The grass is greener at Mitchell Grass Retreat

What progress or major milestone are you most proud of?

There have been many milestones achieved since the start of development in 2019, but top of the list would be launching the first 5-star glamping retreat in Central West Outback from July 2020 to mid pandemic!  Our original schedule for opening was in April 2020, but given the circumstances, we were thrilled to be welcoming our first guests just three months later.

What kind of support has the department given your business and how has it impacted your business?

In the 2019 Year of the Outback, Mitchell Grass Retreat was one of 15 key projects awarded funding as part of the Queensland Government Outback Queensland Tourism Infrastructure Fund. With the support of this funding, our dreams to create a high-end accommodation experience in Longreach could proceed.  The welcome financial boost from this funding, gave us the extra capacity to build 15 permanent eco-tents, a common area for guests, swimming pool, climate-controlled units, and fire pits. In addition to this funding support, Mitchell Grass Retreat welcomed Queensland Government representatives for a pre-opening tour of the property in May 2020. The media stories resulting from this visit were fantastic in raising our profile and creating interest for our scheduled opening.

What’s on the horizon for Mitchell Grass Retreat in 2023?

Since opening in 2020, Mitchell Grass Retreat has successfully attracted a new high-end visitor to Longreach and Outback Queensland. One particularly strong segment is the ‘luxury group travel’ market – particularly fly-in charter groups. After repeated requests from these groups for onsite dining experiences, we developed a selection of ‘under the stars’ cocktail and three course BBQ dinner packages.

This, now proven demand, for onsite dining experiences and small event/conference facilities, has led to the latest development for Mitchell Grass Retreat – a dedicated function centre. Building commenced on the new ‘Little Tin Shed’ Function Centre in May 2022, and it is due to be operational by 1 April 2023. Measuring 15.5m x 7.5m, the centre will include bar, conference facilities and accessible toilets.  Marketing activity has begun to attract special interest groups, small conferences and private events to Mitchell Grass Retreat from 2023 to 2024. The facility will also enhance the existing dining experience for groups, allowing for all-weather dining and a fully accessible experience for all.

Any final words?

The Queensland Tourism Awards have been instrumental in raising the profile of our unique accommodation and region. The whole process of reviewing every part of our business and benchmarking against industry standards was totally worth the effort!

We are so proud of our consistent, positive guest reviews, and the reaffirmation that our Mitchell Grass Retreat culture of accessibility and service excellence is being delivered.

Find out more about Mitchell Grass Retreat.

Check out all the winners from the 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards.