The Reefsedge Waterpark and Tourist Park at Kewarra Beach is set to open by mid-2026. Cairns Regional Council recently granted the planning permit necessary for the AU$210 million project to proceed. The development will transform the former Paradise Palms site into a tourist destination designed to attract both locals and visitors to the Northern Beaches area.
Spanning two hectares, the Reefsedge Waterpark will feature a variety of attractions, including a three-level slide tower complex with tube and body slides, an aqua tower, and the standout King Cobra water slide.
Families will also enjoy the dedicated children’s water play area, which includes five small slides, a wave pool, and a lagoon-style swimming pool. The tourist park will add 427 cabins and 53 caravan and camping sites, creating a family-friendly environment for on-site guests.
According to an article published by Cairns Local News, Developer Darren Halpin expressed excitement about reaching this milestone in the project’s journey, noting the significance of the development for Cairns residents.
“Reefsedge Waterpark and Tourist Park is something the people of Cairns have been wanting, and we are now able to deliver it for them,” Halpin said.
Halpin also highlighted the community’s desire to see the former Paradise Palms site revitalized, after the closure of its golf course. “We made a commitment to the community that we’d create something really special… and we’re now delivering on that promise,” he added. The project, once operational, is expected to bring in significant tourism traffic, with an estimated 379,000 visitors annually.
The construction phase will generate approximately 250 full- and part-time jobs, with an additional 400 jobs created once the park opens to the public. The water park will accommodate both tourist park guests and day visitors, with a maximum daily capacity of 2,000 patrons.
A council report also confirmed that the tourist park will be developed in stages, with the water park being fully constructed as part of the first phase.
Councilor Rhonda Coghlan voiced her support for the development, describing it as an important addition to the Northern Beaches, particularly for young families. “It will also bring more tourists to town,” she said.