QUEENSLAND tourism operators are turning to the ‘staycation’ market to stay afloat, as the industry nears a financial tipping point and calls grow for urgent government support.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council warns one in five businesses are at significant risk, with rising costs and repeated shocks eroding financial buffers.
Chief executive Natassia Wheeler (pictured) said operators could not wait for relief, urging immediate action in the May 12 Federal Budget. Economic modelling suggests widespread closures could cost up to $943 million in activity and nearly 7,000 jobs. QTIC is calling for a $50 million support package focused on cash flow and workforce retention.
Meanwhile, hinterland operators report increased local bookings, with short, close-to-home breaks helping offset weaker interstate and international demand.
NESTLED among the Glass House Mountains, Glasshouse Plantation is a working coffee farm and café, providing a rare paddock-to-cup experience for people who love to drink coffee and support local farmers.
It’s a staycation experience blending the simple luxuries of good food and great coffee served with old fashioned country hospitality in the 110-yearold-farmhouse that has been lovingly restored by owners Paul and Lisa. Paul and Lisa, together with son Nick, invite you to explore the journey of coffee through guided tours of their 5,000 Arabica coffee trees, learning how coffee grows in Australia, is harvested and processed into either washed or fermented beans. In our Roastery Door, coffee enthusiasts can enjoy
a tasting experience which showcases the terroir of
cup. Our covered outdoor deck and indoor farmhouse is the perfect place to enjoy a café meal cooked by our Italian Chef Ilario Duo, who combines the flavours of his native Venice with seasonal
local produce. Please check our website for Ilario’s latest menu and our social media for specials to ensure your perfect staycation cafe experience. And if you don’t drink ee, we’ve got you
You can try our beautiful tea, grown locally by Brendan and Kristie or perhaps an old-fashioned milkshake made with organic strawberries grown by our neighbours, Edwin er enjoying a delicious meal overlooking our coffee trees and nearby mountains, you can browse in our shop for treats to take home.
You will find the Australian grown coffee and tea that we serve; an extensive range of local cold infused and creamed honeys; macadamia nut-in-shell grown by our neighbours Troy and Tammy; dried and
choc coated pineapple grown by Steve and Wendy; coffee soap handcrafted by Carrie; and Sharon’s wonderful pottery imprinted with our own K7 coff Glasshouse Plantation is open 8am-3pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesday. Visitors can dine from our breakfast menu 8am-11.30 am and lunch menu 12 noon-2pm.
Toasted sandwiches and wraps, together with sweet treats including house made scones and cakes are available all day. There are also gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
We have good mobility access and are pet friendly.
Farm tours and tasting experiences need to be pre-booked via Glasshouse
groups of 10 or more so we can rearrange tables. It can be busy for breakfast on weekends, so it’s best to come as early as you can. To complete your staycation, after a relaxing visit to Glasshouse Plantation, you can continue on up the road for 1.7 km to The Lookout, take in the extraordinary views, learn about the Glass House Mountains and enjoy its easy 800-metre walk. We look forward to seeing you soon.
AS fuel prices rise and long-distance travel becomes less appealing, more Sunshine Coast locals are looking closer to home for a genuine break.
In the hills of Conondale, Seven Hills Estate is quietly emerging as one of those alternatives.
Owned by educational publisher and entrepreneur James Burnett and his wife Michelle, the 420-acre property offers a farm stay experience shaped as much by restoration as relaxation. What appears at first glance to be a typical rural setting is, in fact, a landscape in transition.
it looked pristine,” Burnett says. “But what was happening below the surface told a very different story.”
Over the past decade, the couple has shifted its focus to regenerative farming. Improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, managing water so it remains in the landscape longer. The result is a property that is not only more productive, but more alive. That philosophy carries through to the accommodation.
Seven Hills Estate features three private lodges, each carefully positioned
and outlook across the surrounding hills, paddocks, and dams. Designed for couples and small groups, the lodges offer modern comforts including full kitchens, fireplaces, and outdoor decks, while maintaining a strong connection to the natural environment.
Guests can expect quiet mornings, mist rising across the valleys, and regular wildlife encounters. Wallabies, birdlife, and other native species are becoming more visible as the land continues to recover.
