Brisbane Airtrain beats strong competition

BRISBANE Airtrain has received global recognition for its work in connecting travellers to the Gold Coast following the highly anticipated launch of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 tram in December 2017. Airtrain has taken out the highly regarded 2018 Marketing Campaign of the Year Award at the Global AirRail Awards ceremony in London, beating strong competition from six others, including Stansted Express, Heathrow Express, Hong Kong Airport Express, and Sydney Airport Link.

Airtrain is the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective way to reach Brisbane and the Gold Coast from #Brisbane Airport. It is the sole rail service connecting Brisbane Airport to Brisbane CBD with more than 21 million passenger trips taken in the company’s 16 years of operation. Airtrain offers seamless travel from Brisbane Airport’s Domestic and International terminals to Surfers Paradise and all major stops in between, with one simple transfer from Airtrain to the G:link tram at Helensvale station.

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Picture Credit: David McKelvey Brisbane International Airport, Queensland via photopin

Get steamed up in Queensland

THE future is looking bright for one of Queensland’s most -loved tourism attractions, with the steam and diesel engines of the Mary Valley Rattler again chugging their way through some of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s most picturesque countryside. 

After many years of extensive upgrades to existing track work and improvements to its fleet of historic steam and diesel locomotives and carriages – each with their own unique story – the heritage railway experience has been relaunched after an almost seven-year hiatus. 

At its peak, the Valley Rattler, as it was then known, played host to upwards of 30,000 passengers annually. Morning and afternoon services on the Mary Valley Rattler will now run three days per week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for a return journey from the historic Gympie or Amamoor stations via Dagun. 

Reputed to be the largest timber railway building owned by Queensland Rail during the 20th century, the historic Gympie station is the headquarters of the Mary Valley Rattler and arguably one of the most stylish and elaborate in the context of timber railway architecture.   


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Picture Credit: By Sue Allen, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org 51488514

The Gold Coast: A Lifesaver

THE Gold Coast will host lifesaving’s most prestigious event for the first time in 35 years – this week securing the rights to the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships. Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the event would bring more than 5000 competitors from 50 countries to the Gold Coast over 17 days of competition.

Lifesaving World Championships – Fast Facts: 

- The Lifesaving World Championships were last held in Queensland in 1988,  

   hosted by the Gold Coast.
- The Championships are expected to attract more than 5,000 competitors from 

   approximately 50 countries.
- In addition, roughly 450 technical officials and 300 volunteers will be involved.
- More than 12,000 spectators and supporters are also anticipated to converge 

  on the Gold Coast across the duration of the event.
- The economic impact is estimated to exceed copy5 million.
- Competition will be split between Kurrawa Beach and the Gold Coast Aquatic 

  Centre.
- World Championship events include pool rescue, surf boats, inflatable rescue 

  boats, surf ski, board, surf swims, team events, beach sprints and flags, and 

  the ironman/woman.
- Age groups include Masters (30+ years), Open (19+ years) and Youth (15-18 

  years).

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Down Under . . .

TWO of Australia’s natural World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – feature in a brand new package offered by Majestic Whales Encounters, which will see travellers swim with dwarf minke whales, snorkel on the famous reef, and stay in a luxurious rainforest treehouse. 

The ‘Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales’ 10-night package is the first Queensland trip offered by Australian company, Majestic Whales, which is known for its #whaleswim #holidays in Tonga and now expanding into other whale-rich waters, including Norway and #Queensland. 

Beginning on June 28, 2019, the package aims to coincide with dwarf minke whales’ annual migration to the waters known as the Ribbon Reefs – the only place in the world where you can swim with them. Their inquisitive nature brings them close to boats, divers and snorkelers, often swimming just a metre away as they playfully lift their heads out of the water to observe the boats, tail-slap the water and breach. 

www.majesticwhaleencounters.com.au

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New campaign to drive more visitors to the Sunshine Coast

VISIT Sunshine Coast (VSC) is working in conjunction with local tourism organisations and chambers of commerce to launch the second phase of the ‘Come to life’ marketing campaign, targeting the surrounding drive market in south east #Queensland and beyond. 

Building on the region’s ‘naturally refreshing’ branding and the successful roll-out of phase one of the program during 2017, phase two includes seven new 15 second television commercials, a dedicated ½ hour episode on the nationally-broadcast Queensland Weekender TV program, static and digital billboards throughout Brisbane metro, digital and social media placements and tourism offers redeemable until June 2018. 

The campaign will run until mid-March highlighting Sunshine Coast local areas including Caloundra, Kawana, Eumundi, Coolum, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and the Hinterland, targeting Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Wide Bay regions.

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Queensland emerges as a leader in sport tourism

NEW research shows #Queensland has emerged as a global leader in fitness and wellness tourism, with a report released by the government revealing what drives the world’s most #active travelers to ‘bucket list’ endurance events across the state. 

The Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland supports a line-up of 17 world-class endurance events stretching from the Gold Coast to Tropical North Queensland and covering everything from triathlon to multi-sport challenges, running, mountain biking and cycling events and ocean swims.

In the countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Acting Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Shannon Fentiman said the state was proud of its reputation as Australia’s endurance event capital.

Endurance events supported by the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar can be accessed here: www.queensland.com/events/endurance-events

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Travel through time in Queensland

EVER wondered what life was like in a 19th century Australian village, a time when British settlers forever changed the aboriginal people’s way of life? The new Spirts of the Red Sand experience in Beenleigh is a 2.5-hour journey through the 1800s, led by Jarrah, the only survivor of three Aboriginal brothers, and based on the true story of his family. 

This interactive experience with indigenous culture takes up to 120 guests through seven sets of live theatre, like the Dreamtime, a precolonial village and a jail, with an 18-strong cast of direct descendants of the first people. The cast will join guests for a warm damper dinner in the dining hall when the show concludes. 

Located in the Beenleigh Historical Village, 45km from the Gold Coast CBD and 36km from Brisbane’s CBD, tickets include transfers from either location. 

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Club Med opens 8th retail outlet in Australia

ICONIC holiday operator Club Med opened its first Queensland in-store boutique at Snowscene in Woolloongabba. The holiday boutique is just Club Med’s 8th such retail outlet in #Australia. 

Snowscene’s General Manager, Emily Foy, described the partnership as “a perfect alignment of a pair of iconic holiday brands. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Club Med into our retail space, and look forward to delivering an authentic Club Med experience to our customers in store”, continued Ms Foy. 

Club Med’s boutique deepens a long term relationship between the two businesses. At a recent Club Med VIP conference in Bintan, Snowscene was recognised for delivering the ‘Highest Ski Growth’ for Club Med from Australia.

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A shore thing

THE Whitsundays’ reputation as a world-class sailing destination is riding high with Airlie Beach to be a host port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 2018.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said the carnival was expected to attract more than 4000 visitors to the Whitsundays and generate more than $3 million for the local economy.

“The Whitsundays is a jewel in our tourism crown so for it to be confirmed as a host port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is another significant achievement,” she said.

“We all know the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie on this community but we also know the resilience and determination of the people and businesses in the Whitsundays.”

Airlie Beach will host the 12 yachts, their skippers and their international crew and supporters as the final stop of the Australian leg of the race, but the stopover will be complemented by a festival set to include a large scale welcome event, a regional rodeo and a spectacular lunch on the iconic Whitehaven Beach.


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Take me home, country roads

GO off-road from rainforest to reef in Queensland's scenic Tropical North with Dragon Adventures 4WD tours. Make tracks from Port Douglas on a two, four or eight-day experience up to Cooktown and Lions Den, Cape Bedford or Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park and Cape York.

Feel completely off-the-grid in places rarely explored, diving into hidden swimming holes, camping in rugged ranges under a galaxy of lively stars, and immersing in local Indigenous culture. Experienced guides Wayne and Taff offer a laid-back ride 'to the top', as you voyage along in your personal FJ Cruiser through steep ascents and river crossings.

www.dragonadventures.com.au

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Tourism campaign boost for the Whitsundays

AUSTRALIA'S most iconic tourism brands are joining forces to encourage more Australians to holiday in cyclone–affected #Whitsundays.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the marketing push includes $1 million worth of support to sell #Queensland #holiday destinations interstate.

“With Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), the Flight Centre Travel Group and Virgin Australia behind this campaign, the Whitsundays know they have not been forgotten,” Ms Jones said.

“TEQ and Flight Centre will invest $1 million in marketing activity with a strong focus on the Whitsundays region. The three-month campaign will be supported by Virgin Australia and Infinity Holidays.  On offer will be discounted airfares when a minimum of four nights of selected accommodation is booked across the Whitsundays, Gold Coast, and Tropical North Queensland.

“There’ll be an exclusive promotion of the Whitsundays during the month of June.

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Quirky Queensland

IMMERSE yourself in the weird and wonderful whilst in #Queensland. 2017 in Queensland has some of the most unusual and unique #events on its calendar so get ready for some fun and laughter whilst on your travels.

