Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Christine and Keith Blair with daughter Allie (centre) at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park, where their latest venture, Coffee Time, is bringing locals and tourists together. Photo credit: Helen Cook
When Christine and Keith Blair swapped corporate life for life on the road, little did they imagine that three years travelling around Australia would lead them to running their own caravan park on the Cassowary Coast – and opening a cafe.
Today, together with their daughter Allie, the couple are bringing fresh energy to Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park in Wongaling Beach, creating a welcoming place for visitors and locals alike.
French-born Christine spent 25 years working in telecommunications, while her English husband hails from Yorkshire. After years of demanding corporate life, they decided it was time for a change.
Having stayed in countless caravan parks during their travels, they reckoned they knew what guests wanted.
"We thought, how hard could it be?" Christine laughed. "That's been our motto all the way along."
They fell in love with Tropical Hibiscus almost immediately, attracted by its relaxed atmosphere, convenient location and potential. Taking over in July 2025, they set about improving the park, introducing online bookings and building on its established reputation.
With 14 cabins and camping facilities, the small, friendly park attracts everyone from backpackers and travelling families to grey nomads, including loyal visitors who have been returning for 15 years. But the family's latest venture is proving just as popular.
When they realised an unused space at the front of the property could become a cafe, they invited 25-year-old daughter Allie to join them.
With university and backpacking overseas behind her and years of hospitality experience, Allie embraced the opportunity, establishing Coffee Time, which is fast becoming a favourite local meeting place.
With its rustic, homemade cooking, hearty pies, freshly baked quiches and good coffee, the cafe offers the sort of simple, comforting food that makes you want to linger a little longer – either outdoors on the verandah, or in the comfortable air-conditioning.
It's also becoming a creative community space, showcasing local artists and artisans, with plans for events including the upcoming Art After Dark twilight market.
For Allie, who moved from Brisbane six months ago, the warm welcome from the Mission Beach community has been one of the unexpected pleasures of her new life.
"Because we live on site, this is an extension of our home, and that's something that I want to extend to people visiting us in the cafe," she said.
For the Blair family, Tropical Hibiscus and Coffee Time are more than a business – they're home. And whether you're staying for a week, dropping in for coffee or catching up with friends, there's always a smile and a warm welcome waiting.
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