The Outback Mates program encourages visitors to see more of Queensland’s outback and check in with their ‘mates’ at 23 visitor centres in the region.

Visitors need to collect at least six stamps in their Mates passport from Outback visitor centres for a chance to win a $500 fuel rebate.

Helen and her husband Peter visited the region in April 2015, spending two weeks in Cloncurry where Peter worked in the postal department in 1964.

They also visited Mary Kathleen, Mount Isa, Dajarra, Boulia, Middleton, Poddy’s Creek, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Charleville, Cunnamulla, St George, Surat and Roma.

Helen said it was wonderful news to hear that she had won the fuel rebate.

“We really enjoyed our trip to outback Queensland and we loved all the places along the way, staying a little longer in the places we really liked,” Helen said.

“We really liked Cloncurry, Boulia, Winton and Mary Kathleen and just adored Cawnpore Lookout. We had been to Longreach in 1993 but still loved revisiting all the attractions.

“We were away three-and-a-half months in total and it was a really terrific experience,” she said.

The response to the inaugural Outback Mates promotion was overwhelmingly positive, according to Outback Queensland Tourism Association CEO Peter Homan, with almost 8000 passports stamped.

The Outback Mates program will run again in 2016 and people planning a trip are encouraged to drop into a visitor centre and pick up a passport, which also includes a range of deals and discounts for attractions and businesses throughout the region.

The Mates program has evolved with the introduction of a member based loyalty system for 2016. 

Showing either the Mates App off their smartphone/tablet or the physical Mates Club Card will redeem offers.

The main goals of the Mates program, to encourage visitors to stay, and visit local Visitor Information Centres, remains.