What sets the experience
is active. Cattle are moved regularly to support pasture regeneration. Native vegetation is being restored. A syntropic food garden is developing using methods that mirror natural systems. Visitors are not just staying on the land. They are part of a system that is evolving.
That difference is resonating with local travellers.
“We’re seeing more guests from Southeast Queensland,” Burnett says. “People who want to slow down without travelling far.”
With fewer interstate and international visitors, the
focus has shifted toward the local community.
Staycations are no longer a fallback option, but a deliberate choice.
Seven Hills Estate has kept its approach simple. Consistent pricing throughout the year, with occasional early-stay incentives to encourage first-time visitors.
For Burnett, the appeal is straightforward.
“It’s not about luxury in the traditional sense,” he says. “It’s about space, stillness, and the comfort of nature.”
And increasingly, that is proving to be enough.
A SHIFT towards closer-tohome travel is creating new opportunities for regions like Glasshouse Country, according to insights shared at a recent tourism industry
Members of the Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce (pictured below) attended
Visit Sunshine Coast’s April networking event, which brought together operators, suppliers and stakeholders.
VSC Chief executive Matt Stoeckel said rising fuel costs and availability were uencing travel decisions, but not stopping demand. “People aren’t stopping travel, they’re just getting a bit smarter about it,” he said. “They’re choosing destinations closer to home that are easier to get to.” The trend is expected to benefit the Sunshine Coast, particularly from South East Queensland visitors, boosting potential spend for
By Dan Jarrett, Pocky Asian Restaurant
OUR restaurant is all about relaxed, shared-style dining with a fun, energetic atmosphere — but at its heart, we aim to be that friendly neighbourhood spot people can always rely on. Inspired by Asian flavours and a love of bringing people together, we’ve created a space where guests can unwind, connect, and enjoy great food without the formality.
Having only been open for six months, we’re still new and continuing to adapt, refine, and grow along the way. It’s been an exciting journey so far, and
we’re constantly listening, learning, and evolving to create the best possible experience for our guests.
Our menu is designed to be bold and punchy, with dishes made to share and explore as a group.
We focus on big flavours, fresh ingredients, and a balance between comfort and creativity.
Alongside the food, we offer a curated selection of cocktails, beers, and wines that complement the experience and keep things lively.
When you visit us, you can expect a vibrant, welcoming environment that suits everything from casual catch-ups to celebrations.
We’ve recently introduced an online booking system to make planning your visit even easier, while still keeping things flexible by welcoming walk-ins —
because we want to be accessible to everyone.
We’re also excited to be rolling out some new offerings, including our “Pocky Express”
lunch menu — a quick, flavour-packed option featuring rice bowls and other favourites, perfect for a fast but satisfying meal.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, our “Pocky Feed Me” set menu takes the guesswork out and showcases a range of our best dishes in a fun, shared format.
Like many in hospitality, we’ve felt the impact of rising costs and global challenges, and we know it’s a tough time out there for small businesses — especially restaurants.
These pressures have also shifted customer patterns, with fewer interstate and international visitors coming through.
That’s why connecting with and being supported by our local community is more important than ever. Supporting local venues helps keep neighbourhoods vibrant and ensures small businesses can continue to do what they love. We’re committed to being part of that community — a place locals can drop into, celebrate in, and come back to time and time again.
‘Connect and succeed’: helping local tourism businesses thrive
VISIT Sunshine Coast (VSC) plays a key role in supporting the region’s tourism industry, working with local businesses to drive growth and long-term success.
As the official tourism organisation for the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie local government areas, VSC is a memberbased organisation made up of close to 500 tourism businesses.
VSC CEO Matt Stoeckel said it’s those businesses, from hinterland stays to
tour operators, attractions and hospitality venues, that bring the destination to life.
“Visit Sunshine Coast exists to represent and support our industry,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and our role is to help them grow, connect and succeed in what is a really competitive market.”
From a consumer perspective, VSC’s marketing campaigns are focused on attracting visitors from outside the
region. At the same time, the organisation works closely with local operators through travel distribution, industry development and partnerships, supporting them to grow and thrive.
“That might be helping a business become bookable through the right channels, building their capability through training, or simply creating opportunities for operators to connect and learn from each other,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“We talk a lot about ‘Team Sunshine Coast’.
When we work together as a united destination, we are far more powerful than when we operate individually,” Mr Stoeckel said.
