HUNTER VALLEY RESORT HOTS UP

A new heated waterpark has opened at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley in NSW. Designed and built by White Water Australia, the Water Splash Park is over two storeys high and has an assortment of slides, flutes, showers, water cannons and jets. The Happy Berry Bucket is sure to be a highlight, releasing 1200 litres of water every eight minutes. The resort now offers the most comprehensive collection of kids' facilities and activities in the region, with a mini-train, carousel, a converted tug boat, the Water Dragons kids' club, pony rides and the new Hunter Valley Kids Cottage. Adults are also fully catered for with the Ubika Spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, an adult pool, range of restaurants and an onsite brewery. The resort's owner, Dr Jerry Schwartz, said the Hunter Valley was in a great position to attract a larger flow of family tourists over coming years. “The Hunter Valley has perhaps been seen more as a destination for adults wanting to go to wineries, play golf or attend conferences and events, but we've transformed the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley into a resort for both discerning adults and children,” he said. “The missing ingredient in the resort's inventory was a waterpark, and I'm pleased to say this has really added something substantial to the Hunter Valley's tourism attractions. Importantly, the water is heated through our environmentally friendly Cogen plant that also heats the resort's main pool. The addition of heated water will make it attractive for families visiting during much of the year.” crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au