About 9 Campbell Rd
9 Campbell Road in Diddillibah is the address of the Sunshine Coast Retreat – a sprawling 25-acre country estate that doubles as a luxury getaway and events venue. Set amidst mango, avocado and lychee orchards on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, it includes a private 9-hole golf course, a full-size sports oval (with rugby posts) and a sizeable clubhouse/function hall. The property hosts a four-bedroom main residence plus five self-contained 2-bedroom cabins, each fully equipped with amenities like air-conditioning, full kitchens, and verandahs overlooking the green fairways or gardens. A gentle creek (Running Creek) winds through the grounds, adding to the relaxed farm-like atmosphere. In short, 9 Campbell Rd blends resort-style lodging and sports facilities in a rural setting – a unique combination on the coast. The venue is pet-friendly and fully wheelchair-accessible, and its manicured gardens and rolling lawns make it both a family retreat and a distinctive hub for community events. This estate was developed on former farmland and only opened around 2020–2021, so all of its buildings and landscaping are brand-new. It has already earned attention in travel and local media as a high-end rural event destination.
Events and Programming
As a venue, 9 Campbell Road operates year-round for private retreats and functions. Weddings, birthday parties, corporate workshops and community gatherings all take place here. In recent years the estate has also hosted large public events – most notably the upscale Coastline BMW “Polo By The Sea” festival. (Polo By The Sea is part of an urban polo series, branded “Sunshine Coast Polo by the Sea” for the Diddillibah stop.) These festivals, held in 2022 and 2023, attracted around a thousand or more guests for an afternoon of sport, fashion and entertainment. In addition to exhilarating horse polo matches, those events featured runway-style fashion competitions (“Fashion on the Field”), novelty races (like a car-versus-pony dash), celebrity DJs (for example Mashd N Kutcher headlined a post-event party) and lavish hospitality marquees with multi-course gourmet menus. In 2023 the venue set up separate VIP and public lounge tents for spectators, with all-inclusive packages (gourmet food and drinks) running well over $200. Admission tickets ranged roughly from $60 for general entry to several hundred dollars for premium marquee packages.
Outside of the big polo festivals, 9 Campbell Rd doesn’t have a fixed public schedule. It is primarily booked for private events and retreats, so there’s no regular “concert every Saturday” or such. Local planners do occasionally use the grounds for community fairs, workshops or sports days, but these are one-off. The site’s own amenities support guests’ self-organized activities too (guests can even borrow golf carts, play on the private tennis court or barbecue by the creek for fun). In general, local media note that the polo events have been the biggest crowds here so far, with other events being by arrangement. Keep an eye on council or tourism announcements if you’re hoping to find open public events at 9 Campbell Rd – most visitors come by specifically booked occasion.
Tickets and Booking
9 Campbell Road itself does not sell tickets to the general public; all access is arranged in advance. For example, tickets for the Sunshine Coast Polo by the Sea were only sold online by the event promoters, with no at-the-door sales. To attend a public event here, you must buy tickets when announced on the event’s official website or social media. It’s wise to purchase early, as popular events often sell out. Prices vary by event – for past polo festivals, general admission was around $60 and VIP hospitality packages (food and drinks included) ran several hundred dollars. For private functions or venue rental, you deal directly with Sunshine Coast Retreat. The five cabins and the function hall can be booked by calling the venue or using their website. The site even advertises a “book direct & save” option for accommodation. There is no physical box office at the address; everything is ticketed or reserved beforehand. In short, secure festival tickets online as soon as they go on sale, and for stays or private hires contact the retreat management to reserve your date.
Seating and Layout
The venue’s layout is highly flexible rather than fixed, reflecting its farm-venue nature. There is a large indoor hall (the “clubhouse”) that can be arranged with tables and chairs for dinners, meetings or dances. However, most of the action at 9 Campbell Rd happens outside on the grass. For events like polo matches or festivals, organizers usually erect marquees or tents and set up temporary seating or lounge areas. For example, past polo days had VIP lounge tents and a “Polo Club” tent along the sidelines, with open lawn space for general admission spectators.
