A game-changing development is set to transform Townsville into a major tourism hub. The proposed $550 million Townsville Waterpark, Beach Club, and Hotel project will not only enhance the city's appeal but also strengthen its position as a tourism and investment hotspot.

The project is planned for a 15-hectare site at the intersection of Bruce and Flinders Highways, directly opposite Fairfield Central Shopping Centre, and in close proximity to the Murray Sporting Complex and  the entertainment precinct.

Burgess Rawson Townsville Partner, Neville Smith, said the project will significantly elevate the city’s  already booming popularity and further position it as a major attraction in Far North Queensland. “Large-scale developments like this not only attract more visitors but also create a ripple effect across  various sectors, from retail to hospitality.

“This will have a positive impact on the region but also the surrounding commercial property and investment because it encourages a flow of new businesses and services into the area. Increased foot  traffic from both tourists and locals will drive demand for additional amenities, commercial tenancies, and accommodation, which, in turn, strengthens investor confidence. 

”Townsville is continuing its progression as a key destination in the region, and projects like this only  reinforce its upward trajectory,” Mr Smith said.

He further stated that the waterpark's presence would solidify Townsville’s status as a long-term growth market, spurring new investment opportunities in commercial properties and enhancing the overall  economic landscape of the city and surrounding areas.

Developer Shaun McCarthy is lodging plans for the waterpark, which will feature a 3,000-person  capacity park inspired by Wet 'n' Wild on the Gold Coast, as well as a 10,000-square-metre Beach Club  that will rival top venues like Finns in Bali and O Beach Ibiza, with a capacity of 5,000 guests.

The development will also include a 15-storey, 200-key hotel with conference and event spaces for up  to 600 people in a banquet-style setting. Additionally, it will feature a quick-service restaurant, drive-thru  tenancies, 400 residential apartments, a tavern, and undercover parking.

Over the past decade, McCarthy has opened 56 restaurants in Queensland and 26 in Ireland.

National visitor statistics show that overnight visitor expenditure in Townsville North Queensland for the year ending June 2024 surged by 10.3% to $1.2 billion. This growth was driven by 1.3 million overnight  visitors—an increase of 22.7%—and 4.5 million visitor nights, up 7.9%.

The waterpark project is poised to build on this momentum and become a landmark development for the region.

Related Readings

Sunshine Coast 25 ha site approved for 234 resort villas-tourism ventures for sale - Knight Frank

Discovery Parks Launches "Do It All" Campaign