Coast’s regal tourist attraction enters new era
A regal Coast tourist attraction is entering a new era as determined owners battle for its survival.
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A regal Coast tourist attraction is entering a new era as determined owners battle for its survival.
Sunshine Castle at Bli Bli will remain open with new attractions after it was deemed unsafe to continue full tours of Australia’s biggest castle.
Last month owner Birte Benecke-Uhrig’s fears the castle was not built to stand the test of time were realised when a piece of cement crumbled off a staircase.
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It forced the closure of its popular tours but Ms Benecke-Uhrig said they were hoping the business’s remaining attractions would keep patrons marching through the doors.
The Bli Bli business now offers mini tours for $8 per person and has kept its toy shop and fairytale displays open.
“Pivot is the word of the century,” Ms Benecke-Uhrig said.
“The amount of times our business has had to morph into something new overnight has been incredible.
“I’m confident my team can make this work.”
One of the driving factors behind the business’s new direction is a desire to continue to employ their long-term staff members.
“Our head wench has been with us for 11 years and she’s about to go on maternity leave,” Ms Benecke-Uhrig said.
“I have to look out for her and the others … there’s no other option but to find a way.”
After the closure of the tour Ms Benecke-Uhrig asked visitors to pay what they wanted for the mini tour.
She said the money raised during that time helped them decide how much to charge long-term.
The former full castle tour cost $15.
A piece of cement crumbling off a stairwell proved to Birte Benecke-Uhrig what she long feared, the Coast’s 49-year-old castle was not built to stand the test of time.
It has been deemed unsafe to continue tours after irreparable structural issues were realised.
The toy shop, cafe and a mini tour will continue and owners Mrs Benecke-Uhrig and husband Stephan say the business’s future is dependent on community support.
The castle was built in 1972, originally to house fairytale dioramas and dolls, and attracted one million visitors in its first three years trading as Fairytale Castle.
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