From sun-kissed beaches to red-dust horizons, Jocelyn Magazine explores Australian travel and nature. Discover coastal escapes, country towns, and outback adventures that capture the heart of life Down Under — where every journey tells a story of people, place, and the great outdoors.

8 Queensland Experiences for the Hearing Impaired

Beyond Silence: Inclusivity in Travel

EMBARK on an immersive journey beyond sound, and indulge in all-encompassing Queensland experiences.

Statistics reveal that one in six Australians grapple with hearing impairment, while approximately 30,000 Deaf Auslan users face total hearing loss.

As our population ages, projections suggest that by 2050, one in every four Australians will encounter some form of hearing loss.

Queensland, however, is breaking barriers by extending a warm invitation to travellers of all hearing abilities.

In the Sunshine State, from world-class art galleries and theatre productions to ancient rainforests and wildlife encounters, there’s an array of experiences designed to captivate all the senses.

Join us on a sensory-rich exploration of eight extraordinary Queensland adventures, where the beauty of the journey lies in inclusivity.

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

Queensland experiences - entertainment theatre

QPAC at South Bank offers an assistive listening system. Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland.

World-class performances in the heart of Brisbane

Brisbane’s exciting calendar of theatre, cultural exhibitions and performing arts is accessible through a range of hearing technologies and Auslan-interpreted shows.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) offers an assistive listening system (ALS) to send audio directly to headphones, hearing aids, or cochlear implants – with ListenTech available free of charge.

Select performances are professionally signed by Auslan interpreters, with theatregoers encouraged to download the GoTheatrical app to access live captions on mobile or tablet devices.

Further down the river, Brisbane Powerhouse offers a range of select Auslan performances throughout the year, as well as hearing loops for everyone to enjoy the year-round festivities.

Queensland Experiences - Brisbane Powerhouse

Aerial view of the Brisbane Powerhouse, on the banks of the Brisbane River. Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland.

Wander through the rainforest in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

As the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest in the Wet Tropics is home to an impressively diverse environment and thousands of distinctive wildlife species that must be experienced to be believed.

The Daintree Discovery Centre is a great place to do just this.

Spark curiosity in this ancient landscape at the Interpretive Display Centre, featuring interactive touch-screen kiosks to help set bearings, before setting off on a self-guided tour.

Guides are fitted with a T switch suitable for hearing aids. Ascend the Aerial Walkway to take in canopy views, complete with interpretive guidebooks highlighting not to miss points of interest.

A rainforest park nestled in the Daintree National Park. Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland.

Be inspired by art in South East Queensland

In the state’s capital, QAGOMA’s (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art) award-winning accessibility program offers customised programs for low-hearing and deaf art lovers.

Free volunteer guided tours for members of the Deaf community are scheduled on the last Sunday of the month from January to November, with a NAATI-accredited Auslan interpreter accompanying the gallery guide.

Visitors with cochlear implants, hearing aids or hearing loss are invited to join a small group tour led by a volunteer guide on the fourth Friday of the month between January and November, with assistive listening devices (FM system) available.

Visitors can also enjoy rare film viewings at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art’s Australian Cinémathèque, with a hearing loop system to support those with hearing aids and implants.

On the Gold Coast, HOTA (Home of the Arts) is committed to bringing art to the hearts of all, with Auslan assistive listening carrier devices and Auslan-interpreted programs, including tours with the HOTA Gallery Artist Educator, regularly scheduled.

A Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art guide talks with a group next to some artwork. Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland.

A family walks to the entrance of HOTA (Home of the Arts). Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland.

Say hello to a wild world of wildlife on the Gold Coast

Twenty-seven hectares of rainforest and animal encounters await at the Gold Coast’s iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Meet native animals, tour the animal hospital, and catch the Wild Skies Free Flight Bird Show which has hearing augmentation via an assisted listening service, amplifying sound through headphones (hired from Visitor and Member Services).

Daily lorikeet feeding encounter at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland.

Festival fun on the Sunshine Coast

Art and culture shine on the Sunshine Coast during the annual Horizon Festival.

This 10-day multi-arts festival celebrates music, arts, theatre, dance and more, from the beach to the hinterland and the townships.

Bringing art experiences to those with low hearing or deafness, some performances feature Auslan-interpreted shows on select dates.

At the same time, the festival also offers an interpreting service, meaning eventgoers can request an Auslan interpreter for events, where possible.

Visitors who would like an Auslan interpreter and seating with clear sightlines to interpreters are asked to contact the festival organisers to book.

Aboriginal dancers perform at the 2022 Horizon Festival on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Nic Morley, Tourism & Events Queensland.

Discover the magic of the stars, planets and universe beyond

Located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the base of iconic Mt Coot-tha, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium skyrockets wonder in space and astronomy.

Learn about the solar system and human space exploration in the Display Zone, which includes written and pictorial information, while glow-in-the-dark gloves are available for Auslan interpretation.

A family walks past the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland.

Resonating Diversity: Queensland’s Inclusive Overture

As we draw the curtain on our Queensland exploration, it’s evident that inclusivity is the melody that resonates throughout the Sunshine State.

From the theatres of Brisbane hosting accessible performances to the ancient serenades of the Daintree Rainforest, each encounter extends an open invitation, regardless of one’s hearing capabilities.

South East Queensland’s art scene paints a vivid tapestry of diversity, while the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast amplifies the wonders of the wild.

The Horizon Festival on the Sunshine Coast is a testament to accessibility in the arts, ensuring that the cultural celebration embraces all participants.

At the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, the universe unfolds its wonders for everyone, underlining the boundless magic of exploration.

Queensland’s commitment to inclusivity is resounding – every traveller is embraced in the shared symphony of wonder.

For more information on accessible Queensland holidays, explore queensland.com/foreveryone.

Story and photos contributed by Tourism & Events Queensland.
Published 3 December 2023.

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03/12/2023/by Contributor

Australia, EXPLORE, Rail Travel

Epic rail journey to a tropical paradise

Discover North Queensland on a railway adventure

AH, THE peace and tranquillity that comes with travelling by train.

Kicking back in my high-back leather-look seat, letting time pass me by as the scenery rushes past outside – it was an experience I hadn’t had for several years until I embarked on a long-haul journey from Maryborough to North Queensland in July 2023.

Instead of dealing with the usual stress of airports and traffic, this year my annual trip north took me on a slow yet mesmerizing voyage of discovery from Maryborough to Townsville and Tully on the Spirit of Queensland.

What unfolded over the next 10 days was not just stunning vistas and family fun, but also interesting conversations with fellow passengers, making this an unforgettable adventure.

Let me tell you about my recent rail journey to North Queensland.

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

Rail Journey - Spirit of Queensland at Tully

The Spirit of Queensland pulls into Tully Railway Station.

A slow yet mesmerising rail journey

Picture this – a long-haul rail journey from Maryborough to Townsville and Tully, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife. It was a peaceful escape from the daily grind, allowing me to truly relax and take in the beauty around me.

