Peak body urges more support 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.
Glasshouse Plantation The ultimate Staycation destination
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 Australian grown coffees. Learn about the sensory experience coffee, where perfectly brewed, highquality beans balance flavour, mouth feel and after-taste for the ultimate
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 coffee, we’ve got you covered. 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 and Pim. After 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 Glasshouse Plantation owners Paul and by Carrie; Lisa. and Sharon’s wonderful Plantation’s website www. pottery imprinted with our glasshouseplantation. own K7 coffee leaves. com.au. Bookings are not Glasshouse Plantation needed for Glasshouse is open 8am-3pm every Plantation’s café. However, day except Tuesday and we do like to know about Wednesday. Visitors can groups of 10 or more so we dine from our breakfast can rearrange tables. It can menu 8am-11.30 am and be busy for breakfast on lunch menu 12 noon-2pm. weekends, so it’s best to Toasted sandwiches and come as early as you can. To wraps, together with sweet complete your staycation, treats including house after a relaxing visit to made scones and cakes are Glasshouse Plantation, you available all day. There are can continue on up the road also gluten-free, vegetarian for 1.7 km to The Lookout, and vegan options. take in the extraordinary We have good mobility views, learn about the Glass access and are pet friendly. House Mountains and enjoy Farm tours and tasting its easy 800-metre walk. experiences need to be We look forward to seeing pre-booked via Glasshouse you soon.
Pet Friend
ly
Coffee Farm, Café and Roastery Door
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 8am – 3pm Café bookings not needed, unless your group is 10 or more. Farm Tours 9am and Tasting Experiences 10am, must be booked online. Gift vouchers available.
www.glasshouseplantation.com.au 122 Glass House-Woodford Rd, Glass House Mountains www.gcnews.com.au
0419 663 404
Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday April 28, 2026 PAGE 13