The celebration after being named Australia’s Best New Tourism Business for 2020 was short-lived for this Noosa campsite.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic quickly putting a halt to their business, Habitat Noosa owners Wade and Paul Batty took it as an opportunity to execute stage two of their master plan.
Due to easing restrictions, the 65-acre eco-tourism precinct has announced its reopening on June 19, providing triple the number of glamping tents and a microbrewery on site for campers.
Habitat Noosa spokesman Wayne Poole said they were devastated after being forced to close, but the Jobkeeper program convinced the owners to go full steam ahead with improvements.
“In mid-March, the owners of Habitat Noosa, brothers, Wade and Paul Batty, proudly stood on stage at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Canberra and accepted the award for Best New Tourism Business in Australia,” Mr Poole said.
“The celebration with the Habitat Noosa staff was amazing, however just nine days later all camp grounds and caravan parks across Queensland were directed to close due to COVID-19.
“We cannot wait to reopen to showcase our 65 acre eco camp and all the new and improved features and facilities which include, more solar powered camp sites, a new gelato bar, better food and beverage facilities.”
He said over 95 per cent of Habitat Noosa’s purchases were with local companies based in the greater Noosa local district.
“We also have strong working relationships with local accommodation outlets and tourism networks who sell tickets and promote our Everglades Eco Safaris day tours which depart from Habitat Noosa,” he said.
“We have been based in Noosa for decades and look forward to welcoming guests to Habitat Noosa from Friday 19 June when we officially reopen.”