Push for greater stays

More accommodation in lower hinterland needed to cater for tourists

By Kirra Livingstone

THE hinterland is set to see an increase in the number and quality of accommodation options on the hinterland in the coming years ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Visit Sunshine Coast and Division 1 Councillor, Jenny Broderick, both acknowledged there was a significant need for more accommodation venues to cater to the growing tourism market.
It comes after a search of available travel options for a family of four over a three night long weekend in late February showed a significant gap in the market.
While three options would cost a family under $500 for three nights, that quickly escalates up to $4400 for those that can afford to stay at Australia Zoo’s Crocodile Hunter Lodge.
Visitors can enjoy a two bedroom suite at the Glasshouse Mountains Eco Lodge for $440, a two bedroom cabin and Landsborough Ingenia Holidays for $478 or a family room at the Beerwah Motor Lodge for $490.
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s new two-storey, two-bedroom Crocodile Cabins cost $4398 for three nights or another option includes a two-bedroom Black Cockatoo cabin for $2198.
Also across the region is the luxury Glass on Glasshouse at $650 per night on Friday and Saturday or Seven Peaks Farmstay from about $400 a night on weekends.
Division 1 councillor, Jenny Broderick, said although there was a number of amazing B&Bs in the lower hinterland, there was a need for more accommodation.
“Let’s not forget our lovely B&Bs available, but I completely agree with the lack of appropriate accommodation within our area,” she said.
“I agree we need additional camping and caravan/RV facilities but it would be great to see outside investment also.”
There are a number of active development applications for accommodation sites in the lower hinterland, which Cr Broderick said may help provide additional options.
“It would be great to see more options for short term accommodation,” Cr Broderick said.
However one potential development – at Roberts Rd, Glass House Mountains – has attracted some community concern.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said more needed to be done to increase accommodation options on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s been long recognised that the Sunshine Coast needs more accommodation to support its growing tourism industry,” he said.
“This is outlined in independent reports which show the priority requirement is for internationally-branded 4 to 5-star hotels with full services within the region.”
Mr Stoeckel added there are many established accommodation sites available in the area.
“Accommodation development within the Hinterland looks quite different, and over the last few years there has been a steady increase in the development of high-quality boutique stays such as Crocodile Hunter Lodge at Beerwah,” he said.
“There has also been an increase and expansion of farm stay properties and bed and breakfast accommodation.
“These have proven to be very popular with visitors.”
Mr Stoeckel predicted that there will be an uptake of interest in upgrading existing accommodation.
“It’s likely we will see further interest from hotel developments for new small-scale boutique accommodation within the Hinterland as well as the upgrade of existing hotel and motel accommodation, as occurred with Maleny Lodge,” he said.
kirra@gcnews.com.au