Bush events the new Qld tourism frontier

They’re the exotic events the Queensland Government hopes will lure visitors to some of the state’s most beautiful — and out-of-the-way — locations.

THE State Government will launch a revamped calendar of bush events today as it pushes to attract one million tourists to the Outback in 2019.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the year of Outback Tourism marketing campaign was expected to reach more than 3 million potential tourists and link to a host of new special holiday deals including airfares through partner Sunlover Holidays.

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An average of nearly 900,000 tourists have ventured into the heart of the state for their holidays each of the past three years, pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into drought affected economies.

But the Government hopes to eclipse all records this year.

“We are determined to build on that momentum and reach one million visitors for the first

time — that’s more than 13 per cent growth year on year,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Two things I can guarantee about an outback holiday: you won’t come home hungry and you’ll kick yourself for not doing it sooner.”

The Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said Outback communities had been doing it tough since the floods.

“One of the best ways to show your support for the people of west Queensland is to head to the Outback for a holiday,” she said.

“There’s so much to do from exploring Australia’s history, to meeting classic Outback characters or experiencing a range of world-class events.”

The revamped calendar for the state’s west kicks off next month with the Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival, which will celebrate 25 years of bull riding, horse racing, bog snorkelling and a gruelling outback triathlon.

The road to Julia Creek - and the Dirt and Dust Festival

“Events like the Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival, the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo, Winton’s Way Out West Fest and Birdsville’s Big Red Bash are crucial when it comes to enticing tourists to the Outback,” Ms Jones said.

Outback Queensland Tourism Association general manager Peter Homan said the campaign’s timing would boost struggling Outback communities.

“All the roads have reopened, flood waters have long gone and the area has transformed in

to a carpet of emerald green and magnificent wildflowers,” he said.

“If you’ve seen the Outback once, get ready for a whole new experience.”

OUTBACK CALENDAR

April 12-14: Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival

August 8-11: Mount Isa Rodeo

April 25-28: Winton Way Out West Fest

July 16-18: Birdsville Big Red Bash

June 17-July 28: Outback Queensland Masters golf series

July 26-28: Million Dollar Hole-in-One Challenge