A new trend appears to be emerging among property developers all over the world - beachfront-style properties in inland areas.
Artificial crystal-clear lagoons make it possible to build tropical properties almost anywhere, Domain reports.
Dubbed Crystal Lagoons, the idea behind the project is to enable the creation of an expansive artificial waterfront development on unused land.
After it has been treated, the artificial lagoon itself only needs to be filled with water once - and then patented technology ensures the water is kept clean and crystal clear indefinitely, offering the feel of a tropical beach.
Chilean real estate developer and biochemist Fernando Fischmann founded the company after his own attempt at such a development was unsuccessful over ten years ago.
German Rocca, Asia-Pacific director of Crystal Lagoons, said: "The concept was based on an idyllic beach. When you go to Fiji or the Caribbean, you have this colour in your mind."
Over 400 of these artificial lagoons are in different stages of development all over the world, including the 12.5-hectare lagoon in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This holds the current Guinness World Record for the largest man-made body of water.
Construction is due to commence on Australia's first Crystal Lagoon in Cairns, Queensland next year. This is one of around 40 Australian projects in Crystal Lagoons' pipeline.
Robert Wallace, director of the Botanica Property Group, which is integrating an artificial lagoon as part of a $200 million residential project in Cairns, said the move made sense to the developers.
"Being able to swim year round in clear, clean water in Far North Queensland will be a huge drawcard," he remarked.
Developers in Sydney are also reportedly interested in the possibilities offered by the technology.