River Deck Restaurant at Noosa put into liquidation

A hugely-popular Sunshine Coast restaurant has collapsed after almost $300,000 worth of forward bookings were cut due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

AN AWARD-WINNING Noosa seafood restaurant has collapsed into liquidation after almost $300,000 in forward bookings were cancelled due to COVID-19.

River Deck Restaurant, located on the banks of the stunning Noosa River, was put into a shock liquidation on Monday.

It has been owned and managed since 2001 by husband and wife duo Geoff and Susan Baxby.

The Courier-Mail understands about $280,000 worth of forward bookings were cancelled, diminishing its income amid the ongoing closure.

Geoff and Sue Baxby (right) have owned the River Deck Restaurant in Noosa since 2001. File picture

The highly popular, high-end seafood eatery had been closed since March as COVID-19-forced lockdowns decimated hospitality and tourism businesses.

Jarvis Archer of Revive Financial has been appointed liquidator of the business.

Mr Archer said the company owes debts to less than 20 creditors totalling less than $25,000.

“COVID-19 has obviously had a severe impact on the hospitality sector, with periods of closure or significantly reduced revenues for many businesses,” he said.

“It now stands to be seen whether those businesses that are able to reopen can return to sustainable trading with the current Government restrictions and stimulus.

“If people are able to support their local establishments, I’m sure their patronage will be welcomed.”

River Deck Restaurant was last year named as the fourth-best wedding restaurant reception venue in Australia thanks to its service and stunning views of the sparkling Noosa River.

The Baxbys were contacted for comment.