Noosa hinterland tourism destinations driven by environmental initiatives

Noosa hinterland tourism operators are enjoying a surge in visitors thanks to natural assets like the Noosa Trails Network inland hinterland.

Pomona Chamber of Commerce head Phil Moran out in nature with Zeva the dog.

Noosa hinterland’s green spaces are proving the perfect antidote for Queenslanders sick of being cooped up by coronavirus restrictions, according to Pomona community leader Phil Moran.

The Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce president said there had been surging visitor numbers to natural assets like the Noosa Trails Network, consisting mainly of Queenslanders holidaying at home during the pandemic.

Mr Moran said increasing eco-tourism was enhancing Noosa Biosphere’s “green and different” reputation, but the visitor influx had thrown out a challenge to local communities – how best to keep the visitors informed about the hidden gems the region had to offer.

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Tourism Noosa responded by sponsoring Noosa Villages Tourism Funding Boost Initiative that has stumped up $40,000 for an electronic touch screen information kiosk outside the Pomona IGA supermarket and a tourist information booth at Kin Kin.

Mr Moran said the investment would provide comprehensive holiday and visitor assistance designed to keep tourists spending and staying longer in the region.

Making the great escape – a procession of Noosa walkers near Kin Kin.

“These information dissemination points at both ends of our region will promote authentic, sustainable and nature-based tourism experiences that define our hinterland holiday offering,” Mr Moran said.

“The information nodes augment the distribution of 60,000 printed maps of the Noosa Country Drive annually and the associated app that visitors can download to personalise their tour and stay.

Mr Moran said chamber members could also promote their businesses and services on the kiosk, with the images and data kept up to date on the touchscreen display.

They upgrades come after Noosa Council ratified the Noosa Trail Network master plan and announced the 9km Pomona to Cooran section upgrade with better signage, trail definition and access, plus carparking, a shelter shed, bike racks and horse riding facilities.

Mayor Clare Stewart said the master plan would deliver a nationally-significant trail network that linked the coast to the hinterland and paved the way for new tourism opportunities.

“The master plan sets the scene for Noosa’s Trail Network to become a world class attraction in its own right, showcasing the Noosa Biosphere and its iconic destinations,” Ms Stewart said.