Holiday-makers hit quieter destinations for COVID-safe Christmas

Holiday-makers are choosing some surprising Queensland Christmas destinations with one very clear advantage.

It’s the Christmas holiday that’s all about social distancing.

There has been a surge in bookings for country Queensland tourist destinations as COVID-wary travellers steer clear of the crowds at traditional holiday hot spots.

That has led to forecasts of a bumper holiday season for regions such as the Scenic Rim and the Granite Belt which traditionally struggle to attract visitors over the summer break.

Corinna and Ryan Schindel are spending the holidays glamping with kids Marlo, 6, and Ayla-Mae, 4, at Binna Burra. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO Peter Homan said bookings in the region were strong right through until February and beyond following on from the best winter season since accurate records began.

“We’re finding that we’re right in the sweet spot for people who still don’t feel like going interstate and they feel safer away from some of the more crowded spots,” he said.

“We’ve been making hay while the sun shines all through winter and we’ve got good numbers until February, which is pretty unusual for us to be tracking so well right in the middle of summer.”

With its famous lodge destroyed in last year’s devastating bush fires, Binna Burra is also enjoying solid numbers through the summer with couples and families keen on the fresh mountain air and wide open spaces away from the holiday hordes.

Binna Burra has ramped up a program of kids’ activities including night nature walks and animal tracking demonstrations.