Southern Qld revealed as the tourism underdog in 2024 with milestone $1.6m visitor expenditure
The rise and fall of Queensland’s tourism industry has benefited some regions more than others, and travellers have turned their attention to the countryside. See why tourists are leaving the city lights behind here.
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Southern Downs’ tourism has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of the economic fallout from Covid-19, and is even performing better than some of Queensland’s most popular destinations.
The major increase in the region’s economy and particularly to its growth in tourism can be simply put down to the bounce back of existing operations and the contribution of new ventures.
Southern Queensland Country chief executive Peter Homan said the region has only continued to reap the benefits of travellers newfound interests in outdoor, countryside adventures.
“The entire Southern Queensland region has performed exceptionally well (in the past year) and it has a lot to do with product that already exists within the region and those businesses' ability to keep reinventing themselves,” he said.
“Some of the (tourism operators) in the Southern Downs would easily be considered world class.”
Mr Homan said the demand for tourism operators in the region has only increased, which is reflected in the number of new businesses that have started opening up.
“If you were to open up five new wineries or hotels they will do well because the demand is there,” he said.
“The region also offers a number of great events that do really well and entice visitors to return, it’s an absolutely stunning region.”
Warwick’s award-winning annual Jumpers & Jazz in July reached its 20-year milestone in 2024, and along with the region’s two other major events Stanthorpe’s Apple & Grape Harvest and the Warwick Rodeo & Campdraft, have visitors booking local accommodation months in advance.
The drop off of a number of major events and festivals across Queensland, including major outback drawcards, has resulted in quite a blow to their surrounding economies.
Mr Homan said Southern Queensland has managed to outperform Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Whitsundays this year, in June reaching a record number in expenditure from overnight visitors of $1.6m.
“It also comes down to affordability, our region is not quite as expensive as the Sunshine or Gold Coast and we’re also within a few hours drive of those areas,” he said.
“We’re already exceeding pre-Covid outcomes in terms of growth and it’s put us in a really good spot for the future.”
For those looking for a new career in the tourism industry, there’s at least a dozen of opportunities in the Southern Downs region with a number of established vineyards and boutique accommodation on the market.
See the current opportunities on offer below:
Abbey Boutique Hotel | Warwick
The heritage listed building could be yours, with the accommodation site now having sat on the market since April for offers north of $3.5m.
The 18-room hotel has also been approved for an additional eight cabins to be built on the Locke St site.
Full story and listing here.
Summit Estate Vineyard and Cellar Door | Stanthorpe
A mere two and a half hours from Brisbane you’ll find the home of Southern Queensland’s cold country; the Granite Belt.
Home to an abundance of wineries, vineyards, brewery’s and more, including Summit Estate Wines, which first began producing commercial wines in 2000.
For 18 years the establishment has served its wide selection of white and red blends to those near and far, with the five hectare vineyards 10,000 producing up to 25 tonnes of grapes.
The site also features a four bedroom farmhouse which could be used as an owner's residence or rental investment.
Summit Estate Wines is listed by David Schnitzerling & Co and is on the market for $990,000.
See the full listing here.
Bestbrook Mountain Resort | Tregony
This popular farmstay was listed on the market for the first time in two decades back in 2022 and is still awaiting a new proprietor to walk through the front doors.
The 146ha site features the original farmhouse that houses a bar, restaurant, function area and conference room, with the sale including 23 bunkhouse rooms, self-contained cabins, powered and unpowered camping areas and a general store.
Now in the hands of Resort Brokers’ agent Jason Vogler, the properties is listed for an impressive $3.9m.
See the full listing here.
Granite Belt Retreat | Stanthorpe
A triple threat which boasts a boutique micro-brewery, restaurant and bar, and small grape vine plantation, this picturesque gem hosts the capacity of 80 beds across eight motel rooms and 16 cabins, with some even catering to your four-legged friends.
The establishment also offers a four bedroom owner’s residence and had an estimated net profit of $801,000 in the 2021/22 financial year.
Granite Belt Retreat is listed by Tourism Brokers agents Ben Lynn and Michael Philpott, and is sitting on the market for an eye-watering $5.2m.
See the full listing here.
Apple Blossom Cottages | Stanthorpe
A charming short stay which features two fully self-contained cottages, this is the perfect investment opportunity with an established high occupancy rate.
The cottages’ shared fire pit offers the perfect cozy escape during Stanthorpe’s icy winter nights, with both dwellings containing their own fireplace to keep guests warm throughout the evening.
Listed by Stanthorpe Real Estate principal Logan Steele, the property has hit the market for $880,000.
See the full listing here.
Girraween Country Inn | Ballandean
Offering a leasehold opportunity and situated in the heart of the Granite Belt’s Food and Wine Trail, the tranquil bed and breakfast also borders on the back of Girraween National Park.
As the demand in tourism continues to increase around the region, so does the inn’s caliber of returning guests.
The property is listed by Resort Brokers agent Jason Vogler and is on the market at $400,000.
See the full listing here.
Glen Lough Cabins | Eukey
Nestled away in the hills of Glen Aplin and edging on Girraween National Park sits the Irish charm of Glen Lough Cabins.
Three additional cabins span across the rest of the 40 acre site, along with an executive owner residence which encompasses a four bedroom brick home with two wood fireplaces.
The property is listed by Stanthorpe Real Estate principal Logan Steele and is on the market for $2.5m.
See the full listing here.
Warwick Gardens Galore | Warwick
Offering more than just a garden and plant store, Warwick Gardens Galore also boasts a cafe, giftware, gelato and Amapola boutique.
The established business of more than 20 years is beloved by the Southern Downs and its visitors, offering a turnkey ready operation for its new owner.
Listed by Elders Real Estate Warwick agent Andrew Williams, the business is on the market for $1.4m.
See the full listing here.
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