Travel-hungry Australians are being urged to visit Queensland to experience its unique and beautiful national parks and wildlife attractions.
Environment and Great Barrier Reef Minister Meaghan Scanlon said there was no better time than now to visit the state's world-famous natural wonders and family-friendly ecotourism activities, such as David Fleay Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast.
"From the Great Barrier Reef to Whitehaven Beach, Carnarvon Gorge and the many national parks we have throughout the state - Queensland has something to offer everyone," Minister Scanlon said.
"Whether relaxing by the beach or camping or glamping in a national park, Australians starved for new experiences are sure to find something in Queensland that is on their travel bucket list.
"Our national parks and wildlife attractions are open and good to go."
With ecotourism a vital element in the Palaszczuk Government's plan to grow Queensland's tourism industry, the Department of Environment and Science is investing in adventure and nature-based tourism across the state.
"We are delivering some of Queensland's first ecotourism experience for national parks such as glamping at the 102-kilometre Cooloola Great Walk and the $41.4 million Wangetti Trail, a 94-kilometre walking and mountain bike track stretching from Palm Cove to Port Douglas," Ms Scanlon said.
"By next year, the Palaszczuk Government will have delivered 100 tourism infrastructure projects throughout the state, many of which are ecotourism projects, and close to $400 million in new investment being delivered in partnership with the private sector right across Queensland.
"These projects are creating jobs, stimulating the economy in surrounding regions, and encouraging increased tourism in those areas."
Minister Scanlon today inspected a new $40,000 immersive learning experience at David Fleay Wildlife Park which connects young people with wildlife and the environment in an educational setting.
"Students will see wildlife up close, naturally displaying their unique behaviours, while our rangers help them learn about those incredible animals and the special habitat they live in," Ms Scanlon said.
"Young people are our future conservation champions and we hope by visiting the new room, they will learn more about our environment and the unique ecosystems within so they will do what they can to protect it."
Other Ecotourism projects include:
- $2.8 million revitalisation of Green Mountains Campground in Lamington National Park (O'Reilly's - open)
- Australia's first underwater hotel on the Great Barrier Reef (open - $10M project / Qld Govt Funding $2.75M)
- $10 million Scenic Rim Trail and Queensland's only Great Walk of Australia (Spicers – open)
- $2 million upgrade and expansion of Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island (completed - $1M Qld Govt funding)
- Australia's first commercial 'Via Ferrata' climbing system at Binna Burra Lodge (under construction - $2.5M project / $1.67M Qld Govt Funding)
- Australia's first fully glass-bottomed bridge at Cobbold Gorge in the Outback (open - $615,600 project / Qld Govt Funding $461,700)
- Upgrades and new experiences at Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts like the re-opening of Wilson Island and new eco-tents at Lady Elliot Island Eco-Resort (open)
