My Countrytown: Beth Lucas - Yandina, Queensland

Yandina is a small, rural town in the Sunshine Coast area of Queensland. As of the 2016 census, the town had a reported population of 2,371 people.

One of the people who was raised and knows the importance of a small town like Yandina is country singer Beth Lucas, who has kindly summarised the wonderful things about her hometown for this edition of My Countrytown.

You can listen to her new single, Home Town, below.

The heritage

Yandina's rich history has always fascinated me. As a kid, I remember walking through the town's streets and feeling like I’d stepped back in time. Even though it has seen more development in recent years, it still boasts a lot of iconic landmarks like the Yandina Hotel, which was established in the late 1800s and is a real-life connection to the town's heritage as the first town in the Maroochy Shire and one of the oldest towns on the Sunshine Coast.

The location

As an adult, I also have a newfound appreciation for the location of the town. Growing up, I did feel like we were stuck in the middle of nowhere, and I always had a strong sense of longing to get out, but I can now appreciate how central and convenient it is. It is a short 15-20 minutes to Coolum Beach and its surrounds and also has some beautiful scenery in and around the township, like Mount Ninderry, Wappa Falls and Dunethin Rock. If you love a bushwalk, then those spots are a must-do!

The Ginger Factory

The Ginger Factory is another landmark that has a really interesting history. It was established in the late 1970s and has become one of the biggest ginger processing factories in the world! One of its most popular attractions is the Ginger Train, which runs through the gardens (which my Dad contributed to in the 90s) and allows its passengers to learn about the cultivation and processing of ginger. 

The food

Aside from the historic buildings around town, Yandina is also home to multiple award-winning cafes and restaurants like The Spirit Hoh - a famous restaurant and cooking specialising in Southeast Asian dining. One of my favourite pastimes, though, would have to be visiting Pete’s Village Bakery after school for a cheeky cream bun. It’s been in the same spot since it opened in the 80s and still has some of the best bakery treats in the region!

The markets

Finally, the Yandina Country Markets are a must-do if you’re visiting the area. They’re held on the first Saturday of every month and are a community-driven market offering handmade crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, secondhand goods and more. They’re fast becoming one of the most popular markets on the Coast and a fantastic opportunity to support local artisans, farmers, and small businesses.