An unexpectedly large crowd of about 200 people took advantage of a free tram ride to Cedar Tree and then the motorboat down river for the opening of Maroochydore’s first hotel on November 12, 1911.

The Club Hotel, a replica of the Nambour Coffee Palace (Royal George Hotel), had “glorious views from the upper storey”.

“The position is an excellent one and the establishment should turn out a success,” it was reported.

“The ’Dore will soon become the popular resort it deserves to be not only at Christmas but all year round”.

This flashback is brought to you by veteran Sunshine Coast journalist and historical writer Dot Whittington, also the editor of Your Time Magazine.