South Australia’s favourite holiday, sport, and adventure destination, West Beach Parks, is investing a record $7.5 million this year to enhance the visitor experience by building new holiday accommodations, a state-of-the-art inclusive play space, and upgrades to facilities.
The most significant investment is going into The Retreat at West Beach Parks with the construction of 15 new environmentally sustainable, modern two-bedroom holiday shacks. This project aims to meet the increased demand for high-quality beachside holiday accommodation close to Adelaide, whether they are locals enjoying a ‘staycation’ or visitors from the regions, interstate or overseas. West Beach Parks has partnered with local builder Centina on this $4 million project.
In the heart of the BIG4 Holiday Park, a major development, Central Park, is underway to create an inclusive and dynamic adventure play space for BIG4 guests that will include a flying fox, climbing and slide equipment, and accessible play equipment.
Both The Retreat’s new holiday shacks and the BIG4 Holiday Park’s play space will be ready for summer 2023.
West Beach Parks’ CEO, Kate Anderson, said last summer, the precinct posted record accommodation numbers and this year’s $7.5 million investment aims to attract new visitors.
“We are excited to deliver by the end of the year on key investment projects to cater to the growing domestic tourism market,” said Ms Anderson.
“Staycations are continuing to prove to be an affordable and preferred holiday option for many South Australians and the diverse offerings we provide both at The Retreat and at the BIG4 Holiday Park, present attractive holiday options for every holidaymaker.
“Our scenic coastal location near the city adds to the allure for visitors, additionally Adelaide is fast becoming a nationally preferred holiday destination with an enviable events program that so far this year included the AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf. Future events will continue to lure new and returning visitors to the city and West Beach Parks with the upcoming Australian Masters Games and returning events such as VAILO Adelaide 500.
“We are also allocating resources to our environmental sustainability plan as we take very seriously our role as custodians of the West Beach Recreation Reserve responsible for managing an area with significant natural assets including the coastal park, the boat ramp, the Patawalonga Creek line, and leisure and sporting facilities for today and for future generations.
“This year demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in West Beach Parks for future generations,” said Ms Anderson.
West Beach Parks’ capital investment will no doubt contribute towards the state’s growing tourism industry which contributed $8.3 billion to the South Australian economy in 2022, surpassing post-COVID projections.
Visitors to the precinct this Summer can expect to see many upgrades including the renovation of the reception building at the BIG4 Holiday Park, a new entry feature installed at the Barratt reserves, and enhanced landscaping throughout the destination. Meanwhile, West Beach Parks Golf unveiled its latest investment last month, the sport’s best virtual golf software, the Trackman Range, at its driving range bays.