At Townsville, I had something truly exciting waiting for me. My youngest son and his partner had just welcomed the newest addition to our family, little Bryson. The joy of meeting my grandchild was indescribable.

After enjoying lots of baby cuddles and exploring the stunning sights of Townsville, such as the breathtaking vistas from Castle Hill to Magnetic Island, and strolling along the vibrant Strand, it was time for my next adventure.

My other son whisked me off for a 2.5-hour drive north to the charming town of Tully, known for being one of Queensland’s major sugar hotspots and arguably the rainiest spot in Australia.

Life with his wife and kiddies, Riley and Rhys, in the coastal village that’s a half-hour drive from Mission Beach is nothing short of idyllic. Palm-fringed beaches, tropical rainforests, and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef are just a stone’s throw away. It’s paradise.

But, before I take you further, let us go back to the beginning of this epic journey.

Overlooking Townsville from the top of Castle Hill.

Don’t miss out next winter – book your railbed early!

I caught the Queensland Rail bus from Stocklands Shopping Centre in Hervey Bay for a smooth half-hour ride to the Maryborough Transit Centre, where fellow travellers joined us for the next leg of the adventure.

Maryborough, with all its heritage buildings, cultural significance, and industrial history, was my home for 27 years before moving to Hervey Bay in 2019. The city holds a special place in my heart.

Fun fact: Maryborough is the birthplace of P.L. Travers, the author of the classic children’s book and movie Mary Poppins. There’s a touch of magic in the air!

Economy class is comfortable with high-back leather-look seats and plenty of legroom.

As I waited for the train at Maryborough West Railway Station, the chilly winds were relentless, but the friendly Queensland Rail staff made me feel welcome and guided me to my designated and sheltered spot. At 7.30 pm, the train departed, and I settled into my economy-class seat.

Now, I had grand plans of booking one of those luxurious Railbeds, but alas, they were all booked out. Winter months in Queensland are prime travel time, so you have to plan well ahead.

Instead, I treated myself to a Trtl Travel Pillow. Compact, lightweight, and endorsed by Lonely Planet Magazine, it made the journey feel like first class.

And so, my adventure began. A 14-hour journey lay ahead of me, with the promise of arriving in Townsville at 9.38 am the next day. Well, if you count the Rail Bus leg from Hervey Bay to Maryborough, it’s more like 15.5 hours. But who’s counting when you’re having the time of your life?

Be comfortable in economy with a Trtl Travel Pillow

You’ve probably heard horror stories of being stuck beside an annoying traveller on long-haul journeys. But lucky for me, I have yet to experience such an ordeal, and this trip was no exception.

I was lucky enough to be seated next to an absolute gem of a guy, John Corbett, whom I’ll affectionately call Mr Cyclist. He’s a retired essential service officer who now spends much of his time exploring the world on his bike.

Mr Cyclist was on his way to Townsville with his trusty road bike in the luggage carriage, and planned to pedal back down south along the National Trail, a grand adventure akin to Bill Bryson’s famous A Walk in the Woods.

The National Trail is Australia’s ultimate quest for independent explorers, spanning 5330 kilometres from Cooktown to Healesville. This incredible trail takes adventurers through stock routes, bush tracks, fire trails, and scenic roads along the Great Dividing Range.

For over three decades, the iconic R.M. Williams has lent his name to this extraordinary expedition. Teaming up with the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association, they have brought to life a trail that immerses hikers, horse riders, cyclists, and packers in the rich history of Australia’s stock routes.

Overnight, however, Mr Cyclist attempted to catch some much-needed shut-eye, but his quest for comfort came up short. Like me, a fellow survivor of missed opportunities, he had missed out on a coveted luxurious Railbed booking and settled for economy class.

Little did he know, a Trtl Travel Pillow could have been his saving grace. Instead, he resorted to stretching out on a dining car seat, only to be chipped by a rail staff member for his audacity. Turns out that sleeping in the dining car is against QR’s rules. Oops!

rail travel - man collecting his bike from a train.

John Corbett, aka Mr Cyclist, collects his bike from the baggage area on the Townsville Railway Station platform.

Rise and shine!

As we opened our eyes the next morning, the sun greeted us with a breathtaking show over the mountains near Mackay. We couldn’t help but soak in the beauty while savouring a breakfast of raisin toast and tea in the dining car.

Here’s the plot twist: our train had a bit of a hiccup with the signals during the night, causing it to run behind schedule. But hey, that only added to the adventure! Finally, we arrived in Townsville around 11 am, ready to continue our epic journeys.

All aboard! Family fun on the Innisfail Mini Rail

In Tully, I had a blast with my family. Our adventure started with a quick jaunt to Innisfail, 53 kilometres to the north, where we all took rides on the Innisfail Mini Rail.

This delightful miniature train chugs along every second Sunday of the month at the beautiful 50-ha Warrina Lakes Park. We soaked up the scenery as we zipped past the serene lily-covered lake and ventured through lush pockets of rainforest.

The Innisfail Mini Rail Club, a squad of awesome volunteers, is the brains behind this fantastic train ride that has been entertaining folks since 2017.

Oh, and there was a terrific kids’ playground nearby too!

Families enjoy a ride on the Innisfail Mini Rail.

Roll on down to Murdering Point Winery

Despite the ominous name, Murdering Point Winery was anything but scary.

As we adults sipped on top-notch wines, the little ones, Riley and Thomas-the-Tank-Engine-fanatic Rhys, were in awe as a cane train hauling sugar cane rolled right by the entrance.

Founded in 2001 by the Berryman family, Murdering Point Winery has gained a reputation for its exceptional wines and innovative use of exotic tropical fruits.

The winery offers an array of uniquely Australian red and white fruit wines, ports, liqueurs, and creams that transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

rail journey - Jodie pours a sample of delicious tropical fruit wine at Murdering Point Winery.

Jody pours a sample of delicious tropical fruit wine at Murdering Point Winery.

Fish & Chips on the Beach with Tully Coast Guard

What’s better than white sand and kids’ playgrounds at Mission Beach? How about enjoying Fish & Chips on the Beach at the Tully Coast Guard’s annual fundraising event with the stunning sunset as the backdrop? It was the perfect finale for my time in Tully for 2023.

The brilliant finale to my North Queensland visit was the Tully Coast Guard’s Fish & Chips on the Beach with this stunning sunset as the backdrop.

Discover a lush oasis at Tully Railway Station

rail journey - Tully railway station platform

Potted ferns dot the Tully Railway Station.

Too soon, it was time to bid farewell to the family escapade and make my way back to Hervey Bay. At about 11.30 am, I hopped aboard the Spirit of Queensland once more at the charming Tully Railway Station, nestled near the heart of town.

This station had quite the eventful past – it endured some serious water damage thanks to the notorious Cyclone Yasi back in February 2011, but it’s since undergone a refurbishment. You can still spot the remnants of the old station building on the south side, with visible battle scars.

