Sunshine returns to Sunshine Coast as region escapes worst of Cyclone Marcia’s fury

The weekend saw the Sunshine Coast receive over 200mm of rain, but the region escaped the worst of Cyclone Marcia’s fury, and tourism businesses are already reporting a “full return to normal”.

However, the coming of Cyclone Marcia did see the postponment of two major events - with Flame Hill Winery’s annual Grape Stomp to now be held next Saturday (28th February) at the winery in Montville.

The Mooloolaba Mile swimming race also had to be postponed, with a revised date still to be announced.

While some roads, including the Bruce Highway, were temporarily cut during the weekend, most have been reopened for traffic, with only some smaller roads around Gympie still affected.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) Chief Executive Simon Ambrose said that the region had been well prepared for the adverse weather, and while some disruption was caused during the weekend, most tourism businesses remained open and operating.

Ambrose explained “the Sunshine Coast has had an exceptional summer season, with virtually no weather disruption, and we were fortunate that Cyclone Marcia spared the region its full fury.

“It was impressive that many hotels and other tourism businesses had organised contingency plans to maintain services over this period, and while some people postponed their trips because of the weather, we can expect them back on the Sunshine Coast a little later in the year.”

For further information on the Flame Hill Winery’s annual Grape Stomp go to www.flamehill.com.au

15th January 2015 - CALL FOR NEXT QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE MOST OF MAJOR TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

11th December 2014 - SUNSHINE COAST RECORDS 11% INCREASE IN DOMESTIC VISITORS THROUGH WINTER AS VICTORIANS HEAD NORTH 

3rd February 2011 - QUEENSLAND TAKES STOCK AFTER MONSTER CYCLONE 

2nd February 2011 - CATASTROPHIC CYCLONE SET TO DEVASTATE TROPICAL QUEENSLAND COAST

1st February 2011 - CYCLONE YASI FORCES WHITSUNDAY RESORT EVACUATIONS

22nd October 2010 - HELPING QUEENSLAND TOURISM WEATHER THE STORM