‘Glamping’ resort a five-star attraction for Coast

Queensland’s first five-star luxury “glamping”, caravanning and camping resort is the latest tourism operation to call the Sunshine Coast home.

rivershore resort is under construction at Diddilibah and when complete in mid-2016 it will offer a unique visitor experience for modern travellers.

Resort developer Bernie McGovern said the 10 hectare site at 93 David Low Way would include luxurious self-contained safari tents along with spacious areas for private caravanning and camping.

"This resort will create a real point of difference for tourism on the Sunshine Coast with three different accommodation options to appeal to separate markets," Mr McGovern said.

"Glamorous camping or 'glamping' is becoming increasingly popular with holiday makers around Australia and RV tourism is a $7billion industry in this country so the region will be tapping into some very popular and lucrative tourism markets when rivershore opens mid next year.

"Along with fantastic creature comforts like a resort-style pool, dining and recreation facilities, rivershore will also include conference facilities in a beautiful natural setting right on the Maroochy River.

“We'll also be creating new fulltime employment positions within the resort, including a number of opportunities for young people on the coast.

"We've enjoyed a great working relationship with Sunshine Coast Council and we're extremely grateful for their support in helping us create what will be an outstanding and valuable tourist attraction for this region.

"rivershore also aligns with the Sunshine Coast's vibrant, green, diverse values.

“We have a beautiful natural setting on the Maroochy River. Our roads are the only concrete that will be used on site and our aim is to create a beautiful natural setting that is aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the resort's beautiful natural surrounds."

Tourism Sport and Major Events Councillor Jason O'Pray said rivershore resort was an extremely exciting development for the Sunshine Coast.

"We're already renowned for having some of the most spectacular coastal locations and hospitality in Australia and our hinterland accommodation businesses were recently rated the best in the country," Cr O’Pray said.

"rivershore resort will broaden our region's appeal even further, particularly for RV travellers who are a rapidly growing tourism market both in Queensland and nationally.”

Director, Campervan & Motorhome Assoc. of Australia (CMCA) Ken Kipping said rivershore resort would enable the Sunshine Coast to tap further into the lucrative RV tourism market.

“rivershore looks like a fantastic facility in the making and one that will be extremely attractive to RV travellers throughout Queensland and Australia,” Mr Kipping said.

“There are currently around 500,000 RVs registered in Australia and that number is expected to increase by 60% over the next decade. So rivershore has the potential to  become an extremely valuable tourism drawcard for the Sunshine Coast.”

rivershore resort key features:

• located at 93 David Low Way, Didillabah on old sugarcane land
• 10 acres elevated to 700 metres
• Planting of flora will be a key feature and will include lilly-pilly’s and pandanus
• 500,000 litre resort-style pool
• Separate kids pool
• Designated safe play areas and recreation facilities
• Gymnasium onsite
• Will include licensed Café
• Space for future waterpark area
• Modern and natural Queensland look and feel
• Glamping, powered and unpowered camping sites and tent camping area all available
• RV travellers spend on average $3billion per year in Queensland