in your golf group? Don’t worry. Hop in a golf cart and let this flowing and beautifully put-together course challenge all ability levels and keep even the most advanced players interested. And once you’re done, head to their bar and bistro to add up your scorecards.
Where: 76-122 Napper Road, Parkwood
Emerald Lakes Golf Club
Found in the heart of the Gold Coast, Emerald Lakes is much-loved for it’s state-of-the-art golf course and beautiful restaurant overlooking said state-of-the-art golf course. The 18-hole course boasts pristine lakes and a championship-style setup (which may just make you seem better than you thought you were).
Where: Alabaster Drive, Carrara
RACV Royal Pines Resort Golf Course
RACV Royal Pines Resort is home to 27 holes of utter golfing Nirvana. The course presents a chance to play the same holes which made up the highly prized Australian PGA Championship for seven years between 2012 and 2019. The last man to win here was golfing luminaire Adam Scott, and he’ll no doubt agree this course is the epitome of high risk, high reward style of golf. Immaculately presented and in great condition no matter what time of year it is!
Where: Ross Street, Benowa
Tallai Golf Club
Tallai Country Golf Club borders the majestic hinterland and offers unmatched views threatening to hamper your game! Keep your focus, though, and this delightful little 9-hole course proves to be reasonably challenging but also friendly — a great place for regular no-stress hits and a more relaxed stride for those not in a hurry.
Where: Worongary Rd & The Panorama, Tallai
Top Golf
Whilst it isn’t a golf course so to speak, you can certainly swing a club here, even if golf isn’t your thing Top Golf is the destination to enjoy some fun times with friends whilst having a bit of fun and competition. The perfect place for events and parties with great food and drink options, you’ll never look at golf the same way again!
Where: Corner of Roadshow Way and Entertainment Drive, Oxenford
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
We are all quite familiar with the fact we live on a coastline fairly famous for its surf. So famous in fact, part of it is named one of only nine world surfing reserves. There’s also the part where it breeds world champions like no one’s business.
What happens though when the winds turn onshore, or (God forbid) we have ourselves a flat spell? Doesn’t bear thinking about, does it?
There’s been talk about a surf wave pool coming to the Gold Coast for a few years now and while it seems like an inevitability at some point in the near future, we can excitedly say that the ‘Endless Surf Wave Lagoon’ — part of a proposed world-class integrated golf and surf resort at Parkwood Village — is about to quell all the waiting and could very much be a reality sooner rather than later.
The proposed plans will complement the Community HUB & High-Performance Centre at Parkwood Village, with the addition of a beach-like lagoon offering quality waves to suit all abilities, from beginner to professional, come rain or shine, 365 days a year!
Endless Surf will be manufactured by WhiteWater West, a world-renowned Canadian-based wave pool and water park developer. WhiteWater West have their sights firmly set on being a global leader in this industry by announcing surf park projects in Paris, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam and more.
Offering safe, predictable, and quality waves up to an impressive 2.4 metres in size in a completely controlled environment, the Endless Surf Pool is set to encompass a natural shape that provides a large ‘beachfront’ for that genuine surf feel. The pool will be complemented by the existing golf course, approved future resort hotel, and some great food and beverage facilities.
The Club at Parkwood Village is a fairly well-established leisure destination located in the centre of the Gold Coast, and only 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise, it’s easy for everyone to get to.
Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager said they will spend the next few months working with the community and local council reconfiguring the current approval to accommodate the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon and upgrades to the golf course.
“There is nothing more quintessentially Australian than surfing. We want to make sure Parkwood becomes the heart of sport here on the Gold Coast,” Altschwager said.
“Couple this with a multi-million dollar make-over to the 18-hole golf course and a beautiful family resort, it will be a game-changer!
“The hope is that by 2023, Parkwood Village will be an exciting sports and family venue, which will be renowned across Australia, and training the next generation of world golf, rugby league and surfing champions.”
Lookout Gold Coast, looks like surfing could soon be done both at our beautiful beaches and in-land!
Words by Alex Mitcheson
Sometimes casually hanging out with your friend, loved one or even crew is just a bit lacklustre. You yearn to mix things up a bit and to partake in an activity that doesn’t require too much effort but can have maximum fun as the result. Something where there is a competitive streak, and if you win, you will be sure never to let your opponent/s ever forget.
This — by definition — is mini-golf.
In honour of that, and because it’s fun to write about games, we’ve rounded up four of the most fun mini-golf courses on the Gold Coast, so you can plan your weekend activities and prepare to laugh at one another
Holey Moley
Drinks and mini-golf seem like a double good time to us — and the folks at Holey Moley wholly agree! The venue has produced the goods with sweet holes and a bar that’ll serve you cocktails all night long. The ‘727 Evergreen Terrace’ hole is a favourite, complete with real-life Simpson’s couch, perfect for a rest between putts or some sweet Insta content. There are two escape rooms, so if you get sick of losing, you can “duck off to the bathroom” and aptly never return. Open 10am to 12am daily.
Where: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Boulders and Badlands
First of all, Boulders and Badlands is probably the most fantastic name for a mini-golf course we’ve ever heard. It’s a fun-filled outdoor, 18-hole course and the biggest on the Coast. Complete with rocky terrain, streams, water traps and a swinging pole (wait and see). Even if you consider yourself somewhat of a mini-golf connoisseur, your skills (and your patience, let’s be honest) will be tested here. Open from 9am to 9pm daily.
Where: 76 – 122 Napper Road, Parkwood
Surfers Paradise Mini Golf
When you’re over the beach and you’ve had your dose of theme parks, then a little slice of mini-golf right in the centre of Surfers Paradise might be in order. This Wild West-themed attraction has 18 exciting and different holes to keep you busy and is perfect for the very young ones as they don’t have restrictions on age or group numbers —so why not bring everyone, grandma included! Open Mon–Fri 2pm – 10pm and Sat-Sun 10am – 10pm. Get Adults at kids prices here!
Where: 6 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Putt Putt Mermaid Beach
Another local icon, Putt Putt Mermaid Beach offers a world of fun with three 18-hole courses, a games arcade and a BBQ area for when you’ve putted your little heart out. Take a walk on the wild side in the tropical Jungle Trail, get amongst colourful characters and tricky motorised obstacles on Fun Run or escape to a tropical oasis playing Waterways. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could give all three a crack. Don’t forget it’s now licensed, so grab a boozy slushie too! Open from 9am until 10pm daily. Download an exclusive coupon here!
Where: 2492 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
