Country folk have a reputation for erring on the conventional side of things – and good, old-fashioned tradition is rarely challenged.
But there are exceptions – and, boy, have those ‘black sheep’ created something extraordinary in the green hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Take John Cochrane of Kenilworth Dairies. A fourth-generation dairy farmer, John watched many of his friends and neighbours in the same business sell their properties to stay afloat in challenging times.
So, he decided to do something about it.
In 2017, John bought the famous Kenilworth Cheese Factory and transformed it into Kenilworth Dairies – as a way of supporting and ensuring the survival of fellow dairy farmers in the region, by using only locally-sourced milk in the dairy’s range of products.
Visitors can now drop into the historic factory and purchase an array of “udderly delicious” dairy delights, including cheese, mousse, yoghurt and farm-fresh milk – putting a smile on John’s face and supporting local dairy producers to boot.
Kookaburra Park in the beautiful Mary Valley is another ‘left-of-field’ country venture that’s proving to be a winner.
In 2019, Emma and Adam purchased a neglected caravan park and spent six months cleaning, building, renovating and utterly transforming it into a unique country escape…. only to have Covid rear it’s unwelcome head, a mere 10 days after the grand opening.
Undaunted, the pair have pushed on – and are now the proud owners of a magical farm-stay that features luxury camping, romantic cabins, rustic teepees, fairy gardens and a menagerie of adopted and rescued animals who now get to call Kookaburra Park their home. And the transformation continues, with the couple’s dreams proving to be as sweeping as their beautiful 75 acre property.
There’s so much to do and see on the Sunshine Coast – and in its gorgeous hinterland. Head to Visit Sunshine Coast for a cornucopia of ideas for day trip adventures and extended holidays. www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au
