South Australia’s picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula will soon be home to a world-class surf park and tourism destination, with plans for ‘The Break Surf & Stay’ unveiled after the project officially secured planning consent from the City of Onkaparinga Council Assessment Panel.
The $100 million precinct will be located on 7.1ha at Tuit Road, Aldinga – set back from the coast on vacant land zoned for tourism development, just 40 minutes from Adelaide. With an expansive surf lagoon and beach, native vegetation, accommodation, wellness and dining precinct and coastal inspired community facilities by award-winning local architects Studio Gram, the precinct promises an authentic ‘barefoot luxury’ experience.
The Break has partnered with Endless Surf to deliver the lagoon’s wave technology, making South Australia one of the first locations in the world to use its cutting-edge pneumatic system. Similar to swell in the ocean, Endless Surf waves are made using air and pressure within pneumatic chambers, allowing for flexibility of waves for all kinds of surfers. Founding Partner Ben McCarthy explains the choice in using Endless Surf tech, saying:
We’re bringing Endless Surf to South Australia because it quite simply represents the best and most flexible in surf park technology. The customizable nature of pneumatic waves means we will be able to cater to everyone, from kids learning to surf through to professionals competing at an international level – often at the same time. Our vision is to see The Break become a destination for families and surf lovers from around the country and the world, while also using the facilities to teach every South Australian kid to surf in safe, inclusive, controlled conditions.”
Highlights of this South Australia Surf Park include:
- Endless Surf’s ES36 lagoon totaling 11,700 sqm with beachside amenities
- Cutting edge pneumatic wave generating technology creating high quality surf up to 2.1m high for rides of up to 18 seconds (single peak) or 9 seconds (split peak) – The Break intends to be the first in the Southern Hemisphere to employ this next-gen technology
- State-of-the-art water treatment plant with water renewably sourced from managed aquifer recharge
- Surf academy offering a range of surf-fit programs tailored for all abilities
- 35 short stay villas, nestled into the local landscape
- Publicly accessible beachside amenities including craft brewhouse and licensed restaurant, plus nature play and skating areas
- Wellness studio and event space
- Retail and rental store for boards, wetsuits and more
- Extensive native landscaping, with 300 new trees planted (including native and drought tolerant) and existing vegetation on peripherals maintained.
Additionally, The Break will serve as an ideal venue for a wide range of local, state, national, and international surfing competitions and events while providing South Australians with consistent access to world class waves, wellness and resort facilities at their doorstep.
It is anticipated that the project will support 300 jobs through construction, with 60 FTE opportunities on completion. An estimated 320,000 visitors will be attracted to The Break annually, enhancing the region’s already thriving tourism economy.
The project is committed to fostering healthy, active communities through its onsite surf academy and facilitating surfing participation and growth in South Australia, particularly among children and disadvantaged groups. The Break’s active tourism offering extends well beyond the surf lagoon, with visitors encouraged to take advantage of children’s nature play areas and skate-able landscaping, as well as explore nearby coastal walks, cycling trails and beaches.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison notes how this impressive project will benefit the region:
There’s no doubt that the Fleurieu and McLaren Vale are already world-renowned destinations, and The Break will add another layer of wellness and surf-inspired tourism for the region while also driving economic and social outcomes for the local community. I commend the team for their bold vision and investment in the South Australian tourism landscape and look forward to seeing these beautiful plans shape into reality.”
Project founding partners Ben McCarthy, Richard Sheppard, Leigh Gapp and Dwight Stuchbery are surfing enthusiasts with expertise across property finance and development, engineering, sustainability and surf park technology. Ben’s work as the founding Group Development Manager of URBNSURF – operators of Australia’s first commercial surf park in Melbourne with a second in Sydney soon to be opened – has informed the team’s approach to surf park delivery and operation. Leading advisory firm FinCap is also on board to drive further investment in the privately funded project.
Construction for the South Australia surf park is set to commence in early 2025 with first waves penciled for mid-2026.
For more information about The Break, visit thebreak.com.au
