The Biggest Backyard

Outback Queensland Masters 2019. Credit Tourism and Events Queensland.

Denise Brown assesses the prospects for outback Queensland tourism in 2022

Border restrictions have created a demand for domestic travel over the last two years, increasing intrastate tourism 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.

Australian Age of Dinosuars. Credit Tourism and Events Queensland.

“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

Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre. Quilpie. Credit Tourism and Events Queensland.

putting the development and growth in good stead to continue to diversify Outback Queensland’s offering.

As Andrew Martin adds “we are excited to welcome interstate and international travellers to Outback Queensland in 2022 to get a taste for a true Outback Australian experience like they have never seen before, including luxury accommodation and five-star attractions not previously available before the pandemic.”

Director of Australian Age of Dinosaurs, David Elliott, who received a Silver Award for Major Tourist Attraction at the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards, was shocked by the growth in numbers last year and is determined to continue this progress, commented “we’ve had a huge increase in numbers, 37,000 in 2019 including the lockdown, to over 60,000 in 2020 so it’s a big increase. It has brought us challenges but it’s a huge win for us because the museum is growing, and we are all about increasing visitation in Western Queensland.

“For us, it’s not about winning awards, it’s about what we can do to build the region up.”

While dinosaurs still reign supreme, drawing families and paleo enthusiasts in droves, Outback Queensland will continue to appeal to a broader demographic of young couples, solo explorers and holidaying groups.

The bucket list dream of an outback road trip has never been more achievable as younger Australians are predicted to jump on this trend and make the most of flexible working arrangements post pandemic.

Outback attractions include Windorah’s International Yabby Races, Queensland’s most remote pub in Middleton, Mount Isa Rodeo, learning from Traditional Owners, visiting Queensland’s Hollywood of the Outback (Winton) and exploring natural wonders like Cobbold Gorge and Boodjamulla National Park – to name a few.

These exciting attractions provide an opportunity for Australians to extend the season and reinvent the reason to travel to Outback Queensland and are an excellent, wildly untapped experience for holidaymakers.

Luxury accommodation offerings continue to grow with destinations like Mitchell Grass Retreat and the brand-new Rangelands Outback Camp showing Queenslanders that there’s more to the Outback than beautiful red dirt and Akubras.

Lockdowns and restrictions have meant many working Australians have accrued larger leave balances, with the prediction that Australians will tap into this holiday time in 2022.

Julia Creek Caravan Park. Credit Tourism and Events Queensland.

Rope and Tie, Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo. Credit Tourism and Events Queensland.

The push to support local will continue to inspire families, students and retirees to give back to these smaller communities and in turn discover Australia’s true outback heritage. Denise Brown is Chief Executive of the Outback Queensland Tourism Council.