Work starts on ‘kid-paradise’ at Discovery Parks - Goolwa

Media Release

Discovery Parks - Goolwa will soon be home to kid paradise with a new waterpark and swimming pool, as well as an outdoor cinema and coastal nature playground, with work beginning on Stage 1 of a $22 million investment designed to turbo charge family tourism.

The Goolwa development is part of the G’day Group’s $40 million vision to boost day trips in the Fleurieu region, with a range of family friendly activities including a golf tourism development at the McCracken Country Club.

Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes said the Goolwa development would be a major drawcard for families and provide valuable economic stimulus.

“G’day Group’s investment in Goolwa confirms the confidence levels we are currently experiencing, with 60 new accommodation cabins, 100 new and improved caravan and camping sites, improved amenity and the addition of a nature play area and water park.”

“This will further accommodate visitors and customers for our existing businesses ensuring creation of more local ongoing jobs, as well as tapping into the visiting friends and relatives market, a very important contributor to our local economy,” Mayor Parkes said.

The south coast investment is expected to create more than $12 million in economic benefit to the region in the first year and 118 jobs during construction and $17 million per year additional economic benefit and nearly 130 jobs ongoing.

Expected to be completed in time for summer 2021-22, the development will include a kid’s paradise with splash park, outdoor resort pool, indoor pool, nature play and access to a neighboring skate park, BMX track, new pump track and basketball stadium.

Patio sites with fire pits and barbecues will mean guests can toast marshmallows and there will be new accommodation with disability accessible facilities, as well as an alfresco camp kitchen.

The G’day Group’s General Manager of Investment, Amanda Baldwin, said the investment was a vote of confidence in South Australian regional tourism which had been booming following the COVID lockdowns of 2020.

“People are rediscovering regional tourism which is increasingly providing that touch of luxury and connection with nature they are looking for – we’re excited by the potential of regional tourism.”

“The approval process was very smooth, - the Alexandrina Council clearly demonstrated that the Alexandrina is open for business and investment in the region,” Amanda said.

The G’day Group acquired the Goolwa holiday park and the McCracken Country Club before Christmas last year, developing a master plan to boost tourism to the region and attract larger events.

Guests at Goolwa and McCracken will have reciprocal access to the waterparks at both properties free of charge and day passes will be available for locals when there is capacity.

The master plan is part of the G’day Group’s vision to diversify into golf courses, events and conferences to complement other its high-end offerings such as glamping and restaurants in some of Australia’s most spectacular locations.

The G’day Group is Australia’s largest regional accommodation network with nearly 300 properties in its Discovery and G’day Parks portfolio and is famous for reimagining camping.

For more information visit: www.gdaygroup.com.au

About G’day Group

Founded by Grant Wilckens in 2004 with three properties in WA, the G’Day Group is now Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider with around 300 properties across Australia.

G’day reached $1bn company status in 2020, and is home to three brands; Discovery Parks (owned and managed parks), G’day Parks (independently owned licensed parks) and G’day Rewards (membership program).

G’day is majority owned by Sunsuper. Founder and CEO Grant Wilckens is also the Chair of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and Board Director of the South Australian Tourism Commission.