McKinlay Shire Council is frequently recognised for their innovations in tourism and a new initiative hopes to build on their reputation.
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For the last two years, they have been awarded Outback Queensland Tourism Association’s Local Government Award for Tourism among numerous other accolades and success has been largely contingent on their enthusiasm to offer new experiences and their ‘roll up your sleeves’ attitude.
With the tourism season on the wind down for another year in Outback Queensland, Mayor Belinda Murphy and Councillor Janene Fegan set themselves another challenge and are getting behind the wheel of a Britz motorhome for a ‘Beach to the Bush’ adventure.
Their journey commences in Cairns and along the picturesque Cassowary Coast to Townsville.
McKinlay Shire Council were extremely excited that Britz Australia have come on board to sponsor the 10 day ‘Beach to Bush’ trip. IOR Petroleum who partner with the ‘Stay on Track outback’ campaign have also come on board sponsoring the fuel at various IOR fuel 24/7 Diesel Stops throughout Western Queensland.
Their voyage will then head west into Queensland’s heartland along the Overlander’s Way, the travel route between Townsville and Tennant Creek including their home base, Julia Creek.
Councillor Shauna Royes and tourism team members, Tenneil Cody and Georgia Fleming, will then jump on board for the 760 kilometre trip to Windorah in the Channel Country for the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards.
Along the way the ladies will visit Kynuna, Winton, Longreach and then enter the Barcoo Shire, host of this years OQTA Awards, showcasing Stonehenge, Jundah and Windorah.
“The drive market is our biggest market in Outback Queensland so we need to continually promote how easy it is for travellers to get in their vehicle and set off on an adventure,” Mayor Murphy said.
The drive market is our biggest market so we need to promote how easy it is for travellers to get in their vehicle and set off on an adventure
- Belinda Murphy
“Too often, Queenslanders prefer to travel to destinations such as Bali or Europe in favour of exploring their own back yard and we really want to show how easy it is and safe to have an outback holiday if you’re a couple, a group of friends or family.”
The all female expedition is also geared towards ‘walking the talk’ and breaking down the barriers that people perceive there are to an Outback Queensland holiday.
“If we can do it, anyone can,” Mayor Belinda Murphy quipped.
“Along the way, we will look at an Outback Queensland holiday through the eyes of a visitor and be able to understand what motivates them and what defines a memorable experience.”
To stay tuned to the ladies’ adventure, follow the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre on Facebook.