Nine New Queensland Tourism Experiences Launched in 2022...So Far

A Strait Day_Island Stars_Credit @phlipvids

Queensland has wasted no time this year launching nine new travel experiences throughout the state. The much-anticipated opening of The Langham today is the newest in a line of nine experiences to welcome guests to the Sunshine State.  

1. Making its debut today, the much-anticipated 339-room Langham Gold Coast is a world-class resort with lapping waves at its doorstep. The hotel offers an executive ocean suite and nine other room options, a swim-up pool bar overlooking the famous Gold Coast beaches, and breathtaking views of the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline and hinterland. Guests will have access to Michelin-star dining, Australia’s finest produce, in-house pastries and an extensive selection of boutique beverages all from the comfort of the resort. 
2. Calling all history buffs! Step back in time with Outback Pioneers’ latest experience, Pride of the Murray, and float down a historic river in Outback Queensland. The 100-year-old paddlewheeler and piece of pioneer history will make its inaugural cruise down the Thomson River in Longreach this Saturday, 25 June 2022. Last month, the heritage vessel made the epic 1700 km journey from the Murray River in Victoria to the outback town of Longreach on the back of a 700-horsepower prime mover. 
3. The untapped tourism destination of the Torres Strait Islands is now easily accessible with a first-of-its-kind day tour from Cairns launched earlier this month. The jam-packed experience combines six tourism products in one convenient day out. A Strait Day allows travellers the rare opportunity to experience the ancient culture of the Torres Strait people on their sacred land. Largely untouched, the mystery and wonders of the Islands provide the picture-perfect setting for ceremonial dance, fascinating war history, and traditional island feasting. 
4. Speaking of Cultural tourism, Yarriba Dreaming as launched a three-day Aboriginal immersion tour of Mount Barney Lodge in the Scenic Rim, a destination recently crowned by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Regions in the World to Visit in 2022. Led by “Old Man Kangaroo’, a Ugarapul and Bidjara Man, the tour covers a Welcome to Country, storytelling around an ancient birthing water hole, traditional bush tucker and hunting skills and virtual initiation. Visitors will leave with a greater understanding of Indigenous Australian culture and practices, and a spiritual connection to the idyllic landscape. 
5. To commemorate both Kingfisher Bay Resort’s 30th birthday and the 30th anniversary of K’gari’s (Fraser Island) UNESCO World Heritage listing, the iconic ecotourism operation has undergone a major overhaul including refurbished hotel and King accommodation, full renovations to Sand & Wood Restaurant (formerly the Maheno Restaurant) and a new Rainforest Bar. Later this year, the Seabelle Restaurant, known for its bushtucker experience and modern Australian cuisine, will relaunch following renovations. 
6. Australian Cycle Tours have launched three new cycle experiences in the Townsville and Brisbane regions. Each tour is between four and eight days and includes additional opportunities to explore the destination by snorkelling, cruising and scenic bushwalks. Cycling distances vary between 60 km to 300 km making these tours perfect for travellers wanting to conquer a physical challenge against some of Queensland’s most picturesque landscapes. 
7. On the subject of cycling, the world’s top mountain biking event, Crankworx, will be held in Cairns from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 October. The Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, known for its lush rainforest trails, will bring athletes and spectators out in droves not only for this international event, but also for the region’s numerous tourism offerings from snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to strolling in the Daintree. 
8. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is back in 2022 with two exciting new experiences planted on the schedule. Taking a twist on a classic is the debut experience Tipsy High Tea on Saturday 3 September. Sit back and enjoy a line-up of cocktail demonstrations and delicious bite-sized delights set against the historic Spring Bluff Railway gardens. On Saturday 24 September, Teddy Bear’s Picnic is a new event for kids, which includes face painting, interactive shows and of course, a Teddy Bear Parade. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will take place from Thursday 1 September until Friday 30 September. 
9. And finally for the air heads, Salt Air Aviation has launched new scenic experiences to explore the Sunshine Coast from above. There are eight new itineraries to choose from, ranging from 10-minute flights over Noosa up to a three-day, two-night air tour of the Southern Burnett Wine region. Scenic flights start from $99, with the Winery Weekender starting from $1499. 

And in other news... 

The Sunshine Coast was officially recognised as a UNESCO biosphere earlier this month, resulting in the region being the only destination in the world where three UNSECO biospheres sit side-by-side. These include the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and the Great Sandy Straits. To be considered a biosphere, a region must participate in active conservation alongside responsible development. The Sunshine Coast has been recognised through the Banksia Awards for sustainable achievements on three occasions. 

Be among the first to experience these new tourism offerings and start planning your next Queensland holiday now. For more inspiration for your next Queensland getaway visit queensland.com.