Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Palmwoods, The Shed is far more than a retail and dining destination — it’s a living piece of local history. The building is a lovingly restored former Queensland Produce Shed, now home to a vibrant retail emporium and the popular Chew Chew Bistro, creating a unique adaptive re-use of a heritage site.

The emporium is a treasure trove of upmarket, hand-picked vintage furniture, collectables, and homewares, complemented by carefully curated new furnishings and giftware. Next door, Chew Chew Bistro offers a relaxed, family-friendly dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and morning and afternoon teas served daily. Visitors can enjoy delicious food in a space rich with character, right beside the railway tracks — a nod to Palmwoods’ strong rail history.

Originally built as Queensland Produce Sheds, this complex once played a vital role in Palmwoods’ economic growth, serving as a hub for goods transported by rail. By the time owner Marilyn Stokes acquired the property, the buildings had fallen into serious disrepair, with rotting timbers, stormwater damage, and an unstable foundation threatening their future.

Determined to preserve this piece of Palmwoods’ heritage, Marilyn embarked on a seven-year restoration and redevelopment. Her vision was to retain the historic character of the goods sheds while modernising the space for contemporary use. The result is an outstanding example of adaptive re-use, where historic structures have been revitalised to ensure their ongoing significance to the community.

Key features of the restoration include:

  • Replacement of deteriorated foundations and structural elements while salvaging and reusing original timbers wherever possible.
  • Careful restoration of external weatherboards and roofs, with matching materials sourced locally.
  • Design details such as colonial-style windows and wide barn doors, echoing the original rail shed aesthetic.
  • Creation of versatile internal spaces to house a retail emporium and bistro while honouring the building’s industrial past.

Today, The Shed stands as a beautiful balance of rustic charm and contemporary function — a celebration of Palmwoods’ past that continues to serve the community.

Visitor Information

  • Accessibility: Chew Chew Bistro is wheelchair friendly and features a left-hand transfer accessible WC.
  • Family Friendly: Chew Chew Bistro is child-friendly, making it a welcoming stop for families.