With potted palms and lush hanging ferns dotting the platform, it exudes an enchanting tropical atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to kick back and wait for the next leg of my adventure. Time flies when you’re surrounded by this blissful oasis.

Find a travel buddy on the Spirit of Queensland

On my return journey from Tully to Maryborough, first I had the pleasure of sitting next to Mr Garden Guru, a fascinating chap with long hair, a beard, and a love for faded jeans.

Not only was he a successful garden business owner in Cairns, but he was also a marketing guru who spilt the beans on using artificial intelligence for blogging.

But wait, there’s more! He was also a vegan on the hunt for some fruit in the train’s galley, only to be disappointed. Luckily, he had a stash of lychees in his backpack, which he happily devoured.

When Mr Garden Guru hopped off in Townsville to pick up his new ute and return to Cairns, I was accompanied by my new travel buddy – Mr Entrepreneur.

This former tobacco farmer turned restaurant owner turned garden maintenance enthusiast knew how to make some serious money by mowing grass and trimming shrubs in North Queensland.

He was headed to Brisbane to reunite with his wife, who had arrived a few days earlier.

Together, they were going on a shopping adventure looking for a motorhome, eager to join the ranks of the “grey nomads.”

As for me, my time on the Spirit of Queensland came to an end at Maryborough West at about 7.30 am, and I boarded the Queensland Rail Bus bound for Hervey Bay.

After a total of about 37 hours of rail time (including delays), I left with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the magic of rail travel.

North or south? The choice is yours!

Looking for a relaxing way to tour Queensland’s breathtaking coast? Meet the Spirit of Queensland, your ticket to adventure!

With regular weekly services, this fabulous train will take you to see friends and family, or let you explore some of Queensland’s most stunning destinations.

Think Whitsundays, Townsville, Cairns, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane – the list goes on. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even connect to the glamorous Gold Coast.

Whether you crave the natural wonders of the north or the dazzling lights of Brisbane, the Spirit of Queensland has got you covered.

It’s a convenient way to travel between Brisbane and Cairns. So why wait? Hop aboard and let the journey begin!

Jocelyn travelled on the Spirit of Queensland at her own cost.
Published 20 July 2023

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20/07/2023/by Jocelyn Watts

Australia, Hervey Bay, Whale Watching

Spot Humpback Whales With Sunreef Mooloolaba

The 2026 humpback whales are heading for Queensland again. Season runs July–October, with the best encounters in August–September. If you’re ready to go in Hervey Bay, choose a tour and book early.

‘Tis the season to see humpback whales in the wild

WHAT could be more idyllic than a perfect day in paradise, watching majestic humpback whales breaching and blowing?

The moment we stepped onboard Whale One with Sunreef Mooloolaba at The Wharf, it was obvious we were in for an exceptional whale-watching tour.

The blue sky stretched endlessly above us, and the glittering ocean below was (almost) smooth as glass.

The excited chatter of fellow travellers filled the air; some had seen whales before, but for many, it was their whale-watching debut.

Dolphins frolicking and humpbacks breaching gave us an amazing tour filled with new experiences.

Whether you’re an experienced ocean explorer or just looking to try something new, this is certainly a day trip not to be missed.

Our tour went like this…

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Whale One is set for another day of whale-watching adventure.

Experience the thrill of whale watching in paradise

Welcome aboard, mates! Captain Paul here, with our trusty crew – Heidi, Savannah and Rebecca, and our assistant Dan (aka Salty)… although none of us really knows what he does!

Now, Heidi gave us a great rundown on the boat’s safety features and what to do if you’re feeling seasick.

If you are, head downstairs where the boat is more stable and where you can get some fresh air. The top deck can get a bit rocky!

And hey, let’s not forget the open bar with delicious cocktails, chips, and snacks on offer.

A humpback whale breaching.

But all that doesn’t compare to the sight we’re hoping to see – the majestic humpback whales! These creatures have been around for millions of years, and they’ve got some awesome skills to show off.

Keep your eyes peeled for breaches, where they jump out of the water and land with a tremendous splash, or the blow that comes from a hole on top of their head; you’ll see a huge puff of air for about five seconds, shooting up to four to five metres in height.

We’ve got everyone on whale patrol, so if you spot anything, call it out, loud and proud, like we’re a clock – 12 o’clock for anything on the bow, 6 o’clock on the stern, 3 o’clock on the starboard side, and 9 o’clock on the port side – and estimate the distance, if you can.

It could be whales, dolphins, or any other sea creatures surfacing.

Today’s a calm day, which should make it easier to spot whales… unless they decide to hold their breath for up to 45 minutes! But they usually only hold it for 5 to 15 minutes on their migration, as they are now, on their way from the Antarctic, through Sunshine Coast waters to Hervey Bay & K’gari.

As we leave Mooloolaba for our four-hour tour, be sure to take in the beautiful scenery.

One of the many stunning houses seen along the shore of Mooloolaba bay as we headed out to see on Whale One.

Get your binoculars ready for a whale adventure

As soon as the music started playing, a group of young adults started dancing on the top deck. The playlist included hits such as Notion by Kings of Leon, Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show, and No Ceiling by Eddie Vedder.

Australia has a whopping 45 species of whales, but on this trip, we were on the lookout for the humpbacks. They’re usually easy to spot thanks to their unique features–a sleek dark grey or black body with white patches along the belly, and pectoral fins.

Kaye Browne from Food Wine Pets Travel.

The writer of this article, Jocelyn Watts, and Brian Pickering from Food Wine Pets Travel.

Heidi, one of the knowledgeable crew members, said to watch for blows in the distance. If you spot a whale’s tail popping up and diving, it’s a good sign they’re preparing to breach. After about 15 minutes, the colossal creature emerges from the water.

At around 9 o’clock (port side), we had our first sighting of a humpback’s body near the surface.

Later, about two and a half hours into the trip, we experienced what we had all been waiting for–a stunning double breach at around 3 o’clock (stern side), some 100 to 200 meters away from us.

The crowd erupted into a chorus of “oohs” and “ahs.”

Some of us were lucky enough to witness these majestic creatures for the first time, while others were back for another round.

“A sublime day in paradise!” – Marie Walton-Mahon.

Marie Walton-Mahon OAM, from PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) Dance, had booked her third cruise with Sunreef Mooloolaba.

The company offers a 100% guarantee that you’ll see a whale or the next trip is on them. Marie noted that on her two previous trips, the most exciting animals she saw were pelicans.

On this trip, a very excited Marie exclaimed, “Those two that were jumping up and down, synchronised, were absolutely spectacular! Happy days! It was a sublime day in paradise!”

“A sublime day in paradise!” – Whale watcher Marie Walton-Mahon OAM.

Sail away to encounter whales with Sunreef Mooloolaba

All things considered, this day of whale watching was an incredible one. We could not have asked for a better experience; the crew was incredibly friendly and helpful, and they kept the amenities immaculate.

