- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a $3 million boost for the expansion of the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort.
- The $80 million Tourism Icon Investment Fund supports the delivery of world-class tourism experiences across Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future, after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a $3 million boost to upgrade a key tourism destination in the Whitsundays, delivering more for visitors to do and encouraging longer stays.
The BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort upgrade includes 10 new three-bedroom holiday cabins, a purpose-built cafe/restaurant, a new swimming pool with a swim-up bar.
It will also feature an outdoor cinema and a waterslide area, enhancing the resort's appeal as a family-friendly Whitsunday destination.
The initiative is backed by the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund as part of Destination 2045, demonstrating the Crisafulli Government's focus on creating a long-term, resilient tourism industry and positioning Queensland as the Home of the Holiday.
This investment adds to more than $7.6 million already allocated earlier this year to support 30 regional tourism projects, helping drive growth and opportunities for communities throughout the state.
The Crisafulli Government - through Destination 2045 - is positioning Queensland to become a global leader in tourism after a decade of decline under Labor.
Round 1 of the Tourism Icon Investment Fund has also committed $1 million for the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach, $1.8 million to the Great Keppel Hideaway Renewal, $2.1 million to boost eco-tourism around the Brisbane River, $677,000 for a new Queensland Big Icon and upgraded flood-resilient infrastructure at Barron River Rafting.
For all Tourism Icon Investment Projects, the funding contributed by the Crisafulli Government is at a minimum matched by the proponents.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was backing projects that draw in more visitors and encourage them to stay longer.
"This investment is about backing Queensland as the Home of the Holiday and ensuring we're delivering the kinds of experiences that keep visitors staying longer and spending more in our regions," Minister Powell said.
"We're investing in operators on the ground who are doing the hard work to grow tourism, create jobs and build world-class attractions that families want to return to.
"The Crisafulli Government is investing in tourism operators and delivering new experiences unlike the former Labor Government who had a secret plan to gut tourism funding."
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the Crisafulli Government's investment supported local tourism operators in elevating their offerings.
"This is a fantastic investment in one of the Whitsundays' most loved family destinations, supporting a local operator to expand and enhance what they offer visitors," Ms Camm said.
"By growing capacity and adding new experiences, we're encouraging holidaymakers to stay longer, explore more of our region and invest in our local economy."
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort owner Greg McKinnon said his family was proud to partner with the Queensland Government on the project.
"As a family-owned resort built from scratch over more than 30 years, we're proud to keep investing in tourism in our region," Mr McKinnon said.
"The funding will support the addition of 10 new three-bedroom cabins, a café, a pool with a swim-up bar, and a high-waterslide park. These upgrades will attract more families and visitors, boosting the Whitsundays' appeal as a top destination.
"The project will also create jobs and support local businesses, driving economic growth in the region.
"We're grateful to the Queensland Government for helping us deliver a world-class holiday experience for both domestic and international visitors."
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the Crisafulli Government's $3 million investment, matched by a further $3 million from BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, would continue to raise standards across the Whitsundays.
"The addition of 10 new three-bedroom holiday cabins, purpose-built café/restaurant, new pool with swim up bar and a water slide will add to the incredible reputation that Big4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort has already created," Mr Booth said.
"In 2025 winning National Gold and Hall of Fame Status in the Australian Tourism Awards solidifies the position they hold across the country and adding these new attractions will only further establish the reputation they have and bring most visitor to the region.
"We are thrilled to see this project go ahead and are incredibly grateful to see the government investment coming to the Whitsundays to make these dreams a reality."
Further Tourism Icons Investment Fund Round 1 projects will be announced this financial year, while applications for the next round of the Tourism Icons Investment Fund will open later in 2026.
