5 minute read
STORE REVIEW: CALTEX TRAVESTON
Hopping to new heights
Offering a unique combination of Australian sporting history, five-star amenities, and a popular food offer, Caltex Traveston is a service station like no other.
LOCATED ALONG THE Bruce Highway in Kybong, Queensland, Caltex Traveston is more than just a service station – it’s a destination in its own right. With its unique combination of history, modern facilities, and customer-focused offerings, this landmark site has firmly established itself as a muststop destination.
A standout feature of Caltex Traveston is its connection to Australian sporting history. The site is home to Matilda the kangaroo, the beloved mascot of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. At 13 metres tall and weighing six tonnes, Matilda is an iconic attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year.
Lorne Chambers, General Manager of Chevron Australia Downstream, shares his pride in hosting such a significant piece of history.
“Caltex is delighted to make Matilda accessible to the general public. She makes for a pretty unique landmark on the Bruce Highway.
“Visitors travelling north of the Sunshine Coast love the chance to enjoy our first-class facilities at Traveston and snap a holiday pic with Matilda.”
The kangaroo mascot is housed in a specially designed area that includes shaded seating, a tourist information centre, and a lawn perfect for family photos or picnics.
History and hospitality
Beyond its historical appeal, Caltex Traveston offers a modern P&C experience, with facilities designed to cater to a broad range of customers. Whether it’s a truck driver seeking a comfortable rest stop, a family looking for kid-friendly amenities, or a tourist in need of a quick break, the site has something for everyone.
The location’s design reflects this diversity, featuring 24 fuelling hoses, over 100 parking bays for trucks, caravans, coaches, and cars, along with facilities including a water bottle refilling station, serviced bathrooms, truckers lounge, shower and washing facilities, external and internal play zones, BBQ and picnic area, even a pet friendly grassed play area.
Digital touchpoints across the site enhance the customer journey from start to finish. Large LED displays on the façade, promotional and menu screens, and customer-facing point-of-sale screens ensure a seamless and engaging experience.
“Caltex Traveston is more than a rest stop, it is a destination,” explains Chambers.
The site operates on solar power and features its own wastewater treatment plant, helping to reduce its impact on the environment.
The strategic location of Caltex Traveston also plays a significant role in its success. Situated along a major transport route, the site is perfectly positioned to serve both long-haul truck drivers and tourists exploring the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
The recent opening of the Gympie Bypass, which cost $1.162 billion and took 15 years to construct, means that Caltex Traveston is an essential fatigue, food and fuel stop for road users who now bypass the town of Gympie.
Catering to all tastes
Food and drink are another cornerstone of the Traveston experience. The site features the Coffee Plus brand, offering customers the choice between barista-made coffee or quick and cost-effective bean-to-cup options.
Attracting customers going up and down the Bruce Highway, Caltex Traveston skews towards a grab and go offer with nourishing sandwiches, wraps and water being the top sellers.
“The industry landscape is continually evolving and the focus on quality food offerings remains strong nationwide. Brands like Caltex who are keen to invest in new and unique offers will benefit from enhanced customer loyalty and growth across all segments,” says Chambers.
For those looking for a meal or snack, the Tucker Time food offer provides a variety of freshly prepared options, from breakfast items to plated meals available around the clock. Lorne highlights the impact of this offering, noting that the Tucker Time offer accounts for nearly a third of overall shop sales.
“This approach is delivering great growth across units and value as customers know they can trust us to deliver a consistent quality offering, with Caltex Traveston being one of our top performers.”
Collaboration is key
In order to deliver such a strong offer, Chambers explains the importance of strong relationships with suppliers and, of course, customers.
“We believe in the power of partnerships. Collaboration is a big part of our business and supplier relationships are something we devote a lot of time and commitment to.
We believe in the power of partnerships. Collaboration is a big part of our business and supplier relationships are something we devote a lot of time and commitment to.
- Lorne Chambers, General Manager, Chevron Australia Downstream
“A shared understanding of goals and deliverables establishes trustworthy collaboration and enables both parties to win in any environment.”
Caltex, which is currently operated by Chevron, has been helping Australian motorists for over 70 years, and Chambers explains that it will continue to look at how to add value to its customers’ journey from grocery items to coffee or a hot meal in addition to new offers and combination deals.
“Our focus in 2025 is giving our customers the service station they deserve and powering more journeys with our growing Caltex network.”
With Matilda celebrating her fiftieth birthday in 2032, the same year as Brisbane is scheduled to host the Olympic Games, Caltex Traveston can be sure to expect a fresh wave of intrigued visitors.
