60,000 to make eclipse pilgrimage to Queensland's Tropical North

Up to 60,000 visitors are converging on on far north Queensland in the hope of witnessing the region's first total solar eclipse in more than 1,300 years.

Shortly after dawn on Wednesday (14th November) the sky will grow darker as the moon begins to pass in front of the sun, with 'totality', the darkness resulting from a total eclipse of the sun, set to last just over two minutes.

Weather permitting, sky-gazers will see a black disk with the sun's glowing corona stretching beyond it.

The full eclipse will be visible from Kakadu National Park, passing over Far North Queensland and the South Pacific, finishing just off the coast of Chile.

Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said hot air balloons, Great Barrier Reef islands, cruise ships, dive boats and palm-fringed beaches are just some of the vantage points visitors will use to view the eclipse.

Minister Stuckey explained "at 6.38am Queensland time on Wednesday November 14 all eyes will be on the 200km stretch between Innisfail and the Daintree as it experiences its first total solar eclipse since 710AD.

"Between 50,000 and 60,000 scientists, astronomers, astrologists, eclipse chasers and other visitors will make the pilgrimage to Queensland's Tropical North and the region's tourism operators are ready to greet them."

Assistant Minister and Member for Cairns Gavin King said the region was already buzzing with excitement a week out from the natural phenomenon, adding "reports are most accommodation, from camping grounds to five-star hotels is booked out and there isn't a hire car or campervan to be had within a 100 kilometre radius. This is going to provide a fantastic boost for the region."

Further information including where to view the eclipse live online, can be found at www.eclipse2012.org.au

23rd November 2010 - TOURISM EXCELLENCE REWARDED AT QUEENSLAND AWARDS

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.