We’d highly suggest to anyone looking for a similar activity that they join a Sunreef whale-watching tour. The scenery and wildlife around us were breathtaking; it truly felt like paradise.

I’d like to end this write-up by saying a big thank you to everyone at Sunreef Mooloolaba –they made our cruise as perfect as possible – and Visit Sunshine Coast for their assistance.

For an unforgettable experience filled with fun and excitement, head over to the Sunreef website (https://Sunreef Mooloolaba.com.au/whales/) and book your tickets.

Humpback whales generally come to the Queensland coast from late Autumn to late Spring. During this time, they migrate through Sunshine Coast waters to Hervey Bay & K’gari where you can catch mothers with their newborn calves, and on to the Great Barrier Reef before returning south again.

Spectacular views, chance encounters with some lovely ocean life, and a friendly, knowledgeable crew are all worth it. Happy sailing!

A humpback whale blow! Photo: Shutterstock

Check out this amazing video from FoodWinePetsTravel!

Jocelyn Magazine and FoodWinePetsTravel were guests of Sunreef Mooloolaba and Visit Sunshine Coast.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like…

FIND OUT WHEN AND WHERE TO SPOT HUMPBACK WHALES

11 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE WHALE WATCHING

Planning a Whale Watching Trip?

Whale-watch season offers a chance to witness one of Australia’s most remarkable natural spectacles.

Bring a camera, pack a light jacket, and don’t forget to look up from the viewfinder occasionally. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you simply experience.

Make the most of your getaway with these travel essentials:

Stay Near the Marina

In Hervey Bay, many whale watching tours depart from Urangan Marina, making nearby accommodation a convenient choice.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a range of accommodation options within easy reach of Hervey Bay’s waterfront, restaurants and tour departure points.

OAKS HOTEL

Explore Beyond the Whales

Planning to discover more of the Fraser or Sunshine coasts before or after your cruise? A hire car makes it easy to visit the hinterland and other local attractions.

Avis Car Rental offers vehicle hire options for travellers arriving by air, rail or road.

AVIS CAR RENTAL

Travel With Confidence

Travel plans don’t always go exactly as expected. Travel insurance may help protect against unexpected disruptions, cancellations and medical expenses.

AllClear Travel Insurance specialises in cover for travellers, including many pre-existing medical conditions.

ALLCLEAR TRAVEL INSURNCE

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, Jocelyn Magazine may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting independent publishing.

26/06/2023/by Jocelyn Watts

Australia, Hervey Bay, Whale Watching

Whale Watching on the Sunshine Coast

The 2026 humpback whales are heading for Queensland again. Season runs July–October, with the best encounters in August–September. If you’re ready to go in Hervey Bay, choose a tour and book early.

Have a Whale of a Time on the Sunshine Coast

Each winter, humpback whales make their epic migration along Australia’s east coast, creating one of the country’s most spectacular wildlife experiences.

From June to October, thousands of humpback whales travel north from Antarctica to warmer waters, passing the Sunshine Coast before continuing towards Hervey Bay, K’gari and the Great Barrier Reef. Later in the season, many return south with newborn calves in tow.

For travellers, this creates two very different but equally memorable whale-watching opportunities.

On the Sunshine Coast, places like Mooloolaba offer front-row seats to the migration itself. It’s a chance to watch whales powering north, breaching, tail-slapping and socialising in open ocean waters. Some operators even offer swim-with-whales experiences, giving adventurous visitors the rare opportunity to enter the water and observe these giants up close, always on the whales’ terms.

Further north, Hervey Bay is often called the whale-watching capital of Australia for good reason. Unlike the passing migration seen off Mooloolaba, humpback whales often stop and rest in the calm, protected waters between Hervey Bay and K’gari. It’s here that mothers nurture calves, juveniles play, and escort males compete for attention, creating longer, more relaxed encounters for visitors.

Together, the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast form a remarkable whale trail, offering different perspectives on one of nature’s great annual journeys.

Whether you choose the thrill of open-ocean encounters on the Sunshine Coast or the intimate bay experiences of Hervey Bay, whale season is one of Queensland’s most unforgettable winter attractions.

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Whale watching: take the plunge!

Swim with whales cruises are restricted to a maximum of 15 participants, who are outfitted with wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels. whales - swimming with whales

The crew first spots the whales, then the vessel is positioned ahead of the humpbacks’ predicted route, and snorkelers enter the water and wait for the magic to happen.

“The rest is completely up to the whale,” Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Philip Hart said. “If they want to come to you, they come to you – and more often than not, they do. They’re just as interested in us as we are in them. They’re very curious creatures.”

Swim with whales cruises start from 1 July, with daily cruises (subject to conditions) through to October. Adult tickets include all equipment, expert commentary and guiding, and refreshments.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said that the whale watching and swimming tours support Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a leading nature-based tourism destination.

“We know our whale experiences are top of our visitors’ to-do list across the winter months.”

More than just a migration

Humpback whales are among the most acrobatic of all whale species, known for their spectacular breaches, tail slaps and pectoral fin waves. Scientists believe many of these behaviours help whales communicate, play, or even dislodge parasites from their skin.

One of the most fascinating humpback behaviours is bubble-net feeding — a hunting technique where whales work together to herd schools of fish into tight circles by blowing curtains of bubbles beneath the surface. Once the fish are trapped, the whales rise through the middle with mouths wide open. While this behaviour is more common in feeding grounds like Alaska, it’s one of the reasons humpbacks are considered among the most intelligent and cooperative marine mammals.

Along the Queensland coast, visitors are more likely to witness behaviours such as breaching, spy-hopping and tail-lobbing during migration. Younger whales, in particular, are often playful, while mothers with calves can be seen teaching their young the rhythms of the journey.

This is one reason Hervey Bay has become such a prized whale-watching destination. The bay’s sheltered waters offer a kind of nursery and rest stop, allowing whales to slow down and spend more time at the surface. For photographers and wildlife lovers, that can mean longer encounters and more chances to observe natural behaviour up close.

Further south, the Sunshine Coast offers a different energy — the excitement of seeing the migration in motion, as whales push northward through open ocean waters on one of the longest mammal migrations on earth.

Whale season is short: July–October 2026, with peak sightings in August–September. Book your Hervey Bay tour now to secure your date and avoid the rush.

Planning a Whale Watching Trip?

Whether you’re visiting the Fraser Coast for a weekend or a longer Queensland road trip, whale season offers a chance to witness one of Australia’s most remarkable natural spectacles.

Bring a camera, pack a light jacket, and don’t forget to look up from the viewfinder occasionally. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you simply experience.

Make the most of your Fraser Coast getaway with these travel essentials:

Stay Near the Marina

Many Hervey Bay whale watching tours depart from Urangan Marina, making nearby accommodation a convenient choice.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a range of accommodation options within easy reach of Hervey Bay’s waterfront, restaurants and tour departure points.

