Inside state’s wild new resort plan

AUSTRALIA DAY BEACH BUMS
Aldinga’s vibrant surf community could soon be boosted with a wild new resort featuring a 7ft wave pool for surfers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

A constant seven-foot wave and competition level skatepark are in the works at a proposed multi-million dollar tourist resort south of Adelaide.

The Break project at Aldinga, 40 kilometres south of Adelaide, is a unique proposed development set to include an eclectic mix of accommodation, an artificial 2.1 metre surf wave, skatepark, outdoor bar and wellness studio.

A development application is with the City of Onkaparinga council, though the project will avoid wide scrutiny and public consultation because the land sits in tourism development-zoned land.

Up to 70 surfers at a time can be in the man-made body of water, awaiting a rolling breaker every 12 seconds.

These capital city man-made waves are gaining traction across the country; Urbnsurf Melbourne opened in January 2020 and another Urbnsurf opens in Sydney next month.

Social media commenters have suggested the project is better use of the undeveloped land than overcrowded housing developments.

Supplied Editorial Fwd: Aldinga Wave pool
A new proposal to the Onkaparinga council could see a tourist resort with a lagoon and wave pool that can support 70 surfers at one time built in Aldinga. Picture: City of Onkaparinga Council

“Fantastic! Hope it goes ahead!”, another commenter said.

“The sooner the better,” another concurred.

Boardriders of all persuasions can look to the southern Adelaide region with envy. Not far from the proposed artificial wave, the state government has granted $1.3 million for a beginner to competition level skatepark, at the Aldinga Sports Park.

That project is however open to community consultation, until April 15.