By Katie Burns
How Did We Get Here?
Tucked away in the rolling greenery of Takura, just ten minutes from the coast, Purnella Park Coach House feels like the kind of place where stories are meant to unfold. And as it turns out, so is ours.
Our journey began not with grand plans or business meetings, but at a humble skate park in late 2022. Two families new to the region, both finding their feet near Hervey Bay, struck up a conversation while their kids scooted, laughed, and made fast friends. A Facebook invite turned into coffee and dinner catch-ups, which grew into a genuine friendship built on shared values, big ideas, and a love of community.
By June 2023, that friendship blossomed into a side hustle. Party360 Fraser Coast was born, an energetic video booth business capturing celebrations of all kinds, from birthdays and Christmas parties to corporate events, charity galas, and weddings. The business grew quickly, carrying us into some truly beautiful venues across the region.
Then came May 2025 and one unforgettable wedding at Purnella Park.
The video booth was set up in the Coach House loft, and as equipment was carried upstairs, we all felt it: the magic of the space. With its rustic barn bones, soaring ceilings, weathered timbers, and undeniable charm, the Coach House had a soul. A place that didn’t just host weddings, it held them.
When the owner casually mentioned she was thinking of selling, something shifted. A spark. A wild, wonderful “what if?” By the end of the night, a half-joking comment turned into a very real plan: Why don’t we buy it together?
And just like that, history was set in motion.
After navigating the whirlwind of selling two homes, securing finance, and purchasing the property with two residences and a working wedding venue, Purnella Park officially changed hands on August 29, 2025. The very next day? A wedding. No easing in, just straight into the deep end, hearts full and sleeves rolled up.
Since then, it’s been a joyful blur. September and October threw us six weddings in seven weeks, glowing feedback, and the start of rebuilding a reputation. Client feedback said we provided warmth, professionalism, and heartfelt hospitality.
Today, Purnella Park Coach House offers couples so much more than a venue. We provide a blank country-style canvas rich in character, ceremony and reception spaces, flexible styling options, curated furniture packages, and a range of catering choices. Designed to suit a variety of budgets, our goal is simple: to make every wedding feel personal, relaxed, and unforgettable.
Behind the scenes, we’ve also been quietly laying the foundations for an even brighter future. Over the past months, much of our energy has gone into the not-so-glamorous but absolutely essential upgrades, electrical and internet improvements, lighting enhancements, plumbing works, and revitalising the gardens, ensuring the venue is as functional and reliable as it is beautiful. With those “boring bits” lovingly in the works and most taken care of, we’re thrilled to share that the next 12 to 18 months will bring some truly exciting additions and thoughtful upgrades, all designed to elevate the guest experience while preserving the rustic charm that makes Purnella Park Coach House so special.
While weddings are at the heart of what we do, Purnella Park Coach House is also a place for celebration in all its forms. The venue is available for a range of other events, including milestone birthdays, engagement parties, anniversaries, corporate retreats, workshops, styled shoots, charity events, and intimate private gatherings.
Looking toward 2026 and 2027, as our calendar fills with weddings and celebrations, we’re reminded that the best stories rarely start with a plan. Sometimes, they begin with a skate park, a friendship, and a beautiful old coach house ready to be reimagined.
Click here to book your wedding or event at Purnella Park Coach House