OAKS HOTEL

Explore Beyond the Whales

Planning to discover more of the Fraser Coast before or after your cruise? A hire car makes it easy to visit Maryborough, Toogoom, Burrum Heads and other local attractions.

Avis Car Rental offers vehicle hire options for travellers arriving by air, rail or road.

AVIS CAR RENTAL

Travel With Confidence

Travel plans don’t always go exactly as expected. Travel insurance may help protect against unexpected disruptions, cancellations and medical expenses.

AllClear Travel Insurance specialises in cover for travellers, including many pre-existing medical conditions.

ALLCLEAR TRAVEL INSURNCE

16/06/2023/by Contributor

Australia, EXPLORE

Discover the benefits of ‘Nature Prescriptions’

Study shows ‘Nature prescriptions’ can improve health

A dose of the outdoors may be just what the doctor ordered, according to new research from UNSW Sydney.

Imagine that your doctor prescribes you a new treatment. It’s pleasant, and you can have as much as you want. Potential side effects include spontaneous euphoria and being in a good mood. Not to mention, it’s free and available all around you.

It’s not a drug or some other medical procedure that your doctor has recommended. Instead, it is a ‘nature prescription’ – a recommendation to spend time in the outdoors.

Researchers from UNSW Sydney assessed international evidence for nature prescriptions and their ability to improve health. They analysed 28 studies that tested the prescriptions in real-world patients.

This research was led by Professor Xiaoqi Feng from UNSW Medicine & Health and Professor Thomas Astell-Burt from the University of Wollongong, who are the Co-Directors of the Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab).

The systematic review and meta-analysis, published today in The Lancet Planetary Health, found that time spent close to nature provided both physical and mental health benefits. Patients had reduced blood pressure, as well as lower depression and anxiety scores, and they had a higher daily step count.

“The evidence shows that nature can help to restore and build capacities for better physical and mental health. What we need now is to work out how to make nature prescriptions happen in a sustained way for those people with high potential to benefit, but who currently spend little time in the outdoors,” said Prof. Feng.

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Nature makes us healthier

Research shows that contact with nature reduces harms, including those from poor air quality, heatwaves, and chronic stress, while encouraging healthy behaviours such as socialising and physical activity. This can help to prevent issues including loneliness, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

“This study is built upon a long-term program of research that we are doing, where we show contact with the outdoors – and trees especially – is really good for strengthening mental and physical health across our lives,” said Prof. Feng.

Previous research by Prof. Feng shows that living close to certain types of green space can improve health.

For example, in a study of almost 47,000 adults in New South Wales (NSW), those living in areas with 30 per cent or more tree canopy reported better general health and reduced psychological distress.

This research has informed the City of Sydney’s $377 million strategy to reach 40 per cent green cover by 2050.

“But even if you have a high-quality green space like a park nearby, it doesn’t mean that everyone will visit and benefit from it,” said Prof. Feng.

“How can we encourage and enable people to (re)connect with the outdoors? That’s where the idea of a nature prescription comes in.”

Taking nature prescriptions mainstream

Nature prescriptions are emerging as a supplement to standard medical care. For example, the UK Government recently invested £5.77 million in a pilot program for ‘green social prescribing’ and Canada has a national nature prescription program.

In Australia, there is growing public interest in nature prescriptions. A recent survey of Australian adults led by Prof. Feng showed that over 80 per cent of people were receptive to the idea.

However, there are no large-scale nature prescription programs in Australia yet. More research is needed to understand how nature prescriptions could be implemented in our local context.

“So how long should the nature prescription be for? What should be in the prescription? How should we deliver it, and by whom? These questions don’t have firm answers yet,” said Prof. Feng.

“If we want nature prescriptions to become a national scheme, we really need to provide the evidence.”

It’s also important for nature prescriptions to be accessible to all Australians. Previous research from Prof. Astell-Burt and Prof. Feng has shown that low-income communities are least likely to have access to green space. Yet, these communities are more at risk of chronic health issues like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

“We don’t want nature prescriptions to be a luxury item for the rich who already have access to beaches and a lot of high-quality green space,” Prof. Feng said. “We want these benefits for everyone.”

UNSW Sydney – 25/5/2023

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If you enjoyed that article, you may like 15 Lesser-Known National Parks in Queensland

25/05/2023/by Jocelyn Watts

Australia, EXPLORE

15 Lesser-Known National Parks in Queensland

Unearth new adventures in these amazing national parks

WITH more than 1,000 protected areas across the state, Queensland is bursting with enchanting and soul-nourishing national parks.

But while travellers are familiar with famous favourites like Noosa National Park and Lamington National Park, there’s a treasure trove of hidden gems that are sure to surprise and delight.

Discover these 15 lesser-known and under-the-radar Queensland national parks that are guaranteed to knock your socks (and hiking boots) off!

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

1. Blackdown Tableland National Park, Capricorn

A relatively undiscovered sanctuary tucked among the sprawling plains of Central Queensland, Blackdown Tableland National Park has some seriously Instagrammable scenery that’s worth a brag and a tag.

Think sloping sandstone escarpments, echoing gorges, plunging rockpools, and picturesque walking trails.

Visitors to the national park will also find Indigenous rock art on the Mimosa Creek Cultural Trail, sharing stories of the Ghungalu People.

Blackdown Tableland. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

2. St Helena Island National Park, Brisbane

Sitting just 5 km off the coast of Queensland’s capital, St Helena Island was once a colonial penal settlement.

From 1867 until 1932 St Helena Island adopted the role of high-security prison and farm, where inmates helped plant crops, took on trades, and constructed buildings, the ruins of which can still be seen today.

Fast forward to 2023 and the island, now a national park, can be explored by day trippers from Brisbane on a River to Bay ‘Best of Moreton Bay’ cruise or a St Helena Island ‘Prison Life’ experience, led by St Helena Theatre Troupe performers.

Aerial view of St Helena Island. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

3. Mount Walsh National Park, Bundaberg

Mount Walsh National Park, an 80-minute drive southwest of Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, is a beacon for seasoned bushwalkers and adventurers.

The park is characterised by imposing granite rock formations, creeks that drop into rockpools, and Mount Walsh itself protruding from the bedrock.

For experienced hikers, the 703m Mount Walsh Summit takes four hours to ascend and offers views from the peak across the countryside.

Meanwhile, the grade four Rockpool Walk winds through hoop pine forest before following the creek sprinkled with rockpools.

Rock pools at Mt Walsh Waterfall Creek (Utopia Falls). Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

4. Wooroonooran National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Coooeee! If the summit hike of Mount Walsh isn’t challenging enough, a climb to the ‘top of Queensland’ is sure to get the legs pushing and the heart pumping.

Perched 1,622m above sea level, Mount Bartle Frere in Wooroonooran National Park, just south of Cairns, is Queensland’s highest peak.

