As the demand for rural campsites and accommodation grows, so too does the number of farms and stations seeking to tap into the booming tourism market.
The Sunshine Coast’s historic Yandina Station, for example, has recently lodged an application to create a tourist park at the 88-hectare site, which would offer 74 caravan sites and 13 new tourist cabins, as well as a host of facilities including a community centre, amenities and laundry.
While the site is active as a cattle station, it already operates as a venue for functions like weddings, with some established short-term accommodation in place.
The application for the expansion at the property at 684 North Arm Yandina Creek Road, Yandina Creek, has been lodged with the Sunshine Coast Council, and must now undergo impact assessment and public notification.
The proposed development would offer a range of facilities and accommodation options. Drawings: Blackburne Jackson Architecture
Council documents say that all essential services are provided on-site, and the low-rise, rural character of buildings align with the applicable design principles.
“The site is situated within close proximity to major tourist destinations across the Sunshine Coast hinterland, including Eumundi, Yandina, and Noosa, which offer a variety of natural, cultural, and recreational experiences,” the documents say. “While the park is located in a rural setting, it is within a short driving distance to the Yandina township, where guests can access everyday commercial needs, community services, and recreation facilities.”
The site has a road frontage of approximately 600 metres to North Arm Yandina Creek Road, which means it significantly exceeds the minimum site area and frontage requirements for a Tourist Park.
“The proposed Tourist Park includes 74 caravan sites and 13 cabins,” the documents say. “This equates to approximately one cabin for every 5.7 caravan sites, which is well below the maximum ratio of one cabin per three caravan sites. “
The proposed development also provides recreational open space well in excess of the minimum 20% of the total site area, excluding landscape strips.
“The site’s generous size (approximately 88 hectares) allows for multiple open areas, including communal recreation spaces and informal natural areas, all integrated into the park’s layout,” the documents say.
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I think it is a great idea, we often stay in farm camplng sites, and fined them far cheaper than caravan parks, plus, there is more room.
Has a good future, I think. I hope they would get well patronized & a return on their investment appropriate to the facilities they offer
Great idea. Really not too many rural options in this area. Hope swimming and kayak hire is available.
Staying on a farm or station holds no interest for us.
We’d rather camp alone in the bush.
We don’t feel the need to pat a pony or milk a cow. LOL.
The prices these places charge are ridiculous.
I think it’s a great idea as it will enable film to observe rural/fRm life first hand and give the landholders that financial support they so badly need .