Timmys’ Tours to help small businesses thrive after domestic tourism hit

For Tim Hayes, there is nothing more rewarding than helping small businesses thrive, so when he got the opportunity to deliver them new customers he jumped at it.

Tim Hayes (left) with his daughter Melyn and son Tyler. Picture: Tim Hayes

A party bus offering pub crawls, festival transport or any other adventure from tourism to shopping has hit the road.

The new business owner is excited his idea can help other small companies thrive in a region that has taken a big tourism hit during Covid lockdowns.

Timmy’s Tours is a tour bus company on a mission to help rejuvenate local businesses in Airlie Beach and Mackay.

The Timmy’s Tours party bus, June 15, 2021. Picture: Timmys' Tours

Owner Tim Hayes said the goal of the business was to help local businesses in the region get more customers.

“The main idea for the tour bus was to help small local businesses reap the benefits of more domestic tourism,” he said.

“I wanted to get more people out and to help bring in revenue for small businesses that might not have enjoyed a good year last year.”

The inside of Timmys’ Tours bus, travelling from Airlie Beach and around Central Queensland. Picture: Timmys' Tours

Timmy’s Tours is based in Airlie Beach, but Mr Hayes said the demand after just one week in operation had him ready to travel up and down the Queensland coast.

“I wanted to start it and do tours around Airlie Beach, but it’s been so popular and I’m taking bookings in Mackay and Townsville, and I’ve got one request for Cairns for a music festival as well,” he said.

“Our first tour was July 10, and now we have six more booked in and a lot others registering interest through to October.”

The tour bus fits 30 people, who can move about freely to serve themselves drinks, have a boogie on the dancefloor and spin the DJ decks.

Despite the business only operating for such a short time, Mr Hayes said he was already looking to expand the fleet.

“I’m already looking at getting another bus, but one that is a bit smaller,” he said.

“The big bus I’ve got at the moment can’t be driven on the tight streets around Airlie Beach, but buses are so expensive so it might be a pipedream for now.”