Outback Queensland Masters 2019. Credit Tourism and Events Queensland.
The Biggest Backyard Denise Brown assesses the prospects for outback Queensland tourism in 2022 Australian Age of Dinosuars. Credit Tourism and Events Queensland.
order restrictions have created a demand for domestic travel over the last two years, increasing intrastate tourism B as Australians have sought unique experiences in their own backyard. And with hard border restrictions having been in place for Queensland over much of the last two years, ‘sunshine staters’ hit the road. While many ventured up north and along the coast to make the most of the balmy tropical climate, thousands flocked to Outback Queensland to explore the road less travelled and immerse in nature. The popularity of the Outback was further encouraged through the extended tourism season launched at the Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) Muster event in February last year. As a result, OQTA Chair, Andrew Martin says Outback Queensland had their best year yet in 2021 and is encouraging those looking for local holiday destinations to venture to the outback. Martin explains “with borders shut for the better part of two years, Queenslanders flocked to Outback Queensland to enjoy the incredible diversity of experiences that the outback has on offer. “Last year was Outback Queensland’s best year yet, and with strong investment and new infrastructure pre pandemic, travellers could also experience new and reinvigorated attractions such as the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, and Eromanga Natural History Museum. 56 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 148
“Boasting experiences for everyone, families and young couples included, Queenslanders began to explore more of their backyard and iconic world-class attractions such as Cooper, Australia’s largest skeletal replica dinosaur which made international headlines this year.” Outback operators were overjoyed with fully booked events and accommodation after years of drought and uncertain pandemic restrictions, welcoming travellers with open arms. McKinlay Shire Council Tourism Coordinator, Georgia Crocker, who celebrated a Gold Award for the Caravan and Holidays Parks category for Julia Creek Caravan Park at the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards, explained the initial uncertainty when the pandemic hit “2021 just blew us out of the water. The shaky start and the interruptions brought about by COVID-19, border closures and lockdowns further afield meant that we had reduced expectations of visitor numbers and enquiries. We were, however, completely wrong. “We had a bumper tourist season with unprecedented demand for our portfolio of accommodation and attractions (namely our artesian bathhouses) at the Julia Creek Caravan Park.” This year should see COVID-19 restrictions ease as interstate and international travel returns. Outback Queensland is excited for the new wave of interstate and international tourism and encourages Australians to continue hitting the roads and exploring our backyard. Data from Tourism Research Australia identifies that regional areas have been able to recover faster than capital cities
