One of the most iconic photo locations on the Sunshine Coast – which has hosted many happy couples on their special day – is set to close permanently.
Located at a private property at Maleny, the idyllic One Tree Hill has been used for wedding and engagement shoots, plus for amateur and professional photographers wanting to capture the beauty of the landscape.
After beginning as a passion project, for more than 25 years the Woods family has generously been letting people access the now-famous spot on their property.
Over that time they have raised more than $50,000 for local charities through a $50 honesty-box system for visitors.
Now the family has made the decision to discontinue public access, with the site to permanently close on February 1.
Sunshine Coast News understands Sunshine Coast Council received a complaint in 2021 relating to the use of the property for wedding ceremonies, and a further complaint in October 2022.
“On both occasions council officers have written to the owner of the property informing them that the use of this property for a function facility is unlawful,” a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said.
“A development permit must be sought before the use can lawfully operate on this property.”
However, the council had not forced the closure of the property for photographers.
A social media post by One Tree Hill Maleny Farm on January 7 announcing the decision to close received a flood of responses praising the generosity of the family for allowing photography there.
Some also slammed the “lack of respect” some visitors had shown for the property and its owners.
Hinterland Tourism’s media adviser Marlene Murray told Sunshine Coast News the location had been a vital connection to the local wedding scene and had been “overwhelmed with love” over the years.
“It has just been loved so much,” Ms Murray said.
“This was (Mrs Woods’) passion project to give back and my goodness has it really given back.
“I think it has been a vital connection to land. We are so famous in Australia for weddings in this region.
“We just want to express our thanks to their generosity.”
Ms Murray said over the year donations to enter the site had gone to the Maleny Hospital for special beds, plus to help wards for premature babies in Brisbane.
It had also supported the Maleny Men’s Shed and Maleny Swimming Pool.
Ms Murray said the announcement had received a groundswell of attention from photographers and couples with pre-planned photo shoots for the site.
She said Hinterland Tourism was working with photographers to find alternate locations and asked for everyone to respect the decision of the owners.
“There are lots of other locations in the hinterland – this one just became iconic because of the way it is situated,” she said.
“I’ve been onto the photography groups and we’ve been troubleshooting.
“Quite a few of the photographers have already negotiated other private locations.”
She said a nearby dairy farm that supplied to Maleny Dairies was considering opening a paddock for photo opportunities but nothing had been confirmed at this stage.
“The other property has the same backdrop and might get the sunset better as it is on the western side where you head across the range,” Ms Murray said.
The announcement comes as this weekend the region will host the annual Maleny Wedding Festival Trail on January 14 and 15.
Ms Murray said interest in weddings in the hinterland region was at its strongest levels in more than three years.
“This coming year for the hinterland for weddings is just going to be insane after COVID,” she said.
“Bookings are coming back very strong and we have the strongest registrations we have ever had for the trail this weekend.”
The trail is held at nine wedding venues, with a range of suppliers and business from Maleny to Palmwoods in attendance.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
