Inside farmer’s plan to launch guest cabins near Eungella National Park

A third generation farming family are transforming their farm into a getaway to share breathtaking views with the residents of Queensland. SEE THE PREVIEW.

The Norman's are building three cabins to launch a nature-based getaway at their Eungella farm.

A third-generation Eungella farming family is planning to host Mackay residents at a new weekend getaway venue as soon as the September holidays.

Samantha Norman and her husband Logan submitted plans to council to build three cabins on their farm at 146 Diggings Rd, Eungella.

The 98.9Ha property is a working cattle farm and the Normans live there with their four children.

Three two-bedroom cabins are coming to a property near Eungella to provide new accommodation for nature based tourism.

Ms Norman said the project had been in the works for some time and the idea was well received by other locals.

“We took a risk I suppose and we went for it,” Ms Norman said.

“It’s honestly breathtaking.”

Since moving into the property in November, 2024 the Norman’s have hosted many friends and family sparking the idea to put in accommodation options. Photo: Samantha Norman.

The Norman’s moved to the property in November, 2024 after living in the Pioneer Valley previously and have hosted friends and family since then, all of whom said “you’d be crazy not to put an Airbnb up here”.

Each cabin will be equipped with a kitchenette, powered and have “enough space to live in”. Photo: Samantha Norman.

Ms Norman said they wanted to give families a weekend getaway destination, share their views with everyone and show Mackay residents there’s more to Eungella than platypuses.

Ms Norman said the property enjoys 360 degree views and they can even see the lights from cargo ships to the east at night. Photo: Samantha Norman.

“We wanted to give locals a bit of an escape … we’re hoping to do a bit of a hiking track down to our creek,” Ms Norman said.

“Hopefully I can contact a friend who owns a digger company to help me potentially do a bike track, but that’s further down the track.”

Wet weather setbacks delayed the original launch date of June or July and now the Normans hope to be up and running by September.

At the moment development will be carried out in three stages, but further down the line the Normans are hoping to build walking trails to the nearby Eden Cafe and potentially build a mountain bike track. Photo: Documents submitted to council.

Ms Norman wants to use the development to host a range of events from engagements and elopements to 18th and 21st birthdays.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity for the bride and grooms to get beautiful photos,” she said.

The cabins will be fully powered, connected to a sewerage system, have toilets, shower, kitchenette and “enough space to feel like home”.

The property also neighbours the Cafe Eden at 279 Diggings Rd, and Ms Norman hopes to build a track to the cafe for guests to use.