Finch Hatton ‘glamp’ ground plans revealed, approved by Mackay council

New luxury nature-based accommodation is coming to the Pioneer Valley with council approvinga glamp ground on the condition it be open by late 2026. SEE THE PLANS

The Finch Falls Development is set to get underway with council giving final approvals.

Luxury glamping lodges are on their way as part of a Finch Falls eco-tourism development.

The lot at 564 Gorge Rd will be transformed into a nature-based retreat offering two-bedroom “luxury” lodges.

First proposed in April, the development promises to deliver 11 tent-like living spaces.

In the original application the developers said each tent would have a deck with an outdoor bathtub and 5000L water tank. Inside would feature a queen and a double bunk, a kitchenette with dining space and a bathroom with a toilet and shower.

Visitors will eat their meals at the communal kitchen and dining building.

Visitors will also have access to a communal kitchen with hotplates, sinks, fridges, tables and chairs plus washing machines and dryers.

Mackay mayor Greg Williamson said the developer Mike Hallett and Charli Guy were eager to promote the Mackay region through this development.

“This is a great start to development at the top of the valley,” Mr Williamson said.

The application is just 3km from Finch Hatton Gorge and 10 minutes from the mountain bike track.

The new accommodation’s proximity to the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail and Finch Hatton Gorge will be ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Development will take place over 5 stages with two four tents built over stages one and two, with stage three delivering another two tents and the kitchen building.

The final five tents will be built in stage four and five.

According to the developers, stage one will cost just $396,000 with a total capital investment of around $961,000.

In order to reduce costs the developer requested a 100 per cent concession on their infrastructure charges, estimated at $61,000 for all 11 tents.

The development will also include a three bedroom home for Mr Hallett and Ms Guy.

Council approved the concession unanimously, with Councillor Alison Jones speaking in favour of the development. Picture: Heidi Petith

Council approved the concession with the condition no additional infrastructure costs are incurred by council, development be completed by November 27, 2026 and it be undertaken using local contractors and suppliers.

Councillor Alison Jones said the incentive would get stage one started and help get the other stages rolling alone.

“It’s a great nature-based product,” Ms Jones said.

“When you’re up that way that’s what people want.

“We are really pleased to see that this can go ahead to enable that product to be available, not only to the community but to tourists alike.”