South Coast Experiences

Eleven Eighty is a venue steeped in history within the town of Coolangatta.  I had the pleasure of catching up with dedicated owner and host Clare who has had quite a journey in making the vision of this wonderful property come to life.

Tell us about it and why people love it so much?  

Eleven Eighty has definitely been a labour of love.  When we began this project we were committed to ensuring that the property maintained its history and importance for the town of Coolangatta.  I think through the restoration we have bought back to life the elements that people get excited about such as the old school house built by David Berry in 1861 to cater for the towns children.  People love this and the fact that we have designed a venue that has beautiful tables and seating for 80, so many props to help with the styling and with the courtyard as the centrepiece!  With all these inclusions it makes for an easy space to style and create as your own.  The events space is contained with the schoolhouse at one end, room for food trucks  at the other end and a bar and reception area to the side.

Give us some examples of what makes your business unique?  

The fact that you can have your ceremony in the open garden space then move into the dedicated reception area is unique and with every area being a delight to photograph it offers endless opportunities for weddings and  celebration parties. The vintage train carriage has been styled as the ‘green room’  the perfect spot for the bride to have their makeup and hair done, a great place for husband and wife to celebrate with a glass of bubbles after the ceremony and before the reception begins.

We believe we have a created a great destination venue.

You are receiving such wonderful feedback whats your secret?  

Our attention to detail from the first site visit to the ‘Just Married’ car leaving the venue we pride ourselves on ensuring you have the ultimate event.  As the venue is newly renovated and ready to book the feedback is important… and its been amazing.  I think offering tables and chairs that are crafted and look great undressed for 80 people, having enough styling props and fantastic lighting with chandeliers and festoon lights has also been a wonderful surprise for people booking.  We recently featured in the wedding Polkadot Weddings which has been great for getting the word out there.

Why do you love being part of South Coast Experiences?  

South Coast Experiences is such a great initiative. Kates vision of designing a website that offers the group of businesses for all areas of tourism is unique and a perfect fit for us.  We are a venue that is versatile in what we offer and works with other local businesses so to have it all on one site is a great win for us.  Its also great to have the connection with other businesses in our industry and grow as a group.

Any plans or announcements as we move forward?  

Our venue is ready for weddings, parties and corporates, our family has been dedicated to launching this project which we have thoroughly enjoyed and for 2023 we want to see it flourish and be available for all.  We will be always making improvements our focus is always towards designing events and stays that will be held highly as memories for our guests.  We still have weekends available for 2024 so we are excited to see it all unfold.