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By CAITLIN CROWLEY
SOUTHERN Queensland tourism operators are gearing up for what they’re hoping will be another bumper autumn and winter season, after strong visitor numbers in recent years on the back of pandemic lockdowns.
Country Queensland communities like Thallon, 550km south west of Brisbane, are ready to welcome a steady stream of “grey nomads” and caravaners from interstate.
“We’re certainly doing everything we can to prepare for that,” Leanne Brosnan, from the town’s progress association, said.
“With the squeeze on the cost of living in recent times, people are looking for inexpensive, simple experiences.
“That’s where your country towns, your pub meals and your beautiful art comes in.”
Last weekend Thallon hosted “Grazing at the Watering Hole” – a “unique outback dining experience” with around 200 guests treated to a lavish meal under the stars, against the backdrop of the town’s impressive silo art.
“It’s really good for the other local businesses in town, with the start of the tourist season for Thallon,” Brosnan said.
“The caravan park gets lots of people coming out for the event so it’s really nice. We’ve got a lovely mix of 50 percent locals and 50 percent visitors.”
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Brosnan said the town was determined to build on the tourism momentum generated by the silo art when it was first unveiled back in 2017.
“That’s certainly why we started ‘Grazing at the Watering Hole’ – to literally show the silos in a different light,” she said.
“Now we’ve actually got them with some beautiful up-lighting that’s permanent and it’s on a timer and they will come on every night during the tourist season.”
Tourism and Events Queensland launched the next stage of its $5 million “Queensland is Calling” campaign this week with a competition giving away five unique Queensland holidays over the next five weeks, including an Outback adventure and an escape to Granite Belt wine country.
Melbournians received a “Queensland is Calling” preview on Wednesday when three commuters won a Luxury Escapes holiday package by answering a specially branded pay phone (pictured below) when “Queensland” called.
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the campaign was about driving awareness and creating intrigue about the Queensland experiences that should be on everyone’s list.
“We wanted to find a way to make people stop and rethink Queensland,” O’Callaghan said.
“Travellers are spoilt for choice, so we’re ensuring Queensland remains front of mind as the world continues to open up with this campaign supporting the hidden tourism gems ready to be discovered.”