Riding sizeable waterslides into a pool while overlooking one of the Coast’s most pristine waterways? Yes, please.
The completion of a multimillion-dollar revamp of one Caloundra’s longest-standing waterfront fixtures has “raised the bar” for tourism in the region, according to its co-owner.
The award-winning BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park has confirmed stage one of its makeover, which includes a new resort-style pool and waterslides for guests, is open for business.
It’s part of a bigger upgrade project that incorporates the renovation of its holiday cabins and stage two of the development.
BIG4 Caloundra is the amalgamation of the old Hibiscus and Tripcony caravan parks. It has been a popular camping spot since 1912.
The park was listed as a Queensland Government Heritage-Listed Site in 2010.
BIG4 Caloundra’s owner SEQ Properties has been custodian and operator of the park since 1992.
SEQ Properties CEO Angus Booker revealed the significant park upgrades to the pool and entertainment area included a larger lagoon-style pool and entertainment area, two new large waterslides, shaded zones, year-round heating and a 25m lap zone.
“The response has been amazing so far,” Mr Booker said.
“I posted a photo on Facebook, off the cuff, which got something like 400,000 views and 5000 comments, which was very exciting.
“We carefully researched and planned this project and it is already paying off.”
He said refurbishments to the first round of holiday cabins were also complete and visiting guests were over the moon.
“They are lush. The guests are so impressed by the new standard of the facility and the luxury of the cabins,” he said.
“All the cabins will be refurbished by October this year.”
Mr Booker said the upgrades and the calibre of the holiday park had boosted the tourism stakes for Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast.
“We’ve seen the popularity of holiday parks up and down the eastern seaboard going up and up, and the Sunshine Coast has missed a lot of that – with some closures in the mix too,” he said.
“This park’s redevelopment gives people who are drawn to a modern holiday park an opportunity to actually holiday seaside with incredible facilities.
“Forward bookings are incredible – you can’t book weekends now until after Easter, but there are still vacancies for some mid-week bookings.”
It’s not the park’s first makeover — in 2011 it undertook a major redevelopment into its current format, including new amenities, office and administration space plus communal facilities.
SEQ Properties would be revealing more about stage two of the project as soon as possible.
“Stage two will be slightly more expensive, I can say that much,” Mr Booker said.
“It’s a little way off yet. There is still a lot of planning work to go on and approvals to go ahead.
“We are still currently focused on enhancing the guest experience and access to the Pumicestone Passage.
“An immediate project we are working on now is a big shade structure for people to be protected from the sun around the pool area.”
Related story: Heritage-listed resort’s multimillion-dollar refurb
While the timeframe for the renovations blew out by two weeks, he said the transformation of the park was “mind blowing”.
“It has taken it to a whole new level and it does the magical location justice … it just sets it off and showcases our idyllic Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“We are thrilled. What started as a vision and a dream has come to reality and we pinch ourselves every time we spend time around the pool now.”
Increasing staff and hiring four pool attendants are the next steps for the BIG4 Caloundra team.
“We didn’t think we would need pool attendants, but we do,” he said.
“We need some fun and energetic staff to help us run the facility smoothly so the guests have maximum enjoyment. The roles are suited for young lifeguards looking for weekend work or people at high school.”
To apply, send your resume to vanessa@big4caloundra.com.au.
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