Poinciana Tourist Park in Cooee Bay undergoes major upgrades

The new owners of Poinciana Tourist Park in Cooee Bay, which changed hands in 2021, have made some significant changes, taking the six-decade old coastal getaway to a whole new level. Full details.

Since changing hands in 2021, the new owners of Poinciana Tourist Park in Cooee Bay have made some significant changes, taking the six-decade old coastal getaway to a whole new level.

Named after the flowering poinciana trees scattered throughout the park, Poinciana Tourist Park has been a popular short and long-term accommodation option for travellers and locals over the years, conveniently located near Cooee Bay beach and Cedar Park Shopping Centre.

Development manager Matthew Ouston said he partnered with his father Bill to take over the tourist park in April 2021.

“Dad was part of the previous ownership who owned the park for about seven years prior to us taking over,” Mr Ouston said.

Development manager Matthew Ouston at Poinciana Tourist Park in Cooee Bay. Picture: Contributed

“It got to the point where they were looking at selling it and I became interested in becoming a part owner and he stayed on.”

Born and raised in Yeppoon, Mr Ouston was working as a structural engineer on the Gold Coast before moving back to the Capricorn Coast.

“It got to a point where I was sick of the hustle and bustle of city life and missed home,” he said.

“This opportunity came up for a bit more development work which was something I was looking for and working with my father was a huge benefit as well.

Poinciana Tourist Park has eight glamping tents. Picture: Alicia Harvey

“It was just an opportunity that I thought I would regret not taking.”

The tourist park has recently undergone upgrades and eight glamping tents featuring ensuite amenities, a common gazebo and private swimming pool have been introduced, together with contemporary upgrades to existing amenities and communal camp kitchen.

Mr Ouston and his father are committed to continually developing and evolving elements of the tourist park to meet the needs of their diverse clientele.

“The facilities have needed an upgrade for a while,” Mr Ouston said.

The tents are fitted out with home style comforts including beds, fridges, tables, lounges, blankets and cupboards. Picture: Alicia Harvey

“We were just looking at different accommodation options, what we could provide that might be a point of difference.

“The addition of glamping tents was a simple choice, as we were seeking to provide alternative accommodation options for those wanting to experience nature and our destination’s beautiful climate, while also being able to put their feet up and relax in comfort.

“Glamping provides the fun and enjoyment of camping with the elimination of set up and pack down challenges and irritations.

“All of the new tents are fitted out with home style comforts including beds, fridges, tables, lounges, blankets and cupboards.

The glamping tents at Poinciana Tourist Park. Picture: Alicia Harvey

“We have also upgraded our ensuite amenities block as well as our camp kitchen.

“Both have been upgraded architecturally externally to have a better look and feel, as well as internally to provide better facilities for people staying there.”

He said the feedback he had received had been positive.

“We have had a couple of weekends now of being fully opened and this Easter break just gone, all the tents were occupied,” he said.

Upgraded camp kitchen at Poinciana Tourist Park. Picture: Alicia Harvey

“We have had good feedback from everyone so far.

“We actually had a family that were due to stay in the caravan park with their campervan that had a look at the tents and decided it was something they had never done before so they stayed in the glamping tents instead.

“All we want to do is increase the usability and the quality of the park to a standard where our guests and visitors have better facilities and various stay options.

“We just want to provide the best quality accommodation and facilities that we can.”

The glamping tents at Poinciana Tourist Park. Picture: Contributed

He said the tourist park was nearly at capacity over the Easter weekend.

Further development is planned for the tourist park, with future stages consisting of new modern cabins, upgrading swimming facilities and recreational areas, as well as improved campsites.

“There are a few plans in the pipeline,” Mr Ouston said.

“The main two that are pushing ahead at the moment include upgrades to our campsites. Slabs and roads throughout the park are needing upgrades.

Poinciana Tourist Park is located near Cooee Bay beach and Cedar Park Shopping Centre.

“The other is we have 12 cabins that we plan on removing and replacing with new cabin accommodation of a higher quality.

“We want to make sure we keep our current clientele happy while also improving things for other visitors and locals.”

Capricorn Enterprise chief executive officer Mary Carroll was delighted to see growth at the longstanding tourist park, which she was certain would provide a further boost for the Capricorn Coast.

“Poinciana already offers everything needed to enjoy a coastal getaway, and their new additions and upgrades will further enhance our strong drive destination appealing to yet another group of travellers, providing a private and relaxing experience,” Ms Carroll said.