Calls for Moreton Bay to become the Whitsundays of the south

It’s viewed as a sleeping tourism giant to rival the Whitsundays – and it’s right on Brisbane’s doorstep. Here are the concepts for Moreton Bay.

Moreton Bay would become the Whitsundays of the south under a bold vision for the future of the region’s tourism industry.

While Brisbane’s hotel scene goes from strength to strength ahead of a likely Olympic campaign, the islands of Moreton Bay have long been viewed as an underplayed trump card for the city’s tourism sector.

Tourism bosses believe the islands and marine life of the bay could become a tourist magnet to rival the Whitsundays.

Long-time Brisbane tourism operator John Sharpe, who has just launched day trips to some of Moreton Bay’s top spots, said the region’s attractions were world class but severely underrated.

A tourist paddles surveys the wrecks at Tangalooma. Courtesy: TEQ

“Not only should Moreton Bay be mentioned in the same breath as the Whitsundays, but I fail to understand why it’s not already,” he said.

“You’ve got Tangalooma and Straddie (North Stradbroke Island), but you’ve also got incredible history, great wildlife and that’s not even mentioning the marine life and you’ve got a coral reef system (Flinders Reef) every bit as good as the Great Barrier Reef.

“Some of the most popular cruises in Australia are the ones from Sydney to Moreton Bay, but here in Queensland people seem to think ‘oh we’ll go there one day’ but they never do.”

While tourism marketers might have a hard time luring travellers to Mud Island, dozens of other locations throughout the bay would be idea for glamping or eco-resort operations.

St Helena Island has a rich history in Brisbane’s penal past, while quirky Lamb Island once launched an audacious bid to form its own republic.

Remains of penal colony buildings stand as testimony to a fascinating history on St Helena Island.

Crystal clear waters lap at the shores of heritage-listed Peel Island, while the low tide sandbar connecting King Island to the mainland would be an Instagram-worthy tourism postcard.

Some other populated islands in the bay also have scope to offer increased tourist offerings that would encourage “island hopping” holidays similar to the Whitsundays or in overseas destinations such as Fiji or Greece.

The bay’s unique mix of European and indigenous history would also be captivating for visitors.

Investment in tourist accommodation, high-speed ferries connecting to the Brisbane CBD and guideline relaxation in some national park portions of the bay would be required to enhance the area’s tourism potential.

Daniel Gschwind from the Queensland Tourism Industry Council said Moreton Bay was a unique destination that deserved to be celebrated.

“Where else in the world can you go from a major metropolitan centre to see turtles and dugongs and whales right on your doorstep?” he said.

“There are so many exciting, hidden gems, each with their own unique appeal.

“The main issue at the moment is access and making it more accessible is the key to delivering some potentially tremendous tourism outcomes.”

City planning experts Urbis have proposed a spectacular marine hub that could transform Tangalooma’s iconic wrecks into a tourism Mecca.

An artist’s impression of Urbis’ proposed giant aquasphere to transform the wrecks at Tangalooma into a major tourist destination.

Urbis group director James Tuma said the tourism industry was not making the most of Moreton Bay.

“Moreton Bay is an incredible but completely unrealised tourism asset,” he said.

“The wrecks at Tangalooma are magnificent but are not that practical to visit unless you come by boat.

“This kind of infrastructure could really accelerate the tourism sector in Moreton Bay.”

He said infrastructure including boat moorings, pontoons, accommodation and even research facilities could be delivered by either the State government or private sector.

“The government could pay for it and then offer up a 50-year-lease would be one option,” he said.

While Moreton Bay is seeking to mirror the Whitsundays, the tropical paradise is aiming for the stars – literally.

Bowen could become Queensland’s first commercial launch site for rockets as soon as next year in a space race with the Gold Coast.

Space tourism, the stuff of science fiction not long ago, is now ever closer to reality and Tourism Whitsundays CEO Natassia Wheeler said it would be great to offer a tourism experience unlike anything else the region has ever seen.

“This is a huge development that will offer hundreds of jobs to the region, as well as another point-of-difference for the Whitsundays,” she said.

Further north, the Atherton Tablelands are emerging as a hinterland haven ready to capitalise on the growing appetite for foodie tourism while tourism chiefs expect indigenous tourism experiences to grow in popularity.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said there were opportunities to expand the boutique accommodation on the tablelands to “take advantage of its growing food tropical food and beverage sector”.

Tourism leaders on the Gold Coast are exploring the creation of a world-class floating reef dive attraction and discussions continue with levels of government around a cableway and the trialling of beach bars.