The Lake Coolmunda Roadhouse in Queensland has reopened under new ownership – and it’s had an impressive revamp.
Apart from the skeleton of the old building, everything is essentially brand new, from the toilets and showers to the kitchen, shop, tanks and bowsers.
The new owner, Abdul Syed, told Big Rigs that he was delighted to be able to bring the roadhouse back to life.
“This used to be a very popular roadhouse, and the previous owner closed it down to rebuild it,” he said.
“He never got to do the rebuild, but I thought the place had great potential.
“We’ve spent the last nine months renovating it, and I’m very excited to be reopening to truckies and the public.”
The parking bay can fit up to 20 B-doubles, with another rest area for trucks just across the road.
“The government’s rest stop is right opposite the roadhouse, and that can fit about eight B-doubles as well,” Syed added.
“In terms of proper truck stops, there’s nothing for about 100km either side of here, and the lake is right behind us too.”
The roadhouse, which was formerly a Caltex, is now a Shell dealership open from 5am to 9pm daily.
Fuel will be available 24/7, after a brief testing period.
“We will have a 24-hour outdoor payment terminal on site in about a week’s time,” Syed added.
Hot and cold food is available, with a full restaurant menu as well as takeaway sandwiches and coffees.
Syed, who has years of experience in managing truck stops, has made a point of supporting local.
“From the staff to the bread to the meat and produce, everything is local where possible.”
The roadhouse opened for business yesterday and is running a special offer this week to encourage truckies to stop by.
“Any truck driver who fills up over $100 of fuel will get a free sandwich and coffee,” Syed said. “They are very welcome.”
Read the full story in the next issue of Big Rigs, on shelves August 2.