Deals galore as wonder winter tourism bonanza to ease Qld chill

Almost a quarter of Australians will take a Queensland winter wonderland holiday in coming weeks, in a multibillion-dollar windfall for the state’s tourism industry, with savings of up to $1000 on offer. SEE THE DEALS

Almost a quarter of Australians will take a Queensland winter wonderland holiday in coming weeks, in a multibillion-dollar windfall for the state’s tourism industry.

According to Tourism and Events Queensland research, 21 per cent of Aussies are planning to head off on a Sunshine State getaway from the start of the school holidays this weekend to the end of winter.

The holiday period comes just weeks after the launch of TEQ’s blockbuster Bluey tourism campaign, with hundreds of tourism operators around the state offering savings of hundreds of dollars.

The huge influx of visitors, tipped to generate several billion dollars in tourism revenue, is a heartening sign for the state’s tourism operators, with winter often considered the quietest time of the year for travel in Queensland, apart from the Outback, the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt, and the state’s Far North.

NSW residents have been a key driver behind the rise, with 21 per cent signalling an intention to visit Queensland in the colder months – up 8 per cent on last year.

The number of Queenslanders and Victorians planning a winter break in the Sunshine State remain similar to last year’s levels.

Whale watching season is a big drawcard.

The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays lead the way as the most popular regions for interstate visitors, with a four-week period of winter school holidays kicking off this weekend before ending on July 21.

Tourism operators can also expect an influx of international travellers from North America, Britain, Europe and North Asia, with the northern hemisphere’s summer months being their most popular months to travel.

State Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the estimations were good news for the state’s tourism operators.

The luxury 5 star waterfront Hilton hotel in Cairns. Picture: Brendan Radke

“What’s unique this year is that interstate travellers are showing more intent to visit our more regional tourism areas, particularly Fraser Coast, Southern Great Barrier Reef and Southern Queensland Country, which is great news for regional visitor economies,” he said.

“Last year we estimated the school holiday period to be worth around $1.7bn in overnight visitor expenditure, making it a key time in the tourism calendar.”

TEQ chief Patricia O’Callaghan said the data was encouraging. “It’s no secret that Queensland does winter differently, with many of the state’s best experiences exclusive to the colder months. From natural phenomena like the whale migration to showpiece cultural events throughout the state, it’s the perfect time to visit,” she said.

More than 700 holiday deals are on queensland.com