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History

Sugarworld Water Park: Much-Loved Attraction for Cairns Locals & Tourists

A Cairns icon for more than 22 years, Sugarworld Water Park holds a special place in Cairns’ history, having entertained generations of children and young-at-heart adults. The Cairns Regional Council’s redevelopment of Sugarworld Water Park ensures this waterslide, pool and recreation facility has a firm place in Cairns’ future.

Sugarworld Pool & Waterslide Re-Development – MISSION COMPLETE!

After a two-year wait and a $5.5 million overhaul, Sugarworld Water Park re-opened its gates on 19 December 2011. Thousands of eager Cairns locals were on hand to test run the highly anticipated waterslides: Mat Racer Slide, Tandem Tube Raft Slide and Supajet Open Body Slide. KIPS, the new children’s aquatic playground due to open in February 2012, is one of the largest systems in Australia. Despite the major revamp, the entry costs for this Cairns pool and waterslide complex have remained affordable and family friendly.

Where’s Cyclone, Sugar Glider, Flying Fox & Banana Bender?

Cyclone, Sugar Glider, Flying Fox and Banana Bender, as the old slides were called, were saved thanks to the efforts of a local history teacher-turned-demolition contractor. The slides are now at Mr Anton’s depot in Machans Beach, Cairns.

Sugarworld Water Park’s Early Beginnings

Sugarworld Water Park, set on 17 acres of land amongst century-old trees, has enjoyed a few custodians over its life. Colonial Sugar Refineries (CSR) originally constructed Sugarworld Water Park at Hambledon Estate and officially opened it to the public on 09 September 1989. Then, in 1995, the Cairns City Council purchased the pool and waterslide complex. Today, a private lessee manages Sugarworld Water Park, while Hambledon Gardens and Swallow Park are maintained and run from the Flecker Botanic Gardens.

Sugarworld’s Swallow Park: Historical Site in Cairns’ Early Growth

Today, the Sugarworld Water Park is a fun pool and waterslide facility. Yesteryear, the Sugarworld site was the backdrop for historical Cairns figures and events. Swallow Park, which is contained within the Sugarworld complex, is named in memory of Thomas Swallow. In October 1881, Thomas Swallow selected the first blocks of sugar land under the terms of the Land Act of 1868. In 1888, at its height, the plantation comprised of 6,000 acres. Thomas Swallow died on 25 January 1890 and his estate was sold to R. A. Kingsford (the first Mayor of Cairns). Thomas Swallow became known as the “Father of the Cairns District” because of his important pioneering work.