Time travel takes a local hinterland twist with new heritage trail
THE Sunshine Coast’s historic town of Landsborough has stepped into the past with the launch of a new self-guided heritage trail, designed to bring its colourful past to life through storytelling, art and digital experiences.
Sunshine Coast Council this week unveiled the Landsborough Heritage Walk, the centrepiece of the recently revitalised Cribb Street, which was delivered last year in partnership with the local community.
The project honours Landsborough’s layered history – from its significance as a First Nations meeting place, to its role in establishing local government on the Sunshine Coast, and its evolution as a timber town.
Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said the heritage walk provided a meaningful way for locals and visitors alike to connect with the past.
“It’s more than just a walk – it’s a way to hear the stories that shaped this town,” Cr Broderick said. “Visitors can scan QR codes along the trail to unlock audio stories and reflections, from traditional cultural practices to tales of the Landsborough Pub being rolled into place by bullock wagon. It’s a tribute to the people who shaped this town and a gift to future generations.”
The walk includes interpretive signage, street furniture and custom art elements, with each detail designed to reflect the area’s heritage. Locals have also shared personal recollections, which can be discovered at different points along the route.
For Landsborough resident Diana Michael, who worked on the project with council and the Landsborough Museum, the heritage walk is the realisation of a vision that began several years ago.
“We can learn so much through knowing the history of a place and by listening to people’s stories,” Ms Michael said. “This deepens our connection to place and gives visitors a reason to come, see and learn. Landsborough is the Sunshine Coast’s historic town and that’s why I became involved in the 2019 Landsborough Placemaking, working on the Cribb Street Heritage Walk and interviewing long-term locals for the Stories of Landsborough. I gained so much personal insight, appreciation and enjoyment from the experience and I’m so happy to see this all come to fruition.”
Cr Broderick said projects such as the heritage walk played an important role in preserving stories that might otherwise be lost.
“As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, initiatives like the Cribb Street streetscape and Landsborough Heritage Walk ensure the stories of our smaller towns are preserved and celebrated,” she said.
The Landsborough Heritage Walk is free, open now, and links to further exhibits at the Landsborough Museum. For more information visit Council’s Landsborough’s Heritage Walk website.