It takes around six to eight hours to conquer, but the views across the Wet Tropics Rainforest and out to the coast are worth the grind.

Also making this national park a must-visit is the lineup of tumbling waterfalls, freshwater rivers, and lush rainforests that intertwine around the mountain.

National Parks - dawn view from a mountain top

Sunrise from the summit of Queensland’s highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

5. Bunya Mountains National Park, Southern Queensland Country

The Bunya Mountains National Park, just over a three-hour drive from Brisbane, provides an alpine escape perfect for families and romantic getaways.

The mountains are lined with towering bunya pines and the area was once a ceremonial gathering place for a significant Aboriginal festival called the Bonye Bonye festival.

The Bunya Mountains feature more than 100 individual holiday cabins and cottages for rent, ranging from studios to multi-bedroom chalets.

The National Park is home to a large population of wallabies and offers a patchwork of walking trails through the bunya pine forest, including easy waterfall circuits and more intense hikes across the mountainside.

Walking past a waterfall in the Bunya Mountains National Park. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

6. Porcupine Gorge National Park, Outback Queensland

Winding through the arid savannah terrain, Porcupine Gorge National Park is an outback oasis.

Just over an hour’s drive from Hughenden, the waters of Porcupine Creek, surrounded by a green outline of rich vegetation that lines the gorge, pop against the orange and yellow of the Outback plains.

The most spectacular way to appreciate the vast canyon is with Fox Helicopters on a scenic flight to the upper section of the national park not accessible from the ground.

Camping is available at the Pyramid campsite, and there are three marked walking tracks leading hikers to lookouts or down into the gorge.

Swimming at the Porcupine Gorge National Park. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

7. Conway National Park, Whitsundays

Leafy rainforest canopies, secret beaches, and sparkling views across the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef are all packaged up into 75km of refreshing rainforest coastline in Conway National Park.

Lining the peninsula beyond the hustle and bustle of Airlie Beach, Conway National Park packs a punch with waterfalls and swimming holes, uncrowded beaches, stunning lookouts, and a network of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Hit the dirt with Bike & Hike Whitsunday and experience the ancient rainforest in a guided mountain bike tour.

The national park is also home to six rare and threatened species, like the endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby.

national parks - cycling through a creek bed

Riding through a creek in the rainforest, while on a tour through Conway National Park. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

8. Mount Hypipamee National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Mount Hypipamee National Park in Tropical North Queensland has other national parks green with envy thanks to an impressive crater that plunges 58m into the ground.

At the bottom of the volcanic pipe lies a 70m deep lake, coated by an eye-catching lime green blanket of native waterweed.

The crater is thought to have formed after a massive gas explosion ruptured through a crack in the Earth’s surface and looks as if nature dropped a huge bowling ball into molten rock.

The best vantage point to take in this geological wonder is from the viewing platform on the Crater Track walk.

national parks - aerial view of a rock pool

Mt Hypipamee National Park. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

9. Girringun National Park, Townsville / Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Home to Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is a heavy hitter when it comes to wondrous waterfalls.

While many flock to watch the waterfall and then dissipate into mist at the bottom of the 268m Wallaman Falls, the dramatic Blencoe Falls in the upper section of the national park are just as remarkable , with two levels of waterfall cascading down the gorge.

Closer to the coast, Attie Creek Falls and the Cardwell Spa Pools offer two superb swimming holes.

Wallaman Falls is the highest, permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

10. Eungella National Park, Mackay

The rainforest refuge that is Eungella National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse pockets of rainforest in Australia, with both tropical and sub-tropical species flourishing under the canopy.

Ever wanted to spot an elusive platypus in the wild? Stay quiet long enough and chances are one will pop its head from the surface of Broken River.

A fan of waterfalls? Check out Araluen Waterfall and the Wheel of Fire Cascades in the Finch Hatton Gorge section of Eungella National Park – both popular with locals.

national parks - lady swimming in a rook pool

Lady swimming in a rock pool at Finch Hatton Gorge. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

11. Kroombit Tops National Park, Gladstone

For history buffs, the little-known Kroombit Tops National Park, southwest of Gladstone, is a destination with a hint of history mixed with a little bit of mystery.

It is the final resting place of the American Liberator WWII bomber, Beautiful Betsy, which vanished over Queensland in 1945 during a flight from Darwin to Brisbane.

The wreckage lay undiscovered for 49 years until a park ranger stumbled on it in 1994, where it remains as a monument to the servicemen onboard who passed away. Kroombit Tops National Park is also home to the critically endangered Kroombit Tinkerfrog of which there are thought to be fewer than 150 in existence.

B-24D Liberator Bomer, Beautiful Betsy, Kroombit Tops National Park, Gladstone. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

12. Main Range National Park, Brisbane

Main Range National Park stands high and mighty, just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and lies within the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest.

While many national parks boast outstanding walking tracks, Main Range National Park takes the cake thanks to the luxe Scenic Rim Trail experience.

The six-day all-inclusive guided trek winds through the Scenic Rim and parts of Main Range National Park. For those wanting to tackle just a section of the trail, shorter walks are available.

national parks - aerial view of mountain range and accommodation

Aerial view of Spicers Peak Lodge, Main Range National Park, Scenic Rim Trail. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

13. Chillagoe-Mungo National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Created more than 400 million years ago, the extraordinary limestone rock formations and caves of Chillagoe-Mungo National Park hold important natural and cultural significance.

Ranger-guided tours inside the caves showcase the magnificent hanging stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones that have formed due to dissolving limestone.

The National Park is also home to Aboriginal rock art galleries that can be accessed on various walking trails.

The site was visited by Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron during the filming of the Netflix series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron.

national parks - family exploring a cave

Family exploring a cave on a ranger-guided Trezkinn Cave Tour at Chillagoe. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

14. Conondale National Park, Sunshine Coast

Take a drive over the hinterland range of the Sunshine Coast to find an effervescent swimming hole the locals have been keeping secret for years.

Booloumba Creek in the Conondale National Park takes natural colour palettes to a whole new level as the freshwater creek blends bright turquoise with deep emerald.

There are several camping spots throughout the national park (permit required) and a network of walking trails, of which the Booloumba Falls walk leads to a cascading waterfall and swimming spot.

Figtree Walk, Conondale National Park, Sunshine Coast. Photo: Janelle Lugge/Shutterstock.

15. Paluma Range National Park, Townsville

Paluma Range National Park sits in the mountain range north of Townsville and is considered the southern entrance to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

The traditional owners of the Paluma Ranges are the Nywaigi Aboriginal People, and the Indigenous name for the area is Munan Gumburu, meaning ‘misty mountain’, an appropriate name given the area is often blanketed in a soft cloud of mist.

Take some time to explore this national park by staying overnight at Hidden Valley Cabins.