If you plan to attend a public event, think of it like watching a sports game on an open field. Organizers often provide audio/visual coverage (speakers and live screens) but no fixed stands. Spectators typically stand or sit on blankets near the edge of the action, or use light folding chairs in shaded areas. A good viewpoint is midway down the field or under any marquee cover. The indoor clubhouse hall is much smaller and offers limited seating, so most concert- or sport-viewing happens outdoors. Sound generally carries well across the fields, but it can get distorted if there’s heavy wind. In practice, try to avoid standing immediately in front of loudspeaker stacks, and for daytime events keep the sun at your back. For longer events, consider bringing a portable cushion or low chair since seating on hard bleacher steps can become uncomfortable. Otherwise, everyone is welcome to spread out – the lawn is wide and viewlines are mostly unobstructed by anything but the players and goalposts.
Getting There and Parking
Address: 9 Campbell Road, Diddillibah QLD 4559 (the resort is also signposted as Sunshine Coast Retreat). It sits a short drive from Maroochydore or Noosa. Bring a GPS – the country lanes are not brightly lit, so it helps to program your map in advance.By Car: The venue is about 20 minutes north of Maroochydore on David Low Way. From the Bruce Highway (M1), exit at Nambour/Twin Waters and head toward Noosa on David Low Way (Diddillibah Road). Turn left into Campbell Road (signed) and follow it down to the gate. Roads are paved but narrow in spots, so drive with care. If using Google Maps or GPS, searching “9 Campbell Road Diddillibah” will get you there.Public Transport: Sunshine Coast Train does not reach here, and buses are infrequent. The nearest bus stops run along David Low Way (the highway) about 1–2 km from the property, a brisk walk. The quickest way by public transport is usually to take any Sunshine Coast bus to Maroochydore and then a taxi or rideshare from there. Uber or local taxis can drop you at the entrance; just note that after big late-night events rides may be scarce, so plan ahead.By Air: The closest airport is Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY – Maroochydore), about 25 km (20–25 min drive). From MCY you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Maroochydore plus a local taxi to Diddillibah. For travelers coming via Brisbane, Brisbane Airport (BNE) is roughly 120 km away (about 1.5–2 hours by car). Sunshine Coast Airport is more convenient if available.Parking: On-site parking is abundant and free. There is a large paved carpark and multiple shaded carports near the cabins (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ). Space is also available for boat trailers, RVs or caravans. During major events, staff will direct you into marked parking rows. You will not be charged for parking – it’s included in your ticket or booking.
Inside the Venue
Entry and Security: Visitors ring a bell or use a key-code at the main gate. For organized events, staff manage the entrance and may check tickets and ID. Outside of event times, the property is generally only open to registered guests (cabins and function hires).Atmosphere: Expect a very laid-back, friendly vibe. The setting feels like a private farm party rather than a corporate venue. Attire is casual unless a specific event has a dress theme. Reviewers often note how peaceful mornings are on the verandah.Food & Drink: There is no permanent café or bar on site. Guests staying overnight self-cater using the full kitchen or BBQ at their cabin. During public events, food trucks or caterers and licensed bars are set up by the organizers. Outside food or drink is generally not allowed at ticketed events, so plan to eat/drink from vendors or what’s included in your package.Facilities: Each cabin has its own bathroom and laundry. The large, barn-like clubhouse has full restrooms (including disabled-access). Free Wi-Fi reaches all cabins and common areas (sunshine-coast-retreat.sunshine-coast-tophotels.com ), and room charges/ticket purchases are done by card (no ATM). There is no coat check or gift shop; any merchandise is event-specific. Electricity and lighting are standard – there’s modest lighting along paths at night, so a small flashlight can be handy after dark.Special Features: The grounds include hammocks and a fire pit by the tranquil Running Creek (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ). Guests can fish or relax on the creekbank (always supervise children there). Pets on leash are allowed in outdoor areas, adding to the “farm stay” feel. The property even has a private footy/cricket oval for play (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ).Payment: All purchases here are by card or online. The cabins have plenty of outlets and USB ports – bring chargers. Card machines (or Australia’s tap-and-go) are used even at event bars. There are no cash facilities, and most vendors do not accept cash.
Nearby Amenities
Food & Drink: With no on-site restaurant, guests eat locally. Mudjimba (10 min east) has bakeries, cafes, a tavern and takeaway outlets; Maroochydore (15 min south) has many more options. Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore) is only about 13 minutes away (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ) and offers full-service restaurants and supermarkets.Shopping: There’s a small general store and bottle shop at Diddillibah Rd (~2 km from the venue). For a full supermarket, service station or ATM, you’ll head to Bli Bli or Buderim (15–20 min drive).Hotels & Stays: Besides the 5 on-site cabins, the nearest hotels are in Maroochydore or Sunshine Coast Airport (Novotel, RACV – about 15–20 min distant). Beachside resorts in Mudjimba, Twin Waters or Coolum are within a half-hour drive if you plan to stay offsite.Other: Nearby attractions include Mudjimba Beach, the Big Pineapple (a local landmark) and Noosa Heads (25–30 min drive). Take note: after a late event, rideshares may be hard to find overnight. If going home late, pre-book a taxi or designate a driver.Medical & Services: The nearest pharmacy/clinic is in Buderim (about 25 min). Sunshine Coast University Hospital (Buderim) is the closest full hospital (~25 km south). Ambulance and emergency services do cover the area, but plan accordingly.