In 2024, visitors spent almost $5 billion across the Sunshine Coast, supporting more than 29,000 jobs.
For businesses in Maleny and the Glass House Mountains, that visitor economy plays an important role, and it’s where VSC’s support is often felt most.
“We know a lot of our operators up here are small, locally run businesses,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“They’re passionate about what they do, but they don’t always have the time or resources to be thinking about how they reach new markets or grow their distribution.”
Through membership, VSC helps connect those
businesses to domestic and international markets, while also working alongside them to strengthen their experiences and stay competitive.
“A big part of what we do is making sure our operators are visible and bookable in the right places,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“At the same time, we’re helping them build really strong experiences, because that’s what keeps people coming back to regions like this.”
That support extends beyond individual businesses, with VSC also advocating for the industry and helping shape the future of tourism across the region.
“We’re always thinking about the long game,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“It’s about making sure tourism continues to work for communities like Maleny, not just now, but
into the future.
“We’re here to ensure our industry remains strong and sustainable.
“When our members succeed, the benefits flow right across the community.”
Earlier this year, that local focus was reflected through VSC’s Sunny Staycation campaign, which invited Sunshine Coast residents to experience their own backyard in a different way.
“We really saw that as our industry’s way of giving back to the community,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“A lot of our operators got behind it because they genuinely wanted locals to experience what they do, not as visitors, but as part of the community.”
For more information about Visit Sunshine Coast membership, visit corporate. visitsunshinecoast.com/ membership.
DESLEY and her husband are excitedly planning their upcoming Staycation. The couple live in Noosa but Desley works in Maleny and Ric works in Brisbane, so between long commutes and major house renovations over the last two years, they haven’t had much time to travel. Now, with a week set aside in May, the couple are embracing a different approach. Rising fuel costs, global uncertainty linked to the Middle East crisis, and the steep price of domestic airfares all shaped their decision to stay close to home. “When you look at where we live,” Desley says, “it makes sense to support local businesses and discover what’s in our own backyard.”
Armed with a new hybrid car, they plan to
explore the local Glasshouse Country and Sunshine Coast Hinterland regions. Their must-visit list includes:
• Reesville Lookout
• Maleny Cheese
• Piggy Back restaurant, Palmwoods
• Kondalilla Falls (Fig Tree Walk)
• The Barn on Flaxton
• Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
• Mary Cairncross Park
• Maleny Platypus Walk
• Kenilworth Bakery (for its famous doughnuts)
• Kin Kin Pub
• Noosa Everglades
• Spirit House, Yandina
• Noosa Surf Club
• Noosa National Park walk
• Glasshouse Plantation café and lookout
For Desley and her husband, this staycation proves the best escapes are often waiting just beyond the front door.
AS travel habits shift and more Australians look closer to home for their next escape, Seven Peaks Farm Stay is redefining the idea of a luxury staycation, offering couples a chance to slow down, reconnect, and experience the beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Just an hour from Brisbane, this boutique farm stay sits on 34 acres of pristine farmland, framed by sweeping views of the Glass House Mountains.
But beyond the scenery, it’s the vision behind Seven Peaks that truly sets it apart. With a strong focus on guest experience, the property has been thoughtfully curated to blend understated luxury with the simplicity of farm life, creating a space where couples can feel both relaxed and immersed in nature.
“Our goal has always been to create a place where people can truly
Guests can expect private, beautifully appointed cabins designed for comfort and connection, think slow mornings on the deck, cosy evenings by the fire, and outdoor spa baths under the stars.
Beyond the cabins, the experience extends across the property, with 3.2 kilometres of walking trails, abundant birdlife, and the opportunity to meet friendly farm animals, adding a unique and memorable touch to each stay.
In recent years, broader global events - including rising fuel costs and international uncertainty - have influenced travel patterns, with many choosing to holiday closer to home. While this has seen some softening in long-haul and interstate travel, it has also highlighted the importance of local tourism.
has introduced tailored packages designed for couples, featuring locally sourced gourmet hampers, outdoor dining experiences, and curated inclusions that celebrate the region.
For those seeking a romantic getaway without the need for long-distance travel, Seven Peaks Farm Stay offers a destination that feels worlds away, yet remains wonderfully close to home.
