Time to reflect on Coast’s tourism ‘icons’

It’s safe to say The Wharf Mooloolaba and Sea Life Sunshine Coast have earned their status as Mooloolaba icons.

The Wharf Mooloolaba and Sea Life Sunshine Coast are celebrating their 30th birthday this month.

They've been a staple of the Sunshine Coast tourism industry for the past 30 years.

So it's safe to say The Wharf Mooloolaba and Sea Life Sunshine Coast have earned their status as Mooloolaba icons.

This weekend the star tourist attractions will celebrate their 30th birthday with a two-day bash at The Wharf, and I encourage everyone to go down and show their support.

There will be free family activities and discounted entry to Sea Life Sunshine Coast, as well as opportunities to try water activities with Sunreef Mooloolaba, free river cruises with Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba and sailing with the Mooloolaba Yacht Club.

With The Wharf recently undergoing a multi-million dollar redevelopment the future of the precinct looks bright, but their birthday is also a chance to reflect.

Both The Wharf and Sea Life Sunshine Coast - formerly Underwater World - have continued to evolve to ensure they remain relevant in what is a competitive market.

Today The Wharf is home to a variety of different restaurants, cafes, bars and boutique stores, transforming the space into a destination in itself.

We have also seen a number of new tourism experiences made available from The Wharf, with visitors now able to embark on a seafood cruise, whale watching experience, board a fishing charter or hire a wide range of watercraft from the precinct.

I recently wrote a column focused on how new offerings encourage return visitation and entice new markets to the Sunshine Coast.

But it is equally as important for existing businesses to continue to reinvent themselves to keep up with tourist demand.

Across the region there are some great examples of tourist attractions that have moved with the times to maintain their status as 'icons'.

It wasn't that long ago that The Big Pineapple was Australia's number one tourist attraction.

Fast-forward almost 40 years and Pineapple precinct is on the cusp of being transformed back to its former glory with a $150 million renewal project.

Next year Australia Zoo will deliver an $8 million wildlife camping experience - called Camp Croc Hunter - which will open in 2020 as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Reinvention is key for staying ahead in the game, and it's never too late to get started.