General News
7 March, 2026
Nature-based escape
AN eco-tourism campground with the theme, “where the farm meets the sea” is proposed on a huge block of land at South Mission Beach, once planned as a luxury golf resort.
The first stage of the campground plan, being developed by Sunshine Group Australia, is part of a 202ha (500 acre) private farm, accessible off Jackey Jackey St just before the boat ramp on the Hull River.
The Sunshine Sands Campground, planned over just 11ha of the property, would combine open paddocks, forest and coastal access – and guests would see cattle and goats grazing in surrounding paddocks, while being able to try the farm’s fresh red claw or experience barramundi hobby fishing.
“The campground is positioned at the southern end of the farm closest to the beach (Kennedy Bay), while the Jackey Jackey Boat Ramp sits at the northern entrance,” said Teagan Hill, Sunshine Group Australia’s chief operating officer.
“This layout means guests will be well away from main roads and nearby residential streets, offering a quiet and secluded camping environment while still having convenient access to boating facilities,” she told The Observer.
The original campground proposal included up to 300 unnumbered camping sites – but after an update, the company now hopes to deliver the plan in stages, starting with 74 campsites.
“Even at full capacity we are mindful to ensure campers have sufficient space to enjoy their experience as opposed to feeling like tinned sardines expected in most caravan parks,” Ms Hill said.
The campsite will feature toilets, showers, camp kitchens, fire pits, a fish cleaning station and a reception at the farm entrance.
The formal application notes that “electricity is proposed to be provided by way of onsite solar and battery, while water supply is to be stored in tanks and effluent would similarly be tanked and pumped out by a waste contractor.”
Ms Hill said a “quick walking track through the far edge of the heritage forest” has been applied for to “provide direct access to a quiet, green-zoned beach.”
“The property is also home to native wildlife including cassowaries and wallabies, which are regularly sighted,” she said.
The Sunshine Group says the project is intended to strengthen Mission Beach’s nature-based tourism offering.
“It aims to attract grey nomads, families, fishing and boating enthusiasts and eco-tourists seeking a forest-and-beach setting,” Ms Hill said.
“Its location allows visitors to enjoy both seclusion and coastal access within one property.”
While the company hasn’t projected job numbers yet, Ms Hill said “employment numbers will be confirmed as the project progresses, however, both construction and operational phases are expected to generate local jobs.”
A development application for the campground project has been formally lodged with Cassowary Coast Regional Council and is currently under assessment.
“We are still in the early stages and have received detailed feedback from council, particularly in relation to environmental considerations,” Ms Hill said.
“We are working through requests for additional information and refining aspects of the proposal to ensure alignment with planning and environmental standards.”
Read More: Mission Beach