Exciting projects to boost tourism

Putting region on map

MORE than a dozen new tourist drawcards and accommodation spots are set to transform the Southern Downs in the coming months.

From tourist parks to winery developments on the Granite Belt, these are some of the most exciting changes lined up across the region:

THANES CREEK TOURIST PARK

An 18-site tourist park at 1180 Big Hill Rd, Thanes Creek was approved by Southern Downs Regional Council in July. The getaway spot will include sites for caravans, camper trailers or vans, and tents.

The plans also feature four cabins, a reception/kiosk, camp kitchen, shower and toilet area and recreation area for tennis, volleyball, and other sports.

The project is expected to be completed by 2023.

BALLANDEAN CELLAR DOOR AND RESTAURANT

A proposal has been lodged with SDRC to re-purpose the iconic St Oswald’s Church at 12 Bents Rd, Ballandean and turn it into a stylish cellar door with a small food and beverage outlet.

Plans stated the applicant’s desire to keep the heritage and character of the building.

SDRC is yet to make a decision on the application. EUKEY DISTILLERY

A development bound for the Granite Belt that will combine a winery, distillery and secluded accommodation spot was approved in July.

Planning reports reveal the new cellar door will run from a 64.2ha property at 1747 Eukey Rd, which backs on to the Girraween National Park.

THULIMBAH TOURIST PARK

A new tourist park has been proposed for the lot next to the Summit Backpackers Hostel at 283 Granite Belt Drive.

Planning reports indicated 12 camping sites and shortterm accommodation as well as additional hostel accommodation would be added to the property.

The extension would increase the maximum accommodation capacity from 56 to 104 people if approved. BALLANDEAN CABINS

Four new short-term accommodation cabins will be built on land at 104 St Judes Lane, Ballandean, after it was given the go-ahead in July.

The one-bedroom cabins would each accommodate up to two people for a maximum of eight guests at any one time, converting the former vineyard property into a new tourist drawcard on the Granite Belt.