The Hunter Valley’s most prominent hotel and tourism investor, Dr Jerry Schwartz, is making an even greater play for the family market by launching a new heated water park onsite at the area’s leading resort, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, to ensure kids have as much fun as their parents.  

The Crowne Plaza resort is owned by Dr Jerry Schwartz and managed by IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest hotel groups.  

Now open to guests of the hotel, the new Water Splash Park was designed and built by White Water Australia and is over two storeys high, complete with an assortment of slides, flutes, showers, water cannons and jets designed to entertain the whole family. The “Happy Berry Bucket” is sure to be a highlight, releasing 1200 litres of water per 8 minutes.

The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley now offers the most comprehensive collection of kids facilities and activities in the region, with the waterpark adding to a mini-train, carousel, a converted tug boat, the Water Dragons kids club, pony rides and the new Hunter Valley Kids Cottage, designed specifically with children in mind.

Adults are also fully catered for at the Crowne Plaza the renowned Ubika Spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, resort pool, range of restaurants and an onsite brewery.

Dr Schwartz said that with enhanced facilities designed for families, the Hunter Valley was in a great position to attract a larger flow of family tourists over the next years.

“The Hunter Valley has perhaps been seen more as a destination for adults wanting to go to wineries, play golf or attend conferences and events, but we’ve transformed the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley into a resort for both discerning adults and children,” said Dr Schwartz.

“The missing ingredient in the resort’s inventory was a water park, and I’m pleased to say this has really added something substantial to the Hunter Valley’s tourism attractions.

“Importantly, the water is heated through our environmentally-friendly Cogen plant that also heats the resort’s main pool. The addition of heated water will make it attractive for families visiting during much of the year.”

James Corbett, Managing Director of White Water Australia said: “The design and colour theme of bold pink and purple puts a smile on the faces of everyone who sees it. The Hunter Valley can get very hot during much of the year, and this water park has been designed specifically for the location. It will provide hours of fun and healthy outdoor activity for children.”

Mark Winterton, Hotel General Manger, added: “This is a time when Australians are exploring their own backyard, so upgrading the hotel’s resort facilities is very well-timed by Dr Schwartz.

“The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is now a one stop destination for families, couples and groups of friends. Our resort offers 414 hotel rooms and villas, an 18 hole championship golf course, two swimming pools, one of which is exclusively for adults, the Ubika Day Spa, and a Kids Club featuring train rides, carousels, and now the fantastic Splash Park.  

“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr Schwartz as our partner as he constantly looks for ways to support and enhance the resort.   With this new addition I feel confident that the resort will make the Hunter Valley an even more attractive destination for families.”

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