Queensland Government encourages outback tourism through winter

Tourists are being encouraged to take their winter break in regional Queensland as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also invites more applications for the $3 million Year of Outback Tourism Events Program.

Premier Palaszczuk said a change of season could mean a change of scenery for holidaymakers, with the cooler months a great time to chill in Outback Queensland.

“As temperatures fall, our outback will be a winter wonderland of festivals and major events,” the Premier said.

“Thousands of golfers will tee-off for the Outback Queensland Masters featuring a Million Dollar Hole-in-One Challenge, film lovers will head north for the Vision Splendid Film Festival in Winton and come July, dedicated Midnight Oil fans will descend on Birdsville for the Big Red Bash. 

“And in what’s already been a landmark year for outback events, today I’m also delighted to open round two of the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program.

“My Government is offering grants for new or enhanced events in Outback Queensland, designed to support local businesses and build a stronger, sustainable tourism industry for the outback.

“Last month we announced the 27 recipients of round one funding, which spanned 24 of the 27 eligible local Government areas.

“Events funded in the first round included the Savannah Way Art Trail, the Nindigully Film and Music Festival and the Outback Paddle Regatta & River Fest in Longreach.

“We encourage round two applicants to think outside the box and consider how their event might increase visitor nights, enticing tourists to stay a little longer and attend existing offerings in the same region or a neighbouring one.

“An enhanced, year-round roster of events will help turn weekend getaways into week-long holidays and that kind of change has the power to transform local economies and create jobs in regional and remote parts of our State.”

The Year of Outback Tourism Events Program is offering $3 million in funding over four rounds, with $1,000 to $100,000 available per application.

Applications for round two funding must be for events delivered between 30th September 2019 and 31st December 2020. The deadline for round two applications is 15th July 2019 and applicants will be notified from September 2019.

For more information on the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program and to apply for funding, go to www.qld.gov.au/outback

Image top of Birdsville Big Red Bash