A proposal to develop eight eco-style tourist cabins on a working cattle property near Kenilworth is under consideration by Sunshine Coast Council following the submission of a development application on May 29.
The application, lodged by Walli Projects Pty Ltd, seeks approval for short-term accommodation on a rural landholding at 41, 95, and 97 Walli Mountain Road, approximately four kilometers from Kenilworth in Queensland’s Mary Valley region. The proposal, known as Found Farm Kenilworth, would be located on a 20.17-hectare portion of a larger 40-hectare property while retaining agricultural activities across most of the site.
According to planning documents submitted with the application, the development would include eight self-contained eco-accommodation cabins arranged in two clusters of four cabins connected by a low-speed internal driveway.
Each cabin would feature a studio-style layout with a bathroom, limited self-catering facilities, a balcony, and a dedicated parking space. Plans also include the construction of a two-story manager’s residence, described as farmhouse-style accommodation, located southeast of the guest cabin area.
Additional works proposed as part of the development include new fencing, landscaping, access infrastructure, on-site wastewater disposal areas, pathways, and a communal firepit with seating. Landscape plans indicate that mature trees would be retained where possible, while new vegetation would be planted to screen guest areas and enhance the site’s rural character.
The proposal also requires a boundary realignment involving the three existing lots. Under the plan, Lot 3 at 41 Walli Mountain Road would change from 20.18 hectares to 20.17 hectares, Lot 4 at 97 Walli Mountain Road would decrease from 18.09 hectares to 16.515 hectares, and Lot 5 at 95 Walli Mountain Road would increase from 1.991 hectares to 4.466 hectares.
A new access easement is also proposed over Lot 5 to provide dedicated access to the accommodation precinct.
A town planning report prepared by Urban Strategies on behalf of the applicant states that the property has historically been used for agricultural purposes.
“The subject site is currently used for rural production activities predominantly in the form of grazing and the associated operation of the Mary Valley Dairy depot, with associated residential uses for the landowners/managers,” the report stated.
“It is understood that the land has been used for grazing purposes from the time of European settlement of the locality.”
Planning documents indicate that the accommodation component would operate within a fenced section of the property while cattle grazing would continue on the surrounding land.
“The proposed development is eco-cabin accommodation that focuses on the natural beauty of the rolling hills and local rural activities/attractions,” the report stated.
“The remainder of the land outside the proposed development fence line (being approximately two metres off the cabins) will continue to be used for the agistment of cattle.
“The proposed short-term accommodation is considered compatible use within the rural setting that will support tourism in the region without compromising the use of the land for rural activities.”
The proposal reflects a broader trend of agritourism growth across Australia. According to the Australian Government’s Agritourism in Australia Report 2025, Queensland accounted for approximately one in seven agritourism trips nationwide and recorded the highest proportion of on-farm agritourism experiences, representing 67 percent of such activities across the country.
According to the Sunshine Coast News, the report also found that agritourism-related travel experienced increases in visitor numbers, overnight stays, and visitor spending during 2024, with travelers participating in agritourism activities spending more per trip and per night than the average Australian visitor.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality, glamping, caravan, and RV sectors, the proposal highlights the continuing integration of tourism accommodation with active agricultural operations.
Developments that preserve primary production while creating additional revenue streams through short-term lodging are becoming increasingly common in rural destinations. As demand for nature-based and farm-based travel experiences grows, operators may continue exploring opportunities to diversify income while maintaining the core agricultural use of their properties.
The development application is code assessable and will be determined by Sunshine Coast Council at a future date.