Sunshine Coast tourism operators encourage Queenslanders to visit the region during school holidays

Having experienced significant disruption to the winter holiday period caused by the COVID outbreak, Sunshine Coast’s tourism operators are calling on Queenslanders to visit the region during the upcoming school holidays.

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive, Matt Stoeckel said that uncertainty caused by COVID had decimated tourism business over the past six months, and with the major interstate markets closed for tourists, there had never been a more important time for Queenslanders to holiday local and book a visit to the Sunshine Coast.

Stoeckel notes “usually, our accommodation operators are pretty much full during the September school holidays, but this year operators are reporting barely 60% occupancy in the lead up to the holiday – so there is still plenty of room at the inn.

“Visit Sunshine Coast has been pulling out all stops to target Brisbane and the surrounding drive market as well as South Australia with the recommencement of free-flowing interstate travel which will extend the holiday period by a week to 8th October.

“Due to the hit in travel confidence, we know people are booking last minute and we want to encourage them to visit the Sunshine Coast. This is a fantastic time to enjoy the region, with warm days, mild nights and incredible water-based attractions, including whale watching and swimming with whales, that goes through till mid-October.

“In addition to a lively calendar of events, many of the attractions across the Sunshine Coast will be holding special holiday activities for visitors including Paw Patrol at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.

SEA LIFE General Manager, Quinn Clarke adds “SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium is excited to be partnering with Paw Patrol The Movie to bring a splash of adventure to your school holidays. There will be Paw Patrol activities throughout the aquarium, and special pup packs for kids on arrival. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast will be open 7 days a week, from 8am daily during the school holidays and we ask that all visitors pre-book their tickets online in advance.”

Sunshine Coast Events and Activities:

• 18th September to 4th October - Paw Patrol at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

• 18th September to 4th October – Spring Holiday Fun at Australia Zoo

• 20th, 21st, 23rd, 27th, 28th and 30th September - Busy Bee Hotel Workshops at The Ginger Factory

• 24th September – Moonlight Food Markets, Eumundi

• 24th September – Ride the Night, Aussie World

• 1st-3rd October, Caloundra Music Festival, Kings Beach

• 2nd October, Mary Valley Rattler 3rd Birthday, Gympie

• 2nd October, Walking with Dinosaurs, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens