Mates Rates: Tourism campaign launches in bid to recover from 2025 floods

It’s not often you get ‘mates rates’ on some of the best tourism experiences in North Queensland. Here’s how you can secure a cheap, local holiday, as the region tries to bounce back.

Adrenalin Snorkel and Drive at MOUA. Picture: Supplied

North Queenslanders are being encouraged to enjoy 50 per cent off local tourism experiences as the ‘Mates Rates’ campaign kicks off in a bid to help the region recover from flooding.

While many residents are still mopping up after the inundation caused widespread flooding in the Hinchinbrook, and parts of the Burdekin, there is a desire to help the region bounce back.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the organisation was working with Tourism and Events Queensland and were aiming to get the region “back on its feet”.

“We know that natural disasters bring out the resilience of North Queensland and the spirit of mateship shines through – and it is this mateship that we are looking to reward with the Mates Rates campaign,” she said.

Ms Brumme-Smith said this was the “first step” in recovery, with more long-term projects in the works.

A record number of registrations for discount booking codes have been made with demand for discounted offers higher than ever.

When the Mates Rates campaign launched in 2024, it sold out in 72 hours.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell encouraged Townsville residents to get behind the campaign and enjoy a “staycation” which would provide a “significant boost” for businesses that rely on tourism.

Tourism and Events Queensland’s Ollie Philpot said the Mates Rates campaign helps locals give back to the city, but also recover emotionally and physically from the event.

“It’s great to be launching this campaign now and there will be more activities to come to help boost the region following what has been a very challenging period for locals and businesses,” he said.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said this was a chance to show locals and visitors “why Townsville really does shine”. 

DETAILS

•50% off all tours, accommodation, and experiences up to $250 value

•On sale from 17 February until sold out

•Register before 17 February for the unique discount code at

townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.

Mates Rates is returning to the North – deals at Ardo will be available.

Participating businesses and experiences

*Conditions apply

Pilgrim Sailing – Magnetic Island

Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive

Aligned Corporate Residences Townsville

Amaroo On Mandalay

Aquascene Magnetic Island

Arcadia Village Motel

Ardo Hotel

Balgal Beach Units

Beach House Motel

Best of Magnetic

Big Mama Sailing

BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park

Billabong Sanctuary

Bush Oasis Caravan Park

Casual Fare Sailing Charters Townsville

Charters Towers Tourist Park

Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery

City Oasis Inn

Clarion Hotel Townsville

CStay Holiday Accommodation

Discovery Parks – Townsville

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island

Hinchinbrook Eco Experience

Historic Australia

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

Ingenia Holidays Townsville

Kernow Charters Towers

Lucinda Cove Resort

Magnetic Glamping

Magnetic Island Jet Skis

Magnetic Island Sea kayaks

Magnetic Island Time Cruises

Magnetic Island Tours

Mercure Townsville

MI Ride Discovery Tours

Nightcap at Dalrymple Hotel

Northern Conquest Charters

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel

Pleasure Divers Magnetic Island

Poseidon Jet Ski Tours

Pro Dive Magnetic Island

Queensland Museum Tropics

Quest Townsville on Eyre

Rambutan Townsville

SeaLink North Queensland

Selina Magnetic Island

Tasman Holiday Parks – Rollingstone

The Robert Towns

The Ville Resort Casino

Townsville Adventure Tours

Townsville Helicopters

Townsville North Queensland Vouchers

Trike It Like It

Tropical Palms Resort and 4WD Hire

Yongala Dive

Originally published as Mates Rates: Tourism campaign launches in bid to recover from 2025 floods