Walkers and hikers can hit various hiking trails through the rainforest to streams and waterfalls, while peddlers looking to push the limits can enter the Paluma Push, an action-packed event combining the thrill of mountain bike racing with a vibrant festival atmosphere.

national parks - woman sitting beside a waterfall

Small Crystal Creek, Paluma Range National Park. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

Other notable lesser-known national parks:

Cania Gorge National Park, Bundaberg
Crater Lakes National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Fort Lytton National Park, Brisbane
Mount Etna Caves National Park, Capricorn
Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Townsville
Boodjamulla National Park, Outback Queensland
Nerang National Park, Gold Coast
K’gari, Great Sandy National Park, Fraser Coast

Log onto queensland.com and start planning your next Queensland national park adventure today.

Content submitted by Tourism and Events Queensland.

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25/02/2023/by Contributor

Australia, EXPLORE

Bundaberg: The Ecotourist’s dream come true!

Home of Australia’s vital loggerhead turtle rookery

WANT to experience a destination dedicated to sustainable practices and environmental conservation?

Then look no further than the Bundaberg Region, Australia, the southern-most destination on the Great Barrier Reef and the home of the nation’s most significant endangered loggerhead turtle rookery.

Recently awarded the fifth EECO Destination Certification from Ecotourism Australia (25/2/2034), the Bundaberg Region is teeming with vibrant wildlife and crystal clear coastal waters.

Perfect for ecotourists looking to learn more about sustainability while enjoying the breathtaking sights of nature, this region offers something truly unique.

From idyllic parks preserving centuries-old trees and fauna to sweeping coastlines bordered by wild flora, you won’t want to miss out on all the Bundaberg Region has to offer.

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

Bundaberg region - turtle swimming amongst coral

A Green Sea Turtle swims over a reef next to a coral bommie at Lady Eliot Island. PHOTO: Shutterstock.

Australia’s fifth locale with CEO Destination Certification

The globally recognised ECO Destination Certification process through Ecotourism Australia is complex and recognises the efforts of the tourism industry, local government, and the entire community towards all aspects of regional sustainability, and the Bundaberg Region is the second destination in Queensland and fifth in Australia to achieve the prestigious credential.

Following an independent assessment across 91 criteria, the region achieved the certification at the Ecotourism level, which is defined as a nature-based tourism destination with a strong commitment to ecotourism principles.

This involves cultural and natural interpretation and education for visitors, and local business engagement in sustainability.

Located about a 4.5-hour drive north of Brisbane, the Bundaberg Region is home to some of the most lauded eco-certified experiences on the Great Barrier Reef including Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Lady Musgrave Experience, Mon Repos Turtle Centre, and Kellys Beach Resort.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said Bundaberg Regional Council had led the certification process with support from a range of stakeholders, including Bundaberg Tourism, PCCC, and local operators and organisations.

“It is a massive coup for the Bundaberg Region to achieve ECO Destination Certification and sees our community become one of only a small number in the country to do so,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“This achievement demonstrates our community’s respect and care for the natural environment and will ensure we continue to grow sustainably into the future.

“Ecotourism Australia’s independent auditor had some wonderful feedback for our region in making their decision and commended Council for its proactive approach to sustainability.

“This achievement has obvious benefits for our economy, but it will also benefit our environment by providing a framework to constantly maintain and improve sustainability practices.

“It is also wonderful for our community members who can be proud of the role they play in preserving and protecting this place we are lucky enough to call home.”

Of the top five Bundaberg Region attractions and traveller favourites on TripAdvisor in 2022, three were nature-based and included Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, and Alexandra Park Zoo.

A female Loggerhead Turtle flicks sand over her eggs to bury them after laying over 100 eggs above the high tide level at Mon Repos beach. PHOTO: Shutterstock.

Get up close and personal with nature in the Bundaberg region

Fulfilling global best standard sustainability requirements was no small feat, Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan said.

“Since beginning its sustainability journey in 2020, the Bundaberg region has made significant strides to achieve ECO Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level,” Ms Keenan said.

“Bundaberg’s application demonstrated a passion for and dedication to holistic sustainability within the region, championing initiatives such as the One Million Trees Project and the popular Milbi Festival.

“Achieving ECO Destination Certification not only supports local Ecotourism Australia-certified operators but inspires local tourism businesses to implement sustainability and achieve certification.”

Bundaberg Tourism played a key role in supporting the ECO Destination Certification process.

CEO Katherine Reid said, “The tourism industry of the region has long believed that experiencing our internationally significant but fragile natural assets is the greatest way to educate people about the need for conservation.

“The community and our tourism industry take great pride in our role as custodians of the Great Barrier Reef and the precious land, water, and sea country of the Traditional Owners on which we live, and ECO Destination Certification is a formal acknowledgement of this.

“The Bundaberg region continues to shine as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging tourism destinations, with people flocking from around the nation and the globe to experience our unique offerings, and the knowledge that their holidays are underpinned by respectful, sustainable, and in some cases regenerative business practices will only strengthen our desirability as a destination.”

What is an ECO Certified Destination?

The ECO Destination Certification program assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences within the region.

Becoming a certified ECO Destination means regions will be demonstrating internationally recognised ecotourism credentials to visitors, stakeholders, and the community in a manner that is credible and authenticated.

In other words, it’s not just regions saying they’re sustainable; it’s independently assessed, verified, and audited.

Aerial viewpoint over tropical waters at Lady Musgrave Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. PHOTO: Shutterstock.

About the Bundaberg Region’s Ecotourism Experiences

World-famous Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is considered the home of the manta ray and holds multiple Ecotourism Australia certifications, including Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action Leader, and Green Travel Leader.

The Resort is located on the southernmost island of the Great Barrier Reef and has received multiple international accolades, including being placed in the Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2022 for successive wins in the Ecotourism category.

Lady Musgrave Experience offers full-day eco-tours and pontoon glamping experiences at the second coral cay of the Reef and holds three Ecotourism Australia certifications – Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action Certified Business, and Respecting Our Culture.

In 2022, the Experience was awarded bronze in the Ecotourism category of the Queensland Tourism Awards.

The Mon Repos Turtle Centre’s ranger-led encounters with nesting and hatching sea turtles and its long history of marine turtle research, protection, and education have earned it three Ecotourism Australia certifications – Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action Certified Business and Respecting Our Culture.

The region is also home to the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s first mainland eco-certified accommodation, Kelly’s Beach Resort, which holds Nature Tourism and Green Travel Leader Eco Certification.

About Eco Tourism Australia

Ecotourism Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports the ecotourism industry in Australia through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems.

Ecotourism Australia is acknowledged globally for its industry standards and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Recognised as the credible, national peak body for sustainable and nature-based tourism, their key program–ECO Certification–was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program.

Bundaberg: The perfect destination for eco-conscious travellers

The Bundaberg Region has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore cultural attractions, or get active.

And with so many eco-friendly accommodations and activities available, it’s the perfect destination for the environmentally conscious traveller.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Bundaberg Region today!

