The 600 acre farming property, Eagle Nest Park, is the first eco-tourist facility to be approved under the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Local Environment Plan, with plans to open for visitors in mid 2018. 

President of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, Janette Hyde, said the region had one of the highest visitation rates in the state, and a key priority for the area was to offer a broad range of accommodation facilities.

“This eco-tourism venture will provide our region with a unique accommodation option, and provide people with yet another reason to visit our beautiful coastline and contribute to the local economy,” Mrs Hyde said.

The property safeguards an important link between Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land and Queens Lake Nature Reserve, and preserves core koala habitat and a migration corridor. It features ocean views across Grants Head at Bonny Hills, a stretch of waterfront along Queens Lake, and 438 acres of native bushland. 

Paul Mansfield purchased the grazing property in 2013 after holidaying in the area for more than 45 years, and is thrilled to soon open it up for others to enjoy.

“The accommodation will be geared towards group bookings such as family reunions, as well as corporate and start-up business retreats,” Mr Mansfield said.

“We’re building comfortable cabins by adapting shipping containers, with a commercial kitchen, communal dining and lounge room, an alfresco bbq area and fire pit. 

“There will also be a swimming pool, recreation shed and easy access to the lake, dams and Jolly Nose State Forest.”

Special consideration has been given to minimising the impact of the accommodation on the environment through building design and tree preservation. The site uses off grid power and water, and will include 50kW solar panels, 260 000 litre water tanks and has 3 large dams for other water uses.

Mr Mansfield said he was looking at ways for the community to share in the natural beauty of the land, with plans for an open day next year and potential future community events.

“This has been a project of passion. It’s about creating a place for people to come and make memories with their families, and for businesses to get out of the busy cities and regroup with their teams,” Mr Mansfield said.

“My own kids never have their iPads on here. There is so much to do - fishing and kayaking, swimming, playing table tennis and basketball, bush walking, mountain biking, and toasting marshmallows by the fire.”