What Makes This Venue Special
What really sets 9 Campbell Rd apart is that it feels like a private country estate turned events center. It is not a typical civic hall or stadium; instead, it offers a one-of-a-kind blend of countryside retreat and championship sports ground. Walk out of a modern cabin onto rolling lawns and you’re suddenly in nature – kangaroos grazing, fruit trees budding, a creek babbling nearby (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ) (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ). Guests often rave about the “spectacular view” from each verandah and the peaceful sunrise vistas. Yet the facilities inside are polished: a full golf course, big function hall and luxury cabins. By hosting high-profile events like the urban-polo festivals, the venue has earned a reputation for rustic elegance – local reports noted crowds of thousands and famous performers on site (www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au ) (www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au ). Still, it retains a warm, unpretentious charm. It’s one of the only Coast venues where you can bring a dog roaming in the grass or let kids kick a football on a private Australian rules oval (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ). Everything is easily accessible (ramps, wide paths, no-glass areas) so no guest feels excluded. Many visitors describe it as “a rare find” – you get resort-level comfort (five-star cabins and gear) while truly being outdoors in the bush. In summary, 9 Campbell Rd uniquely combines high-end events and accommodation with genuine country charm.
Visitor Tips and Information
Arrival and Tickets: For events, arrive 30–60 minutes early since parking and entry lines can form. Have your printed or e-ticket and ID ready. There is no onsite ticket booth. For cabin stays, standard check-in is after 2pm and check-out by 10am–11am. Staff can be reached by phone during business hours for last-minute questions.Transport: GPS works well here, but cellular data can fluctuate. After parking, note your lot number or cabin location on your phone. If using Uber or taxi at night, know that service is limited outside town. Rideshares don’t pick up late here, so pre-arrange your ride or plan to drive yourself.Packing List: There is no convenience store at 9 Campbell Rd. Bring sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent (bush areas attract mosquitoes). Pack casual clothes and sturdy walking shoes (some paths are dirt). The cabins have full kitchens and BBQs, so stock up on groceries beforehand. Also bring any personal meds; the nearest pharmacy is a drive away.On-site Etiquette: Keep noise respectful after dark (neighbors and wildlife live nearby). Smoking is prohibited inside cabins or halls – step outside for cigarettes and use ashtrays. Pets must be leashed or crated; clean up after them. When using the communal BBQ or kitchen, leave it clean for others. Most guests report that cleanliness standards are high here.Food & Drink Policies: Remember that during ticketed events, BYO alcohol is usually banned and food is only sold by vendors. Check your ticket for meal inclusions. If you’re staying in a cabin privately, you can bring beer or wine to enjoy responsibly, but dispose of cans & bottles properly. Each cabin has a small fridge and cupboard space.Weather: Queensland weather can change quickly. On warm days, bring a light jacket or jumper for cool evenings. If rain is in the forecast, note that events are often rain-or-shine – organizers will use marquees. No events are guaranteed to cancel for weather, so a waterproof layer or foldable shelter is wise. Flash floods are extremely rare, but avoid deep sections of the creek during storms.Children: The cabins and grounds are very family-friendly. Kids can play on the sports oval or run around. Always supervise children near buildings or the creek. Many families travel with strollers without issue. That said, after-dark event areas might be 18+, so plan childcare if needed for late nights.Accessibility: Wheelchair users are accommodated – cabins, bathrooms and main paths have ramps and wide doors (sunshinecoastretreat.com.au ). Notify the venue in advance if you need any special setup. The lawn is flat but not paved, so it can be uneven to roll on. Wheelchair-access restrooms are available in the clubhouse for events.Other Tips: There is no on-site shop or ATM, so bring any cash or supplies when you arrive. Dress is generally casual, but on theme events (like the polo party) people often dress up. Keep a camera handy – the scenery is photogenic. And above all, plan to relax and soak in the view; part of this venue’s magic is its laid-back atmosphere.
