New day cruise venture to raise Mackay’s tourism profile

A new day cruise venture - the distinctive red and yellow specially designed 17metre catamaran, ‘Wildcat’ – will start operating out of Mackay from next month, opening up the pristine islands of the South Cumberland Group to tourists. The start-up of the new ‘Wildcat’ offshore tour by the multi-national award-winning company Red Cat Adventures will raise Mackay’s tourism profile and further boost the regions visitor economy.

Built for up to 50 guests, the catamaran is a one-of-a-kind vessel, purpose designed for Mackay and built at the Lumark shipyard at the Gold Coast City Marina.

‘Wildcat’ will operate out of the north Queensland coastal city for day tours around the South Cumberland Group and destinations such as Keswick or Brampton Island.

Local State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert advised “Wildcat’s arrival has been the talk of Mackay. It’s predicted Wildcat could bring an extra 5,600 passengers into Mackay, adding another $2 million a year to our visitor economy.

“Wildcat will open up access to Mackay’s island experiences like never before with visitors set to discover untouched beaches and be able to snorkel vibrant reefs from a catamaran custom designed for local conditions.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said ‘Wildcat’ was made possible by the $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund and noted that the State Government has invested $950,000 to get Wildcat into the water to deliver a new visitor experience for Mackay to rebuild better for the future. Wildcat is made in Queensland for Queensland.

“Our $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund continues to assist tourism operators to get new projects off the ground to attract new visitors to iconic destinations.

“Wildcat joins the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Bellingham Maze, Macadamias Australia, TreeTop Junior Adventure Park and Lady Musgrave Island Pontoon in creating jobs and new and enhanced tourist infrastructure.          

“We’re helping Wildcat to pounce on a tourism opportunity that has been missing in Mackay.”

Red Cat Adventures Director Julie Telford is confident its brand new Wildcat catamaran is going to give locals and tourists a ‘Pure Escape’ experience.

‘They’ll venture out to visit and enjoy some of the unique, pristine islands off the Mackay Coast in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

“Day tour destinations like Cockermouth, Brampton, Keswick, St Bees, and Scawfell Islands as well as some secluded unexplored spots are all within comfortable reach of Mackay’s new fast cat,” said Telford.

The launch of Wildcat Mackay is significant in raising Mackay’s tourism profile and presents a unique opportunity to reposition Mackay as the go-to destination for regional and international travellers.

Mackay Tourism Chief Executive, Tas Webber said the launch of Wildcat Mackay was exciting for the local industry adding “Mackay Tourism’s goal is to attract more tourists especially in off-peak seasons to serve as a catalyst for other tourism events and also foster a positive destination image to pump up visitation numbers.”

Wildcat is expected to make its Mackay debut on 1st December.