By Patsy Fayne
Many have closed thanks to increasing costs, lack of volunteers and of course the internet. Tourists now seek their information on line, their directions from a GPS and their accommodation from the short stays sites.
But not here in Noosa ! Our Tourist Information Centres are still open for business.
Noosa still operates two – a very modern Visitor Information Centre in Hastings Street and a smaller, but no less popular visitor centre in Tewantin.
Situated beside the Royal Mail Hotel in Tewantin there is an old miners cottage called Parkyn’s Hut. The Hut is home to the Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society and serves as our local tourist information centre.
An interesting site……One day an overseas visitor dropped in to ask where he could post a letter. He said “ I called in next door to the Royal Mail and could not find the post box”. We smiled and directed him to the PO across the road.
Volunteers keep Parkyn’s Hut open seven days a week. In 2019, just before Covid hit, this amazing group of locals won the award for Queensland’s best tourist information centre run entirely by volunteers.
Parkyn’s Hut does not only look after tourists, it has become a community ‘hot spot’- a place to collect the local paper, to catch up with local gossip and a place to rest the feet while in town shopping.
Recently, a visitor to Noosa was so impressed and thankful for the help he received from those on duty he sent this photo and a thank you note. Great work gentlemen!
Friendly, caring, knowledgeable and committed.
The Hut team is always happy to welcome new volunteers. Those interested should call in for a chat or contact Michael on 0401 609 133.
