New Tourism In Queensland June 2016

Fear not! Winter has finally come to Queensland, promising more excitement than the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros combined. So, don't hibernate in front of the TV. Check out these cool, new offerings in a June harvest that (lip) smacks of tantalising culinary and cultural delights, mixed with a big dollop of adventure. Winter also heralds a line-up of Australia's best live events in the best locations, as mirrored in the It's Live! In Queenslandcalendar, showcasing more than 116 events – this month including Australia's first open-air outback film festival and the only 250km-race smack bang in the world's largest desert.

Paddle & Pub Tour

You're bound to work up a thirst kayaking along one of only two everglade systems on the planet – with the Sunshine Coast's pristine Noosa Everglades (aka the river of mirrors) pipping its Florida cousin as the only one you can actually swim in. Yes! Even in winter, when temperatures hover at a perfect 20 – 22 degrees Celsius. Cheers to that! Starting in June, Kanu Kapers invites you to do just that, having joined forces with the historic Apollonian Hotel at Boreen Point – formerly the Gympie Goldfields Music Hall – shouting clients a refreshing ale to cap off a day on the water. Bottoms up.
Further information:
www.kanukapersaustralia.com

Secret [Beer] Garden

Bonza brews and more are on offer at Bonsai Brewhouse, a newly-opened establishment that screams rustic chic, tucked away in the Sunshine Coast's Noosa Hinterland… behind a shipping container, in fact! The brainchild of a local couple with an eye for transforming an old shed into an oh-so inviting brew house, this watering hole specialises in craft beer – open Wednesday to Friday.
Further information:
www.facebook.com/Bonsai-Brewhouse

Pick, Cook and Eat

Learning to cook has never been so hands-on or spectacular! So, roll up your sleeves and sign on to the Scenic Kitchen's Pick, Cook and Eat one-day cooking school. Perched on the stunning Scenic Rim, only an hour's drive from Brisbane, grinning gourmands can join chef Ray Boyer on a full-day forage, including the opportunity to hand-milk a cow. Located at the Bunyip Scenic Rim Resort, set on 100 acres overlooking the fertile plains of the Fassifern Valley, the Scenic Kitchen aims to create a unique experience 'where people can rediscover the simple pleasures of gathering and cooking with produce as close to its source as possible'. Pick, Cook and Eat cooking class launch on June 25 to coincide with the Scenic Rim's Eat Local Week.
Further information:
www.thescenickitchen.com.au

Cultural 'immersion' 

It's billed as Australia's most accessible and authentic Indigenous experience. Visitors to Townsville can now experience an 'unrivalled immersive' journey into the Nywaigi people's culture, history, stories and way of life, with the launch of the Mungalla Experience. This half-day cultural tour starts at 2pm from the grand old Mungalla Station Homestead, 8km west of Ingham, and concludes with an authentic Kup-Murri (underground earth oven) dinner against the backdrop of a stunning sunset over the Mungalla Wetlands and the sounds of contemporary Indigenous live music.
Further information:
www.hinchinbrookway.com.au/whats-on/mungalla-experience
Media enquiries:
Ben Christie-Johnson, The Hinchinbrook Way
P: 07 4776 4655
E: bencj@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

Glam cruising in the Whitsundays

A luxury long range cruiser has graced the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays in time for the winter sailing season. Cumberland Charters' new lagoon MY40 vessel is the first power lagoon of her kind in the region, accommodating eight to 10 guests. This luxurious floating hotel – equipped with four double cabins (all with ensuites) and two forward pilot berths – boasts stylish mod cons. Think steaming hot showers, flushing toilets and a sunbathing area on the cabin top, perfect for soaking up the rays as the vessel sets sail for the Whitsundays' 74 islands. The archipelago is home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest fleet of bareboat (skipper yourself) and chartered vessels. What's more, the protected waters of the Whitsundays are recognised as among the safest in the world, perfect for beginners and idyllic for experienced sailors.
Further information:
www.ccy.com.au

www.queensland.com