queensland
9
Q
ueensland offers a heady mix of contrasting landscapes and experiences. It is home to the World-Heritage listed
Great Barrier Reef; the world’s oldest continuous surviving rainforest; an array of wildlife and nature experiences; the metropolitan hub of Brisbane; the white sands of the Whitsundays, Hamilton and Hayman Islands and an historic outback. As well as its beautiful natural surroundings, Australia’s second-largest state has an abundance of indigenous ancestry, fantastic fl avours and foodie experiences, along with world-class events and festivals. And now is the time to send your clients beyond its fabulous 8000 miles (includng its islands) of coastline and stretch their imagination. Did you know that Cairns and Tropical North Queensland are rated among the world’s best regions for hot air ballooning? And have you ever heard of Muttaburra? Perhaps it is time you did as it is on the heritage trail to Aramac and features a Pump Hole, the Jump Up and a spot where your clients can tether their horses to a coolibah tree and enjoy the outback experience. It’s an exciting time for the Australian state with the G20 summit taking place in Brisbane in November this year and the Gold Coast gearing up to host the Commonwealth Games in August 2018. Recent fi gures show that UK holiday arrivals to Queensland are on the up by an impressive 11% over the previous 12 months – and not only are we staying longer but we are spending more. Two big-hitting areas of Queensland hoping to gain from our increased spend are iconic Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast. Together they have joined forces to promote themselves in the UK market as Australia’s Nature Coast and are seeking UK trade partners to help build awareness and hence sales to their natural attractions. The region wants to encourage UK travellers to stay longer in their part of the state and recognise
its broader range of tourist destinations. Said Jan Foletta, Trade & International Manager at Sunshine Coast Destination on her recent visit to London: “This is a long-term partnership designed to increase visitor dispersal, length of stay and yield from UK travellers in coming years.” The combined region is said to represent ‘the best of Queensland’s’ natural attractions and experiences, including two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves side by side. Plus there are 47 State and National Parks, Reserves and Forests and over 200 kilometres of beaches, rivers and waterways full of birdlife. Product specifi cally expected to gain increased exposure are hinterland walking experiences, including the Hinterland Great Walk, and trips to the majestic Glass House Mountains. Flight-seeing opportunities across the region are also recommended. Queensland’s Outback is within easy reach
Main pic: Sunset in Queensland ‘s Outback; Top: The Kuranda Scenic Railway passes Robb’s Monument in the Barron Gorge; Above: Mountain biking near Logan City
of its coastal cities and a farm stay is a great way to meet ‘the locals’ and experience life on a working farm. Locations spread across the state from the hinterland; west of the Great Divide to Toowoomba; the Granite Belt and north to Cairns with a choice of B&B, full board or self-catering accommodation. For some spectacular scenery and the opportunity to visit a town called Dingo, a drive west from Rockhampton, on the Tropic of
sellingtravel.co.uk
“The combined region of the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts are said to represent ‘the best of Queensland’s natural attractions and experiences’, and include two UNESCO Biospehere Reserves”
JAN FOLETTA, TRADE & INTERNATIONAL MAMNAGER, SUNSHINE COAST DESTINATION
Capricorn, to Emerald in the Central Highlands takes in Lake Maraboon, measuring three times the size of Sydney Harbour and the spectacular sandstone scenery of Blackland Tableland. Another ‘must’ experience is a walk in a
rainforest. Daintree National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and at Cape Tribulation the rainforest meets the reef. The dense forest is home to many ancient plants, birds and animals unique to the region. An opportunity to look down on the rainforest is on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which runs from near Cairns up to Kuranda. The cableway features gondolas with glass fl oors through which you can wonder at the Barron Gorge National Park and the ancient forest below. Home to Australia’s smallest ‘roo’ – the musky rat kangaroo –its biggest butterfl y and its heaviest
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