The Great Wheelbarrow Race, Mareeba, May 19-21
A tough 60-kilometre race is designed to honour the pioneering miners of the early 19th century, as competitors' race their wheelbarrows to the finish line. www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com

Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, Sunshine Coast, May 28
Now in its 20th year the Great Australian Pumpkin Roll is back and you can alsotake part in the pumpkin lawn bowls and pumpkin shotput competitions. www.goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au

Mary Poppins Festival, Maryborough, June 23-July 2
Parade your finest hat and umbrella, and put on your most comfortable shoes to dash a pram to the finish line in the Great Nanny Race and raise your voice in the Mary's River Cruise Singalong. Mary Poppin's author, P.L. Travers, was born in Maryborough in 1899, and this year's 10-day program will highlight storytelling for all ages through various art forms, such as music concerts, pop-up performances and art installations. www.marypoppinsfestival.com.au

Big Red Run, Birdsville, June 24-29
Australia's first and only 250-kilometre running race and to make conditions harder, it is set in the blistering Simpson Desert. Competitors race 40-kilometers a day through blistering heat, stomp through sinking sand and camp out at night in freezing winter conditions. There is also a smaller 42-kilometre desert dash. www.bigredrun.com.au

Abbey Medieval Festival, AbbeyStowe, July 8-9
The Abbey Medieval Festival in Caboolture will have you dining, dancing and jousting your way into the past. Celebrate with the children, a wide range of workshops designed to teach children all about the medieval world will also be held. www.abbeymedievalfestival.com

VIVA Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, July 7-16
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist crown at VIVA Surfers Paradise with toe-tapping tunes of the 50s and 60s with live performances, marvel at an array of vintage cars. www.surfersparadise.com/whats-on

Boulia Camel Races, Outback, July 14-17
Belly dancing to sky diving, camel rides to market stalls, this festival is absolutely jam packed with way-out things to see and do, culminating in the Quarter-Mile Flyer and the Camel Cup races. www.bouliacamelraces.com.au

Jumpers and Jazz Festival in July, Warwick, July 20-30
Warwick comes alive in July to celebrate the thrill of the chill. The citizens lovingly dress 150 deciduous trees around the town in textiles for the official Jumpers and Jazz Festival. www.jumpersandjazz.com

Windorah International Yabby Races, Outback, August 30
Cheer on crustaceans as they crawl to the finish line in the Windorah International Yabby Races. Each of the ten yabbies in every race are named and auctioned off. The event has been running since 1998, all to raise much needed funds for the Royal Flying Doctors Association and local community groups. www.outbackqueensland.com.au

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Picture Credit: By Temsabuita 97657657@N00/1918688483/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3334871

Cruise ship, passenger return a boon for tourism after Debbie

THE arrival of Pacific Dawn at Airlie Beach last Thursday was an important milestone in the recovery for the region's economy following Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Carnival's Pacific Dawn will be the first of three P&O calls to the Whitsunday coast this month. A total of 34 ships from across Carnival Australia’s cruise brands are scheduled to visit the region this year -- eight more than in 2016.

Ship turnarounds from Carnival #Australia brands in Brisbane would increase from 124 this year to 142 in 2018.

In 2015-16, a record 329 #cruise ships visited Queensland according to the Australian Cruise Association.

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World Science Festival hits Brisbane in March

QUEENSLAND becomes the world stage to celebrate the intersection of science and art for the World Science Festival Brisbane from March 22-26. Through conversation and performance by some of the greatest thought leaders in the world the Festival will showcase scientists and performers from around Asia Pacific and host the brightest and best from previous events in New York. 

Expect a program in which astronauts share their tips for going to the bathroom in space, kids play with computer microscopes, and food trucks compete for road space with robots. Even those without the brilliance of Einstein are bound to find something to delight and amuse.

www.worldsciencefestival.com.au

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Record spending in Queensland

#Queensland #tourism expenditure growth has outpaced the nation as more Australians look to the state for their holidays.

Acting Tourism Minister Leeanne Enoch said Queensland recorded its fifth successive quarterly increase in domestic visitor expenditure to post another total spending record in the latest Tourism Research Australia data.

Ms Enoch said many Queensland regions were performing well above the national average.

“Australian visitors are keen to enjoy our tourism experiences right across the state,” she said.

“We expect this domestic growth to continue building on Tourism and Events Queensland’s new I Know Just the Place campaign. This campaign features many of the diverse and unique experiences travellers are looking for along with our tourism drawcards such as the Great Barrier Reef, magical islands and amazing beaches".

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Picture Credit: aussiejeff flickr.com/photos/88572252@N06/32100398211 QLD, Australia via photopin

Surfs up, down under

The World Surf League (WSL) is pleased to announce Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ) and the City of Gold Coast have extended their partnership with the World Surf League's Roxy Pro and Quiksilver Pro Championship Tour (CT) events.  Both the women's Roxy and men's Quiksilver competitions kick-off the Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour and begin in March 2017.

#Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the event would continue to be a feature on TEQ's major events calendar through 2018.

"The Palaszczuk Government is proud to partner with the World #Surf League through TEQ to deliver one of the Gold Coast's signature events," Ms Jones said.

"We're proud to host the best surfers in the world as we open the WSL Championship Tour on the Gold Coast at one of the best surfing breaks in the world at Snapper Rocks.

"These major events are big drawcards for visitors and showcase Queensland to a global audience, promoting our envious beach culture and the relaxed lifestyle of the Gold Coast."

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