Queensland's great glamping lifestyle at Woodfordia
Luxury glamping accommodation with ensuite bathrooms is about to revolutionise the way visitors enjoy Queensland's great lifestyle at the home of the famous Woodford Folk Festival.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe today launched 20 permanent luxury glamping tents at Woodfordia, near Woodford in the Moreton Bay Region hinterland.
"The Palaszczuk Government has backed Woodfordia with $1.2 million from the Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund to build back better from the pandemic with new visitor accommodation," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Our investment in 20 new glamping tents with fixed ensuites and kitchens delivers the infrastructure to grow Woodfordia into a year-round, income generating visitor experience.
"By expanding into luxury camp stays for private functions and short holidays, in addition to the Folk, Planting and Small Halls festivals, Woodfordia aims to attract 17,000 new visitors to the region.
"It's predicted Woodfordia's glamping evolution could deliver an extra $28.6 million a year for the Moreton Bay Region's visitor economy.
"Camping is a three-decade long tradition at the Folk Festival and that's what makes it a much-loved and unique visitor experience.
"Each glamping tent is fully furnished with room for four and opens in time for the Woodford Folk Festival's return after a two-year Covid hiatus.
"Construction of the glamping sites supported tradies and suppliers when they needed it most and creates three new operational jobs."
The new glamping accommodation complements the Palaszczuk Government's previous investment in Woodfordia's Lake Gkula for conservation and recreation.
Woodfordia Inc General Manager Amanda Jackes said the beautifully furnished glamping tents were located in the shady camping grounds of Woodfordia around Lake Gkula and close to the General Store.
"The glamping tents will be booked for events ranging from the iconic Woodford Folk Festival to the two-week Lake Gkula Camping period in Easter 2023," Ms Jackes said.
"Ultimately, these gorgeous glamping tents will be available for bookings year-round during either festivals and events, or for private functions or short-term holiday stays.
"This project would not have been possible without the support of the Queensland Government and its vital funding of new tourism infrastructure.
"Accommodation has always been an issue at Woodfordia with the most recent festival selling out all our 120 premium luxury bell tents along with the 250 tent city tent motels.
"These luxury glamping units will bring a new level of indulgent offering for our patrons."
Lake Gkula at Woodfordia opened in December 2019 with construction supported by the Palaszczuk Government's 2018 edition of the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
The six-day Woodford Folk Festival returns on 27 December 2022, creating 2500 jobs for artists and art workers across 27 venues at Woodfordia, and generating up to $25 million for the Moreton Bay Region visitor economy.
Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery said the Woodford Folk Festival was an Australian music event icon.
"Festival goers will love the new Lake Gkula area which will be a focal point of this year's festival," the Mayor said.
"I'd like to thank the State Government who has contributed significant funding toward new features that have helped keep Woodford alive during some of the toughest times in its history, and for supporting infrastructure upgrades."
(Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cjo01my3rn3vafwdpc49d/h?dl=0&rlkey=ppvyb7tjhkd9et87wxusfyziz )
