Captain’s on Carlo now licensed

By Lee McCarthy

Now in its fourth month, Captain’s on Carlo is thriving with locals and tourists excited that once again Carlo Point has a venue to enjoy great food, good wine and stunning sunsets.

Alison Little is the owner and this pocket rocket is fulfilling a two-year dream of running a takeaway and bistro at Carlo Point and living in Rainbow Beach.

While the seven-day business has been BYO, it is now licenced with an inside dining area and a deck and offering a bistro, as well as takeaway.

With only fresh Australian seafood and local whenever possible, Alison has a standard she maintains with loyal staff and repeat customers, and insists on the best and freshest products.

Alison said: “I am from Coolum Beach and I camped regularly at the caravan park at Carlo Point and saw this amazing location and what it had the potential to be.

“It was vacant for over 18 months and I felt someone had to give it a revamp and bring this beauty back to life so I thought – pick me!

“This has been a dream of mine to live here in Rainbow Beach, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

“Once I saw it was vacant, I created it in my head and decided to take the leap with the family’s support and while it has had a few challenges, we have loved the support and it is full steam ahead.

“While it was not ‘convenient’ with three teenage children and two businesses back on the Sunshine Coast, I have been lucky that the family are all extremely supportive and proud of what we are creating here.

“My husband Jud has a plumbing business with second born Jacob, a second year apprentice,  Byron our first born is at university doing his paramedic degree and our baby, Aria, is at high school.”

Alison is currently living between the business at Rainbow Beach and the family home in Coolum Beach.

“It is tough being away from the family, but if COVID showed me anything, it is that life is given to fulfill your dreams as who knows what is around the corner and, as my husband Jud keeps telling me, ‘enjoy the ride’.

“I think COVID has challenged people’s thoughts of what is important, with family and time together in a beautiful place at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds.

“Whether it is more beautiful holidays by the beach or a sea change, Rainbow Beach is going to be huge and the place to be with sun, sand, fun, family times, relaxation, food, drinks, views, climate, chilled people and places.

“We send a big thank you to all the loyal Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and Tin Can Bay locals and tourists that have supported our new business and are giving us the most amazing feedback on our freshness and beautiful food in a spectacular location.

“We hope the relaxed atmosphere of the Bistro Bar at sunset will bring you all back to Carlo Point soon and your loved dogs are welcome on the deck with you too.”

Captain’s on Carlo offers takeaway or Bistro dining with a licensed bar (no BYO) and water sports hire – the venue is open seven days from 11am – 7pm (or later). Call 0419 611 009 to book.