SeaLink K'gari Claims Three Prizes at the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards 2023

In a night filled with celebration, SeaLink K'gari, operating on the stunning K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), seized not one, not two, but three prestigious awards at the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards 2023, for:

• Winner of the Outstanding Medium & Large Business Award - SeaLink K'gari
• Winner of the Resort and Deluxe Accommodation Award - K'gari Beach Resort
• Winner of the Tourism – Land Based Award - K'gari Explorer Tours

With an array of incredible experiences on offer, including Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'gari Beach Resort, K'gari Explorer Tours, and the vital daily ferry service connecting River Heads to the island, SeaLink - K'gari is a powerhouse, employing 350 dedicated team members across 400 rooms of accommodation, five restaurants, four state-of-the-art ferry vessels, and a fleet of custom-built 4WD coaches.

Collectively, SeaLink's K'gari operations proudly claimed Outstanding Medium & Large Business for their unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences to over 580,000 travellers who flock to the region each year.

Individually, K'gari Beach Resort shone with the Resort and Deluxe Accommodation Award, recognising their extensive improvements to resort hotel rooms, apartments, and the restaurant. Meanwhile, K'gari Explorer Tours was celebrated in the Tourism – Land Based category for offering the island's most extensive single and multi-day itineraries, exploring World Heritage-listed locations.

Kane Bassett, Group General Manager, expressed his gratitude, saying “We are fortunate to be involved in such an incredible region, and to be awarded within the local industry is truly something special.

“This recognition is a testament to our team's resilience and flexibility. While recent times may have been tough for tourism, we maintained our commitment to developing and supporting staff, and continuing to invest in our products.

“We are very progressive and our investments in areas of the business and community will continue. There are plenty of exciting things on the horizon and we can't wait to share what we have planned for 2024.”

The awards were presented in front of over 250 travel industry guests and leaders at the Beach House Hotel in Hervey Bay, providing local tourism enterprises with an opportunity to be recognised among peers, while paying tribute to the innovators and high achievers in the area.

“In the Fraser Coast Region, we are proud to provide that link to the natural beauty and cultural significance of K'gari, as well as advocate for the protection of its pristine environment.

“Our operations on the island aim to educate travellers about the diverse and unique ecosystem, and our range of services cater to all visitor types including solo travellers, couples, and families looking for an adventure on the world's largest sand island,” Mr Bassett added.

SeaLink's influence extends beyond K'gari, connecting travellers to iconic destinations and experiences throughout Australia. Their commitment to delivering remarkable experiences has made them one of the most significant players in the Australian tourism industry, with operations on Kangaroo Island, Rottnest Island, Captain Cook Cruises on Sydney Harbour, Magnetic Island, Bruny Island, and more.

To explore the suite of SeaLink's operations on K'gari, visit:
kingfisherbay.com for eco-accommodation, marine tours, and ranger-guided experiences.
kgaribeachresort.com for remote 4WD-only accommodation on the east coast of the island.
kgariexplorertours.com for single and multi-day 4WD tours visiting iconic locations.
* Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'gari (Fraser Island) https://www.kingfisherbay.com
* SeaLink products on K'gari at media@kingfisherbay.com.
* Michael Kane at michael.kane@kingfisherbay.com

Fleet Blessing to Celebrate Start of Whale Watching Season

We will have roving entertainers, plus tasty food on offer with many great cafes and restaurants at the marina for spectators to enjoy, plus there will be food stalls and fun children's activities which will all be part of Hervey Bay's traditional Blessing of the Fleet which signals the start of the whale watching season on July 27 this year.

Robyn Peach, event manager with Fraser Coast Tourism & Events, said a traditional aloha chant and multi-faith blessing would also be highlights of the event, presented by USC, from 4pm to 7.00pm.

“Enjoy a sail past and watch a live performance by Hervey Bay's, Derek F Smith, you can hop aboard one of the whale fleet vessels after their blessing to get a great vantage point for viewing the fireworks finale at 7pm” she said.

“The fleet blessing is a centuries-old seafaring tradition to foster a safe and prosperous season.

“These days it's joined with stalls selling great-tasting food for families to grab something quick, easy and affordable to eat plus a host of kids' entertainment such as face painting and rides.”

The Aloha Mai E chant will be performed by Hervey Bay's Leandra Gurbiel who has been trained in Hawaii.

“The chant is a calling to the humpback whales, invoking the blessing of migration,” she said.

Ms Gurbiel said it was also about bringing the community together for love and connection and wishing a safe journey to those on the water.

The activities on the day will also include a Marine Rescue Hervey Bay open day from 2pm to 5pm at the Great Sandy Straits Marina to promote awareness of the volunteer service.

Graeme Davies said people would be able to tour the base, step aboard their boat, see displays such as life rafts, ask boating questions and find out more about volunteering.

“We are on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” he said.

“Probably about a third of the work we do is medical evacuations from Fraser Island.”

He said the marine rescue crew also monitored radio messages and helped with search and rescue operations.

Mrs Peach said it was always terrific to see crowds come out supporting the whale fleet and making the most of the magnificent marina.

For more information about the Blessing of the Fleet, visit herveybaywhalefestival.com.au.