Sunshine Sands Campground: Farm-to-Sea Retreat Planned for South Mission Beach
A massive 202-hectare property at South Mission Beach, previously earmarked for a $530 million luxury eco-resort and golf course, is now set to be transformed into a nature-based holiday destination called Sunshine Sands Campground. Sunshine Group Australia has submitted a development application to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, proposing a rustic, off-grid camping experience that starkly contrasts with the earlier high-end resort plans.
From Resort Dreams to Rustic Reality
The site at Jackey Jackey Street, South Mission Beach, was initially granted preliminary approval in 2006 for the Mission Beach Eco Golf Resort, which envisioned an 18-hole golf course and two six-star resorts featuring 270 luxury villas and suites. However, shifting traveler preferences have prompted a new direction. The current proposal emphasizes flexible, experience-led tourism, aligning with the region's growing eco-tourism identity and nature-based visitor economy.
Teagan Hill, Chief Operating Officer of Sunshine Group Australia, highlighted the campground's appeal to boaties and fishers, noting that guests will enjoy a relaxed farm setting with grazing cattle and goats, alongside native wildlife like wild cassowaries and wallabies. The plan includes stocking ponds with red claw crayfish and barramundi, pending approvals, allowing visitors to savor local delicacies and engage in hobby-style fishing.
Development Details and Long-Term Vision
The development application seeks approval for up to 74 campsites initially, though the business plan outlines a long-term vision for up to 300 sites. The campground will feature essential amenities such as a site office, toilets, showers, and a camp kitchen, with most of the land preserved in its natural, grassed state to maintain an immersive, eco-friendly atmosphere.
Sunshine Group Australia, a Sydney-based company directed by David Sun, also owns other properties including Cairns One, The Lakes, and Sunshine Gardens Atherton Resort. While the campground is the immediate focus, the company has left the door open for future resort developments, with a separate hillside area reserved for potential luxury accommodation offering expansive coastal views.
Market Trends and Environmental Considerations
The proposal responds to a marked shift in traveler preferences, with increasing interest in glamping, eco-stays, and small-scale, immersive getaways. Ms. Hill emphasized that future resort plans will depend on market conditions and the completion of current projects, such as the Atherton resort development. The priority is ensuring the campground aligns with planning requirements and environmental standards, reflecting a commitment to sustainable tourism.
This initiative represents a strategic pivot towards more accessible and nature-centric tourism options in Mission Beach, catering to a growing demand for authentic, farm-to-sea experiences while preserving the area's ecological integrity.
