FREE STATE PARKS AND FORESTS GUIDE TO BOOST NATURE-BASED TOURISM

Nature lovers are expected to flock to Queensland’s parks and forests following the launch today of a free guide to the state’s 165 protected areas.

Launching the Queensland’s Parks and Forests guide at the International Ecotourism Conference in Townsville, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the guide provided accurate, easily accessible information to help people to plan their visits to parks and forests.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, a part of the Environmental Protection Agency, produced the colourful, 80-page guide which summarises the special features of each park and forest, and the visitor activities and facilities that are available,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

The guide is available from today at accredited visitor information centres across Queensland, the Environmental Protection Agency Customer Service Centre in Brisbane and at park information centres.

“Nature-based tourism is one of Queensland’s fastest growing tourism sectors, with about 16 million visits made to national parks and other protected areas every year,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“This fabulous guide is a handy reference to the wonderful places to visit in every region in Queensland.”

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002