New Tourism June 2015
- Written by Kerri Anderson
Ditch your scarf and grab your swimmers. The Sunshine State has delivered some new goodies just in time to escape the winter chill. Take on Australia's most luxurious whale watching cruise in the Whitsundays, feast at Brisbane's newest farmers market, or enjoy an indigenous performance at one of Queensland's iconic tourism operators that has undergone a $13 million upgrade.
Mirage opens in the Whitsundays
Pack your bags and head to the serene shores of Whisper Bay to take in the stunning panoramic views of the Whitsundays. Mirage Whitsundays opened its doors to guests in May and offers one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments, waterfront villas and an opulent 4-bedroom rooftop penthouse. The Mirage apartments are spacious with a modern and stylish décor, while the 3 bedroom villas and penthouse both feature private plunge pools for the ultimate luxury escape.
Further information:
W: www.miragewhitsundays.com.au/
Pioneer Slab Huts set new style for Longreach
Some serious swag has arrived in Outback Queensland. Pioneer Slab Huts with Kinnin & Co. have cleverly incorporated 4-star luxury into contemporary huts that would make the fussiest of pioneers happy. Soak your aches away at the bath terrace – an outdoor area fitted out with traditional bath tubs where visitors can relax under the stars in true Outback style.
Further information:
W: www.kinnonandco.com.au/our-accommodation
Ibis opens at Mackay Airport
Australia's sugar capital Mackay, launched another treat to visitors with the opening of Ibis Mackay Airport on June 1. The property has embraced its sugarcane surroundings and offers guest the Ibis “Sweet Bed”. The premium economy hotel has standard rooms available from just $129 per night and is a great gateway to explore the Mackay region.
Further information:
W: www.accorhotels.com.au/hotel/ibis-mackay-airport
Luxury whale watching launches in Whitsundays
The 74 islands of the Whitsundays offer the perfect playground for the annual whale migration along Australia's East Coast. Ocean Dynamics now offers visitors the chance to watch the gentle giants from the comfort of a privately chartered 60 foot luxury cruiser. Whale watching packages include bbq lunch, non-alcoholic drinks and the opportunity to visit one of the Whitsundays' iconic beaches. Whale watching cruises are available for the annual migration season from June to September.
Further information:
W: www.oceandynamics.com.au
Aussie first with audio guide
The Daintree Rainforest has come to life with Down Under Tours in partnership with Voyages Tourism Australia and Mossman Gorge Centre launching the country's first GPS activated multi-lingual commentary guide. The Indigenous-guided rainforest walk is available in six languages and shares the stories from the Kuku Yalanji elders who selected 14 points of interest on the Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk.
Further information:
W: www.downundertours.com
Brisbane's newest Farmers Market
Foodies unite. Farmers and local producers are offering their delicious wares to peckish punters in Brisbane. The Red Hill Farmers Markets are a premium inner city market full of the freshest farm-direct produce, meats, seafood, eggs, honey, gourmet food stalls, arts and craft. Held every Sunday, these markets have a strong focus on spray-free produce, and marry local products with new and exciting food concepts creating a foodie destination like no other.
Further information:
W: www.redhillmarkets.com.au
Cairns indigenous tourism icon relaunches after $13 million upgrade
Renowned Cairns Indigenous tourism experience, Tjapukai, has undergone a $13 million upgrade. A newly designed 'Night Fire by Tjapukai' programme has been launched to provide visitors with an entertaining and interactive night-time experience that includes dinner, performances, camp fire stories and culminates with the dramatic lighting of a 40 metre fireball. The refurbishments also include new exterior and interior designs, new theatres and restaurants, and a completely refreshed range of productions, tour options and packages.
Further information:
W: www.tjapukai.com.au
