Fraser Coast Turns on the Family Fun this Easter

Burrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic

The Fraser Coast will again be transformed into a haven of family fun this Easter with a major fishing tournament, sheltered swimming waters and a host of awe-inspiring natural encounters providing the perfect incentive to visit.

Tourism Fraser Coast General Manager Pip Close said the region was anticipating a very strong holiday period, highlighted by the Burrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic which was growing in popularity each year.

Held from April 6 to April 8 the classic is expected to lure more than 5000 visitors to the Fraser Coast for this year's 22nd anniversary event."The Burrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic has become one of the most exciting and eagerly anticipated events on the region's tourism calendar with fishing enthusiasts and their families travelling from throughout South East Queensland and beyond to take part,'' Ms Close said.

"Forward bookings for Easter are very strong this year as the Fraser Coast strengthens its appeal for young families looking to escape the well-worn tourist traps, take a deep breath and appreciate quality time together,'' she said.

Ms Close said the Queensland Junior Surf Lifesaving Championships held at Hervey Bay from March 1-3 provides the perfect "kick start" for the Easter holidays.More than 1,500 of the State's top young lifesavers and their families will converge on the region for the blue-ribbon junior sports event.

The Fraser Coast offers endless opportunities to enjoy the water this Easter, from the open ocean to sheltered seas and from rivers and creeks to cool freshwater lakes.

The region's waters are perfect for swimming, boating and fishing while the long white sandy beaches are ideal for sand castles, beach cricket and other family games.Canoe the Mary River, take an eco tour to see dolphins, turtles and tropical fish; sail the tranquil waters of the Great Sandy Strait, take a day trip to Fraser Island, wet a line off Urangan Pier or go snorkelling over the largest man-made reef in the Southern Hemisphere.

The splendour of the region is not just confined to the coast, however, with a beautiful hinterland of breathtaking national parks, fresh local produce, vibrant markets, wineries and other hidden wonders waiting to be explored.

Fraser Coast Cultural Centre

Families can pump up the excitement with a range of adventure activities such as jet boat rides, camel rides, helicopter tours and rock climbing; step back in time at the historic port city of Maryborough where the legend of Mary Poppins was born or simply throw down a rug and enjoy a picnic at one of the many magnificent parks.
Adding to the excitement of a Fraser Coast escape this Easter is the newly-opened $4.9 million Fraser Coast Cultural Centre at Hervey Bay.

The Fraser Coast Cultural Centre is a contemporary, dynamic space providing an environment where culture is discovered, embraced and celebrated by all ages in the community.It incorporates the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery and a brand new interpretive centre - the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the humpback whale, be inspired by the uniqueness of Fraser Island and discover the outstanding beauty and diversity of the Great Sandy Biosphere.For accommodation and tourism information visit http://www.visitfrasercoast.com/accommodation/