SOIRÉES Summertime

Just under 15 minutes from Peregian Beach, is Palm Creek Estate, an 85-acre multi-purpose eco-escape, lending itself to nature-based activities and functions such as weddings, wellness retreats, long lunches, product launches and location shoots, which can all be tailored to any occasion.

While this secluded gem has primarily been for private and corporate events, owners Austin and Anna Smith are extending the invitation to locals and visitors, with a slew of fabulous weekend events to come.

The “Summer Series” will offer guests the chance to indulge in paddock-toplate delights and bespoke cocktails, while enjoying all that is to offer at this rustic natural wonderland.

Patrons can get lost in the 5-acre beer garden and sample local fare straight from the farm’s own lush pastures and vineyards, locally-crafted beer and distilled spirits while enjoying live music from talented local artists.

Our Hello Sunshine Sunday Soirée as part of The Curated (side) Plate was one of the first events hosted in the newlyfinished venue, taking the property’s blank canvas and transforming it into a yellow-draped celebration of local produce, chefs, bakers and makers.

Guests indulged in a sensational four-course menu which saw a divine serving of gastronomical fare amid the estate’s exquisite natural backdrop, with the soulful sounds of Andrea Kirwin.

“We have a diverse cross-section of people and we’ve got the opportunity to bring them all here and let them celebrate,” Austin says, “The Sunday Soirée was the perfect example of that. They came, they saw, they ate, they explored and all the boxes were ticked.”

In fact, we loved the venue so much we used the setting for a recent fashion shoot for Hello Sunshine Magazine

Austin says Palm Creek Estate will be open to the public with key events dotted throughout the summer calendar as part of a long-term vision that will one day hopefully see their doors open daily.

“We want people to come on a farm tour, pick some passionfruits and limes, and take them back to the barman who will then take them through a cocktail masterclass,” he says. “They will be able to access trails with a range of different picnic sites. And as part of that booking they can come here, grab a hamper full of local flavours and choose their spot. It’s nature-based immersive tourism.”

With a background in agri-business, Austin and Anna purchased the property in 2008 and it has been a labour of love, shared with their three children.

What was once an overgrown plantation, this hidden valley of soaring native hardwoods has seen a complete transformation, with the family turning the ramshackle property into a worldclass entertaining locale.

Clearing the land was a daunting task, but these two were born and bred on farms – Anna with thoroughbreds and livestock in Victoria and Austin from a Station on the One Tree Plain in Western New South Wales.

After demolishing the collapsed cow shed and removing five truckloads worth of debris, they planted passionfruit vines, lime and lychee orchards to sell at local farmers’ markets, echoing the 1950s, when the original owners would transport milk and veggies to Tewantin in horse and cart.

Once the couple began using their land to host private parties, including a Noosa Eat & Drink Festival event, Anna and Austin realised the property’s potential.

“Guests have the best of both worlds when it comes to rainforest-meetsbeach, with its trails leading through palm-lined creeks and soaring native hardwoods, and views of the breathtaking coastline,” Austin said.

With ample car parking, expansive lawns and gardens, a new function barn, bar and amenities, the venue allows guests to fully indulge in a complete experience for the senses.

Bus transfers will be available for guests from Mooloolaba to Noosa for the Summer Soirées from $30 return.

Check the Palm Creek Estate website for upcoming events. Bookings are essential. For private bookings, don’t miss the open day on 22 January.