By Rama Gaind.
Kingfisher Bay Resort is located on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.
Many of us are slowly emerging out of hibernation and beginning to travel again since restrictions were eased after the COVID-19 lockdown. With the opening of some state and territory borders, authorities have advised caution in our journeys as the situation changes daily.
While the health emergency is in place, make sure to regularly check the current situation at the destination and to contact the hotel before arrival.
Queensland is ‘Good to Go’ with a range of new and revitalised sightseeing experiences opening across the state. Tourism operators have been working hard to deliver new and improved experiences. These include new, guided walks on Fraser Island, glamping tents in the Outback, a cultural tour of the Ngaro Sea Trail and tea blending workshops.
A myriad of new and revamped adventures are waiting to be explored in Queensland. Here’s a small selection:
Hamilton Island is the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial jet airport.
Explore the world’s largest sand island by foot. Many people flock to Fraser Island for 4WD adventures, but it’s the journey you can take on foot that will give you a deeper understanding of the less travelled landscapes. Join a small group guided tour with Fraser Island Hiking to discover parts of the 90km Fraser Island Great Walk that passes by iconic landscapes such as Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Pile Valley. Fraser Island Hiking offers three hiking packages across two-, three- and four-day itineraries. The packages cater for a range of abilities and include a self-guided camping, ‘pack free’ and luxury option. Prices start from $450.
Another option is to stay at the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort that is located on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, near Great Sandy Strait. The resort is a 50-minute ferry crossing from River Heads in Hervey Bay.
Culture trail
Explore the Whitsundays’ rich cultural history along the Ngaro Sea Trail with Whitsunday Paradise Explorer’s new eco-certified Cultural Tours. Join experienced Skipper John Henderson and principal Indigenous guide Peter Pryor, who is a direct descendant of the Ngaro people, on a small group tour to visit culturally significant sites at South Molle, Whitsunday and Hook Island where a cave with ancient Aboriginal rock art paints a picture of the life of the Ngaro People who have walked this land for over 9,000 years. The tour allows you to learn more about the history of the Ngaro People, their customs and how they source traditional bush tucker that is plentiful in this region.
On the Coral Coast, the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is a luxury retreat.
Set sail on the Sunshine Coast. Saltwater Eco Tours is the brainchild of Young Indigenous Tourism Leader and descendant from the Torres Strait, Simon Thornalley, who created this new educational experience to share his Indigenous culture and passion for the ocean with others. Operating out of Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, the sailing experience will give you a deeper understanding of the connection between Indigenous culture and the ocean though stories of the local Kabi Kabi people, musical performances and local bush tucker tastings – all aboard a traditional sailing vessel dating back to 1908.
Other packages
The Whitsundays are the ultimate launching pad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and recharging under the sun. Salty air, sandy toes and sundowners overlooking the Coral Sea. The winter months are best for whale watching and swimming.
At the Elysian Eco Resort you will experience sublime peace, privacy and attentive service. It is the most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays and the first solar powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef.
A three-hectare private cove with a rocky beach, surrounded by rainforest and all the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef, this tropical eco-luxury paradise is worth a visit. Special stay packages are on offer until 31 July 2020 and valid for stays before 31 March 2021.
An aerial view of the Elysian Eco Resort in the Whitsundays and the first solar powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef.
Why not opt for five nights on Hamilton Island? As part of its Stay 5, Pay 4 holiday package you’ll receive one nights’ accommodation free when staying at the Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Beach Club. Offer is available until 31 August 2020.
If you book the Port Douglas + Kuranda, Skyrail & Rail Family Getaway, you will stay seven nights (including three free nights) at the Mantra In The Village in a two- bedroom suite. Another option is to stay at the Mantra Sun City Surfers Paradise for five nights with admission to SkyPoint Observation Deck.
Innumerable special holiday ideas, deals and packages are available through Tourism and Events Queensland, Qantas and the Flight Centre. Conditions do apply, and research will unearth even more destination gems!
DETAILS BOX
Tourism and Events Queensland
Qantas
T: 137 066
W: www.qantas.com
Flight Centre Australia
T: 133 133
