New $1.2m glamping site opens

Luxury glamping, with ensuite bathrooms, has opened at Woodfordia, home of the famous Woodford Folk Festival.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe helped launch 20 permanent luxury glamping tents at the site on Thursday.

Mr Hinchliffe said the State Government “backed Woodfordia with $1.2 million from the Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund to build back better from the pandemic”.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Each glamping tent has accommodation for four and has opened 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,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

Woodfordia General Manager Amanda Jackes said the glamping tents were in the shady grounds around Lake Gkula and close to the general store.

“The glamping tents will be booked for events ranging from the Woodford Folk Festival to the two-week Lake Gkula Camping period in Easter 2023,” Ms Jackes said.

“Ultimately, these glamping tents will be available for bookings year-round during either festivals and events, or for private functions or short-term holiday stays.

“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.”

Executive director Bill Hauritz added: “It is wonderful to see these tents completed and ready for our patrons to enjoy. Supply issues due to COVID certainly played with our timeline, so we are so excited to share them now with everyone.”

The six-day Woodford Folk Festival returns on December 27 creating 2500 jobs for artists and art workers across 27 venues at Woodfordia and generating up to $25 million for the visitor economy.