One of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic wedding photography locations, One Tree Hill, will close to the public next month after being “loved to death”.
Key points:
- The popular wedding photo destination in Maleny will close to the public from February 1
- The Woods family said they could not come to an agreement with Sunshine Coast Council
- The pay-to-visit destination has donated more than $50,000 to charities
The lone cherry tree in Maleny, with backdrops of the Glasshouse Mountains, located on the Woods family farm, is recognized around the world after being photographed for more than two decades.
But a stoush with the Sunshine Coast Council has prompted the family to close access to their beloved hinterland property.
Francis Woods said the closure was “months in the making” after the council received several complaints about people using the location.
“We received a letter from the council that says we’re in breach because we’re a rural property, so obviously not a commercial business,” Mr Woods said.
“No fine has been issued yet … it was a threat.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said it had received complaints in 2021 and 2022 in relation to wedding ceremonies on the property.
The spokesperson said on both occasions council officers had written to the owner informing them that the use of the property for functions was unlawful and a development permit must be sought.
Mr Woods said he was unaware of any ceremonies taking place near One Tree Hill.
Site raised $50,000 for charity
The farm has raised more than $50,000 for local charities, collected from the $50 admission fee for those wanting to take photographs on the property.
Mr Woods said the initiative was started by his elderly mother Florence after it was suggested by her late husband, Frank.
“She’s pretty upset that I’ve taken the decision to stop it from happening. She wanted me to tolerate the council,” he said.
“The council didn’t even want to mediate … so just as a family, we decided that it was more of a headache than it needed to be.”
Photographer with a heavy heart
Luke Middlemiss has been taking photos at the popular site for over 15 years.
“As a photographer, I have been privileged to capture the love and connection between countless couples,” Mr Middlemiss said.
“The breathtaking sunsets, panoramic views of the hinterland, and all the special moments shared here will always be dear to me.
“While I understand and respect the decision of the family to close, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this sanctuary and all the memories”
Kadence Edmonds and Cameron Keane were one of hundreds of newlyweds who stepped over cow pats on their way to the idyllic position in the past 20 years.
Ms Edmonds said the decision to close the gates was upsetting.
“It’s going to be hard to replace that and I feel so sorry for couples who were looking forward to having their photos there,” Ms Edmonds said.
A ‘casualty of Love’
Hinterland Tourism representative Marlene Murray said One Tree Hill had been “loved to death”.
“I can imagine the sheer volume of people wanting to access these properties has become intense, and I can fully understand if it all becomes too hard,” Ms Murray said.
“Mrs Woods was telling me once that someone was explaining they knew that view because they saw it on the back of a toilet door somewhere overseas.
“Many people around town are disappointed at the moment or feel quite confused about why it’s happened.
“It has now become a casualty of love.”
The property will close to the public on February 1.