Queensland - Latest Tourism News September 2016

Experiences are blossoming across the State to welcome visitors for the September school holidays. Families will love Queensland's fastest whale-watching cruise aboard The Wild One out of Mooloolaba, or a swim under freshwater waterfalls on the Gold Coast thanks to a new boutique tour. And for the adults there's an escape to Australia's most awarded rum distillery in Bundaberg to take part in a new $8.5 million Visitor Experience.

Australia's only roller-coaster track walk

Holy Batman! Visitors to Movie World on the Gold Coast can get the red-carpet treatment with the Access All Areas tour. The early morning VIP experience gives theme park buffs a behind-the-scenes look at Movie World's key attractions from exclusive access to the country's only rollercoaster track walk, Unlimited Fast Track to rides, VIP access to drivers at the Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 Show and an exclusive lunch with a superhero. Tours kick off each Saturday at 7:30am and costs $350 per adult which includes reserved parking.
Further information:
W: http://movieworld.com.au/

Heart Hotel 

Airlie Beach has upped the romance factor, welcoming the new Heart Hotel. Designed by Hunt Design Architects, who brought us the award-winning Silky Oaks Lodge in Tropical North Queensland, Heart Hotel takes inspiration from an iconic Queenslander with high-pitched roofs, spacious verandas and timber cladding. Located in the heart of the cosmopolitan seaside resort village of Airlie Beach and just 600 metres from Abell Point Marina, the hotel features a boutique art gallery located on the top floor of the property with monthly exhibitions from local Whitsunday artists.
Further information:
W: http://www.athotelgroup.com.au/hearthotelandgallerywhitsundays.html

$8.5 million rum upgrade 

Rum lovers unite! The Bundaberg Rum Distilling Company (BDC), Australia's most-awarded rum distillery and the home of Bundaberg Rum, has opened the doors to its new Visitor Experience following an $8.5 million upgrade. The Visitor Experience offers two new tours in addition to the famous Distillery tour - the Bundaberg Rum Museum Experience and a Blend Your Own Rum Experience. There is also an extended retail outlet and a bar area where rum aficionados can purchase exclusive and limited edition products only available from the distillery. The Visitor Centre is also the new home of the annual Spirit of Bundaberg Festival scheduled for October 15, 2016.
Further information:
W: www.bundabergrum.com.au

Half-day trip to Outer Great Barrier Reef 

Visitors short on time wanting to find Nemo or Dory will love the launch of Port Douglas' new half-day trip to the outer reef with Tropical Journeys. Offering two departures daily on the comfortable 50-seater Calypso Blue, visitors can opt for a morning trip departing at 7:30 or sleep in and take the afternoon adventure that departs at 1:00pm. Both journeys give snorkelers up to two hours to explore the reef and best of all – gear is included: prescription masks, flotation devices, wetsuits and lycra suits. 

Further information:
http://tropicaljourneys.com/half-day-cruise-outerreef.html

Fastest whale-watching experience 

It's little wonder the Sunshine Coast's newest vessel is called The Wild One. Whale One has upped the horsepower and is offering thrill seekers a ride on their new vessel, The Wild One, powered by four 350hp Yamaha outboards. This water rocket comfortably seats up to 48 visitors as they spot whales and sea life in Queensland's iconic waterways. The Wild One features shock-reducing seating and 360-degree water-level viewing, to guarantee everyone a whale-y good time on this beast!
Further information:
W: www.whaleone.com.au
Dinner and tour in the G

Dinner and tour in the Goldfields

Nothing beats good old-fashioned hospitality and the new Forsayth By Night is no exception. Visitors to this town, located 415 kilometres by road from Cairns are treated to a two-course dinner before a twilight walking tour of the historic buildings of Forsayth to discover the rich history of the region.
Further Information:
W: www.facebook.com/visitforsayth

Gold Coast Boutique tours

Swimming in freshwater rock pools and frolicking under waterfalls is not what travellers typically expect when visiting the Gold Coast. Now, thanks to Gold Coast Boutique Tours, visitors have the opportunity to discover hidden local gems. From half-day trips to mystery vineyards to a full day exploring the world's second-largest sand island, these intimate tours are suited for travellers who want to venture off the well-trodden tourist path and experience the lesser-known Gold Coast destinations.
Further information:
W: www.goldcoastboutiquetours.com.au