Queenslanders holidaying in Whitsundays breaks 2019 tourism records
Queenslanders are revelling in the beauty in their own backyard with record numbers of domestic travellers knocking pre pandemic figures out of the park. Read what they are finding.
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More Queenslanders are holidaying in their home state rather than visiting other Australian destinations as the number of domestic travellers to the Whitsundays continues to surpass pre-pandemic figures.
Tourism North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Australians have “rekindled their love of the Great Barrier Reef” despite our hard won freedom to travel abroad.
“We’re cautiously optimistic that domestic [visitors] will continue to choose the Great Barrier Reef through ’23 and ’24, and then we’ve got to see the international comeback,” Mr Olsen said.
Friends Jack Korableff and Matt Guse from Gladstone who both work as tradies say there is “plenty to see” in Queensland.
“The further north you go, it’s more about gorges and waterfalls and rainforests,” Mr Guse said.
Choosing to save for a property over international travel, Mr Guse said he wants to get his “roots sorted out” before committing to a long haul flight and is also concerned about the recent issues with baggage lost in transit on domestic flights.
“I haven’t flown around Australia for ages,” he said.
The Whitsundays have officially broken all records, the National Visitor survey shows, with a 179 per cent increase in domestic visitors and 73 per cent more over night stays than compared to 2019.
“We’ve never seen it quite like this,” Tourism Whitsundays’ chief executive Rick Hamilton told The Financial Review.
“Yes, we’ve always been known for our outlying islands – but this year even the mainland has proved to be a sweet spot with the Australian consumer, and is almost fully booked out.
“People could head overseas this year, but they still chose us.”
A record 923,000 domestic visitors were welcomed to the Whitsundays since the start of 2022, spending $1.5 billion to September 30.
“It is encouraging to see more of Australia experiencing the Whitsundays because we can compete with anywhere in the world for the range of experiences, unique attractions and location,” Mr Hamilton said.
“However, Queenslanders are taking advantage of the Whitsundays, which is right on their doorstep.”
Mackay family Linda, Mark and Kade McFadzen who enjoy holidaying in Bowen, say they are drawn to exploring Queensland in their caravan while also making the journey to “Hamo” [Hamilton Island] twice a year for triathlon events.
‘WE JUST LOVE THE PEOPLE’
“I was born and bred in Mackay and I just love Queensland,” Ms Fadzen said.
“I love the warmth and the seafood.
“And we just love the people.”
With 69 per cent of travellers hailing from within the state, Tourism Whitsundays chairwoman Julie Telford says she believes this “rediscovered love of the Whitsundays” is due to Queensland’s diverse landscape.
“Travelling within its border can take you through the rainforest, outback, surf beaches and the wonderful Whitsundays by car, bus, train, plane and boat,” Ms Telford said.
Master mariner Lee Nott was born and raised in Bowen but now lives on the Gold Coast and also spends time on Russell Island where he owns a house.
“Travelling in Queensland is the best,” he said.
“It’s got a bit of everything, the beaches around the Whitsundays are just stunning.
“There is so much untouched beauty, it’s spectacular.”
In line with the nation’s current regional migration trend, visitors are also staying longer for an average of 5.2 nights this year, increasing almost a day compared to results from March 2022.
“There’s so much to do and enjoy in the Whitsundays that every minute of that time can be booked onto a different experience,” Ms Telford said.
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