The Endless Surf wave pool planned for a site adjacent Port Douglas in northern Queensland Australia was approved by the local council this week.

A 294-page officer’s report addressed initial concerns about sewage and water use as well as use of agricultural land. The Douglas Shire Council granted the development permit for the 100-acre eco-resort with SUP lagoons, an aqua park, wellness center, surf cabins and a 160-room hotel.

“I do believe that this is a catalytic project for the region which will assist in ensuring our long term future … and ensure its ongoing sustainability,” said Mayor Michael Kerr. “It will be a wonderful asset for tourism and the region.”

At the center of the development will be an Endless Surf ES4800 wave pool measuring 280 meters (925.2ft) by 85 meters and offering 26-second rides.

The $300million NorthBreak Port Douglass project is designed to strengthen year-round visitor appeal in the region while maintaining ecological sensitivity. Local firm Hunt Design has created what they are calling an environmentally and economically supportive development. The resort, by David Imgraben and Gary Hunt, plans to break ground 10kms outside Port Douglas.

Port Douglas sits on the Coral Sea in the tropical far north of Australia. Its beach resorts and access to the Great Barrier Reef attract tourists from all over the globe.

According to developers, the 100-acre property will maintain 40% vegetation coverage of the site, with buildings designed in a light modern aesthetic which Hunt Design describes as ‘an evolution of the tropical vernacular style’. The accommodation is designed for what they call “the barefoot beach vibe” with shaded timber deck verandahs protecting guests from sun or rain – all designed to make the most of the natural aesthetic of the 3.5-acre Endless Surf wave pool at the heart of the resort.

The development anticipates attracting more than 120,000 visitors each year and supporting 1,274 full-time jobs. NorthBreak is anticipated to pump $79.2-million of direct expenditure into the region according to news sources at TropicNow.

NorthBreak says the resort will be 100% self-sustainable by using solar and other green energy sources and fed with captured and cleansed stormwater, and because they are using Endless Surf as their wave pool technology.

“This resort epitomizes the future of sustainable surf parks,” said Paul Chutter President of Endless Surf “It’s a carefully considered development that understands how to enhance both the community and elevate guest experience. It has been a pleasure to support David and the NorthBreak team because we share the same passion to create sensitive surf developments which are a net benefit for everyone.”

The Lowdown: New Endless Surf wave pool planned for eco-resort 10 kilometres from Port Douglass in the Northern Territory of Queensland received approval in March 2022. The 100-acre property will be an eco-resort with SUP lagoons, an aqua park, wellness center, conference center as well as surf cabins and a 160-room high-tech hotel. At the center will be an Endless Surf ES4800 wave pool measuring 280 meters (925.2ft) by 85 meters and offering 26-second rides.

WavePool Construction Progress: Planning stages.

Wave Generating Technology: Endless Surf.

Wave Generating Technology: Endless Surf which is scalable in size from ES1800 to ES4800, dependent on the number of pneumatic wave generation chambers. An ES 1800 has 18 chambers for example. The biggest, the ES 48 can go up to 280 meters (925.2ft).

Pool Structure: ENDLESS SURF ES4800 by WhiteWater West.

Wave’s Technical Information: Wave height: 2-3 ft on average but able to go up to 7 feet as both lefts and rights. Length of Wave: 30-60 yards/meters on average but up to 300 meters. Endless Surf uses pneumatics to push out water in sequence to produce a variety of wave types. Their Swell Studio program allows many different types of waves to be run during the same session. The heart-shaped wave pool produces 180-300 waves per hour without set lulls.

Hours of operation/Seasonal Hours: Expect year round surf in a tropical setting.

Waves per hour: 180-300.

Atmosphere: Eco resort family adventure.

Apparel: Boardshorts and bikinis.