Incredible wedding photo location is now off limits to everyone after council complaint forces farmers to shut their gates forever: ‘It’s been loved to death’

  • One Tree Hill is located in the rural town of Maleny, southwest of the Sunshine Coast
  • Location is famous for its lone cherry tree and Glass House Mountains backdrop
  • Council sent the farm a letter claiming the property was being unlawfully used
  • The popular site has donated $50,000 to charity from collected admission fees

An iconic wedding photo location famous for its rolling hills and lone tree has closed its gates to Queensland newlyweds after being ‘loved to death’.

One Tree Hill, located on the Woods family farm in the rural town of Maleny, southwest of the Sunshine Coast, is famous for its lone cherry tree and stunning backdrop of the Glass House Mountains.

However, the Woods family was reluctant to close access to their beloved farm on February 1 after receiving a threatening letter from the Sunshine Coast Council.

One Tree Hill (pictured), which is located on the Woods Family Farm in the rural town of Maleny southwest of the Sunshine Coast, is closing its gates to the public and wedding photographers

One Tree Hill (pictured), which is located on the Woods Family Farm in the rural town of Maleny southwest of the Sunshine Coast, is closing its gates to the public and wedding photographers

The location is a popular spot for newlyweds and is famous for its lone cherry tree and rolling Glasshouse Mountains backdrop (pictured)

The location is a popular spot for newlyweds and is famous for its lone cherry tree and rolling Glasshouse Mountains backdrop (pictured)

“We received a letter from the council that said we’re in breach because we’re a rural property, so obviously not a commercial business,” Francis Woods told the ABC.

Mr Woods explained the letter was a threat as no fine had yet been issued by the council.

The farm charged photographers a $50 admission fee and has donated more than $50,000 of the funds collected to local charities.

‘The council don’t even want to mediate … so just as a family, we decided that it’s more of a headache than it needs to be,’ Mr Woods said.

Sunshine Coast photographer Luke Middlemiss (pictured) said he is saying goodbye with a 'heavy heart' to One Tree Hill after taking photos at the location for over 15 years

Sunshine Coast photographer Luke Middlemiss (pictured) said he is saying goodbye to One Tree Hill

The Sunshine Coast Council said multiple complaints were made in 2021 and 2022 that wedding ceremonies were taking place on the property – a claim Mr Woods denies.

The council told Daily Mail Australia a development permit was required if the Woods family wished to continue using the property for wedding ceremonies.

‘The Council has not required the taking of wedding photos to cease at the site,’ a Sunshine Coast Council Spokesperson said.

‘[Council] is only requiring the owner to seek a development approval, if they wish to continue to use the property for wedding ceremonies.

‘Further contact has been made with the owner to provide additional information if they wish to continue the wedding ceremony.

Sunshine Coast photographer Luke Middlemiss told Daily Mail Australia he was saying goodbye to the location with a ‘heavy heart’ after taking photos at One Tree Hill for more than 15 years.

It comes after the council sent a threatening letter to the Woods family claiming One Tree Hill (pictured) was being used unlawfully as a commercial business

It comes after the council sent a threatening letter to the Woods family claiming One Tree Hill (pictured) was being used unlawfully as a commercial business

‘As a photographer, I have been privileged to capture the love and connection between countless couples at One Tree Hill,’ Mr Middlemiss said.

‘[The] iconic location has held a special place in my heart… 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 One Tree Hill, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this sanctuary and all the memories made here.’

Hinterland Tourism representative Marlene Murray said the iconic location was ‘loved to death’ by a countless number of locals and tourists alike.

Ms Murray said locals were disappointed about the decision but understand the closure as the farm is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful site.

‘It has now become a casualty of love,’ Ms Murray said.

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