Sunshine Coast Council has announced a $1.5 million upgrade to the facilities at Coolum Beach Holiday Park, one of its six council-owned holiday parks, with construction expected to begin in the 2025–26 financial year.
The proposed redevelopment, disclosed as part of the council’s recently released budget, will replace the site’s 30-year-old office and manager’s residence, both of which no longer meet current safety and accessibility standards.
“The current building is more than 30 years old and no longer meets modern safety or accessibility standards,” a council spokesperson said.
“The redevelopment will deliver two new buildings – a dedicated office and a separate residence – ensuring compliance with current fire safety and accessibility regulations. This upgrade will modernise the park’s facilities and support its long-term future as a valued part of the Coolum community.”
The park, located on beachfront land adjacent to the local surf club, will remain operational throughout the construction period.
Temporary office facilities will be established, and work zones will be kept away from guest areas to limit disruption. The project will be fully funded by the council and is expected to commence following a competitive tender process in the coming months.
According to the council, the new facilities will offer improved functionality and accessibility for staff and visitors.
“The new facilities will provide a more spacious and functional environment for staff and guests, including a dedicated waiting area and improved accessibility,” the spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News.
Coolum Beach Holiday Park welcomed more than 25,000 visitors last year, contributing an estimated $2.3 million to the local economy, based on Tourism Australia data.
The site is one of more than 30 holiday parks in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions and has seen significant investment in recent years. In 2022, it received $1.5 million in amenities upgrades, and in 2023, 19 powered sites were upgraded at its southern end.
“Council remains committed to enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the unique character of our coastal holiday parks,” the spokesperson added.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this project illustrates a continued trend in public investment in coastal tourism infrastructure.
The planned improvements reflect a growing emphasis on compliance, visitor accessibility, and facility modernization. Such developments can impact the competitive landscape for nearby private operators and may inform future benchmarking for site upgrades and guest services.
Coolum Beach Holiday Park is operated by Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks and promotes itself as a popular destination for camping and caravanning, with proximity to the beach, surf club, local shops, and the bowls club.
The broader region’s holiday parks continue to experience strong demand, with bookings at some sites reportedly filled up a year in advance.