By Sonia Isaacs
A LONG-awaited tourism project for the Glass House Mountains is set to move into construction, with work on a $55 million surf park expected to begin later this year.
The development, known as Surf Farm, will be built on Johnston Road near the Bruce Highway and is being promoted as a major new drawcard for the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Tourism Minister and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the project would deliver a significant boost to the region, helping shift it from a pass-through destination to a place where visitors stay longer.
“This world-class facility would attract visitors year-round, encouraging longer stays that support local accommodation, cafés, retailers and jobs,” Mr Powell said.
“Projects like this deliver a lasting legacy, sharing tourism and economic benefits with regional communities like Glass House.”
Sunshine Coast tourism leaders also backed the project, pointing to its potential to grow visitor numbers and spending across the region.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the development would add to an already strong tourism market and help attract new visitors.
“The Sunshine Coast is a world-class destination, attracting more than 4.3 million overnight visitors and close to 7 million day-trippers each year,” he said.
“There’s huge opportunity to attract more visitors and drive more spend by introducing new, high-quality attractions like this.”
The site, formerly a pineapple farm, spans 10 hectares with direct northbound access from the Bruce Highway, a location expected to appeal to both day visitors and overnight guests.
After several years of planning, approvals and revised proposals, the project is now moving through detailed design and pre-construction, with major earthworks scheduled for early 2027 and completion targeted for 2028.
Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said the progress marked an important milestone for the local community.
“I’m just excited to see how it’s finally coming to fruition,” Cr Broderick said.
“This is a great outcome for our local communities and for everyone who lives along this corridor.
The development was first lodged with Sunshine Coast Council in 2020 and has since been approved, with a minor amendment still required to reflect updated design elements.
At the centre of the development will be a large surf lagoon designed to cater to all skill levels, supported by hospitality and visitor facilities aimed at both day-trippers and overnight guests.
Former world champion Joel Parkinson, who is supporting the project, said it would offer a unique experience for both surfers and families.
“This is about building something truly special,” he said.
“It’s a place where beginners, families and elite surfers can all share the same environment.”
Tourism leaders say developments of this scale have the potential to stimulate new demand from interstate and international markets, while delivering flow-on benefits to accommodation providers, hospitality operators and local businesses across the region.
The project is also expected to support job creation and strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s position as a competitive tourism destination.
The Surf Farm is expected to complement other major attractions planned for the southern Sunshine Coast.
That includes the recently approved water park at Aussie World, creating a cluster of experiences designed to encourage longer stays and increased visitor spending in the