26 regional tourism projects delivered or underway across Queensland

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major boost for regional tourism, with 26 projects now underway or completed across Queensland, creating new visitor experiences, growing local economies and supporting regional jobs. 

Six projects have been delivered and a further 20 have commenced in just six months through the Crisafulli Government’s $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund. 

As a key part of Destination 2045, the $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund is backing tourism operators to expand their businesses, boost capacity and attract more visitors to regional Queensland.  

From birding expeditions in the Wet Tropics to new reef tours, caravan sites and immersive outback experiences, projects are giving visitors more reasons to explore Queensland and stay longer. 

Already delivered and delivering benefits for operators and visitors is Poseidon Jetski Tours in Townsville which has added a new large vessel for Magnetic Island tours, whale watching, eco-tours and private charters. 

At Muddy Duck Tourist Park in Longreach, 48 new caravan and camping sites and an upgraded riverside recreation area are now open to travellers. 

Traveller’s Rest 1770 at Round Hill is delivering new sustainable experiences including stargazing platforms, forest bathing areas, guided e-bike tours and an eco-friendly tiny house. 

An amphibious vessel at Bedarra Island Resort is enabling all-weather reef tours, while the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach has opened bookings for After the Rains, an immersive exhibition celebrating the resilience of outback Queenslanders. 

Plus, a multi-day birding expedition by Kuranda Transfers is now showcasing the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and its 13 endemic bird species. 

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering better services through a stronger economy and investing in the tourism experiences needed to grow regional economies. 

“After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government and their secret plan to gut tourism funding by 95 per cent, the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of backing local operators and creating new reasons for visitors to stay longer and spend more,” Minister Powell said. 

“The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund is delivering more tourism capacity and investment right across Queensland, supporting local jobs and regional economies. 

“Through Destination 2045, we are building a stronger, more competitive visitor economy and ensuring Queensland’s regions are ready to welcome more visitors for decades to come.” 

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame CEO Lloyd Mills said the funding had delivered a fresh experience for visitors to Longreach seeking to be immersed in Queensland’s outback culture. 

“We filmed people from outback Queensland speaking about their experiences with drought, flood and fire, and we’re telling their stories using high-end projection, the scent of rain after a long drought, the sound of storms and rain, and it’s really immersive,” Mr Mills said. 

“We want people to be confronted, and to show how the community comes together to recover and rebuild and come out stronger. 

“To hear their emotions, it’s quite heartfelt. 

“We’ve always wanted to do this project, and funding from RTIF has allowed us to make the visitor experience a lot deeper, so people get the complete picture of Australia and the outback.” 

Applications for Round 2 of the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund closed this month, with outcomes to be announced this financial year. 

A list of all projects delivered and under construction can be found here: Round 1 successful recipients | Tourism | Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Queensland 

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker, 0406 331 114