***

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A Croquet-lover’s Guide to Exploring the Wide Bay

30/01/2023/by Contributor

Australia, EXPLORE, Rail Travel

All Aboard The Mary Valley Rattler

Discover the Mary Valley Rattler: A Journey Back in Time

HAVE you ever wanted to travel back in time? If so, and you’re in the Sunshine Coast or Gympie areas, then you’re in luck… well, almost.

Riding the iconic Spirit of the Mary Valley Steam Train is the closest I’ve come in recent years to experiencing an authentic railway journey in the Gold Rush era. It was the next best thing to actually being on-site in the 1800s.

And, I didn’t need a DeLorean time machine as seen in the 1985 American science fiction film Back to the Future to get there!

I travelled from Hervey Bay to the Gympie Historic Railway Station in my 10-year-old black Nissan X-Trail, picking up my daughter and three of her children along the way.

Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Mary Valley Rattler runs between Gympie and Amamoor stations.

This vintage C17/967 locomotive and wooden carriages take passengers on a journey through picturesque rural landscapes and quaint country towns, providing a uniquely charming experience that is not to be missed.

So, jump on board with us and enjoy the ride.

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

Waiting to board the Mary Valley Rattler at the Gympie Historic Railway Station.

A Brief History of the Mary Valley Rattler

The Mary River line, launched in 1881, was an important transport link in the region’s Gold Rush era for transporting materials and equipment in and exporting the gold out from the area.

As the golden era ended, local calls for the railway line to be expanded through the Mary Valley to cater to the fast-developing agriculture, dairy, and timber industries.

In 1915, the rail line was extended to Brooloo, which led to the establishment of small townships at Kandanga, Imbil, Amamoor, and Dagun.

The line operated for nearly 100 years before being closed in 2012 for safety reasons.

However, thanks to the Gympie Regional Council providing funds and a passionate group of volunteers putting in the hard yards, the Mary Valley Heritage Railway was restored as a major tourist attraction.

They were successful in getting the heritage-listed railway up and running again in 2018, and now tourists can enjoy all the Mary Valley Rattler offers while supporting a vital piece of Australian history.

Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to see the stunning Mary Valley region, the Mary Valley Rattler is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

You’ll love the Rattler’s friendly, casual atmosphere

There’s no need to worry if you’ve never been on a heritage railway before—the friendly Mary Valley Rattler staff are more than happy to help you with anything you need.

When we arrived at Mary Valley Rattler’s historic railway station in Gympie, a friendly volunteer was there to greet us. She even offered to take our photos with our cameras in front of the entrance.

Inside, a welcoming attendant checked our bookings and gave us an overview of what was available at the station while we waited for our three-hour Classic Rattler Run to start.

The Rusty Rails Café had delicious food options for breakfast or lunch. We could also choose a Rattler Railway Company Coffee or other beverage.

The gift shop was stocked with railway souvenirs, and the museum with memorabilia from bygone eras. There was even a porter in a period costume who was happy to be photographed.

As a not-for-profit organisation, any Mary Valley Rattler purchases we made supported its ongoing restoration and preservation, so the future of this historic rail experience is ensured.

Boarding the Classic Rattler Run from Gympie to Amamoor and return.

NEED ACCOMMODATION AT GYMPIE? VISIT BOOKING.COM

Visiting the bygone era of coal-fired locomotives

Once we were settled in our seats, we sat back as we waited for our journey through the scenic Sunshine Coast hinterland to begin.

Soon, the smell of burning coal filled the air, steam hissed, and the engine tooted as the train pulled out of the station.

We were on board one of several vintage carriages filled with visitors from Mackay, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, the Gold Coast, and New Zealand.

Pulling us was the C17/967 locomotive that was built in 1950 at Walkers Limited in Maryborough, Queensland.

As Jeff, the volunteer carriage attendant, punched holes into our vintage-style train tickets, he fueled the kids’ anticipation by telling them about the Harry Potter-like tunnels they’d see on this trip through the Mary Valley.

Another volunteer asked around for any birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebratory milestones that anyone onboard was having on or near that day.

Our Mr 13, who was about to turn 14, ducked for cover, anticipating that everyone onboard singing Happy Birthday to him would be embarrassing!

However, several other passengers volunteered to tell of their special days.

Looking around the carriage interior, our trio – Mr 6, Miss 9, and Mr 14 – were fascinated with the polished brass railway luggage racks overhead, the leather 1950s bench-style seats, and other historical fittings.

Amamoor platform.

Through the open-air windows that had wooden shutters, which could be pulled down or up to open or shut, we watched the world go by.

As we crossed old wooden bridges and went through tunnels, pulled along by a full-scale, genuine steam locomotive, we felt like we were travelling back in time.

The rolling hills blanketed with farmland and quaint townships offered us a visual escape from our fast-paced lives, adding to how brilliant this adventure felt.

For the next hour, the train rattled along, taking us on an enjoyable journey through the township of Dagun and on to Amamoor, a quaint little town filled with old-fashioned shops and market stalls.

There we watched as the rail staff turn the C17/967 locomotive around on a huge turntable before heading back to Gympie.

Turning the Mary Valley Rattler at Amamoor.

Dagun, the next stop on the Rattler’s journey

The ‘All Aboard’ call came sooner than expected, and we were soon back in our seats, anticipating our next stop at Dagun, where the locals welcomed us with live music and market stalls, as well as delicious tastings of local wine and cheese.

There were also old-time games available to play, making this a perfect opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and/or family while exploring what makes these places special.

All too soon, again, we were back on the Rattle,r returning to Gympie.

As we rolled into Gympie, the town that is reputed to have saved Queensland, it was time for one of nature’s greatest shows: the annual display of jacaranda flowers.

We were treated to an amazing Spring show of purple blossoms. Miss 9 was especially pleased to see the display… every year in early October, in the lead-up to her birthday, jacaranda trees bloom just for her!

Market day at Dagun.

You’re spoilt for choice of things to do on the Rattler

There’s no shortage of options from which to choose when it comes to a Mary Valley outing:

The Classic Rattler Run takes passengers on an exciting adventure on the C17 steam train from the Gympie Historic Station through the scenic Mary Valley and the small town of Dagun, before arriving at the Amamoor Heritage Station.
The All Stations Train allows passengers to explore more of the region, stopping at both the Heritage Dagun Station and the Amamoor Station.
The Rattler Tasting Train is a fun experience for the whole family. Hop on board the Heritage Railmotor RM76, which traditionally ran the Brooloo line to Gympie, providing a daily link to the town for shopping, transportation of goods, and children getting to school.
Ride with Driver Experience lets you ride as a guest in a cab with train drivers (18+ years old).

Choice of packages

The Mary Valley Rattler’s Ride and Dine package includes priority pre-boarding, assigned seating, morning tea onboard, lunch at the Rusty Rails Café, and a bottle of water.
The VIP Club Car package allows you to enjoy priority preboarding, a cheese plate and beverage onboard the Club Car, access to the verandah for stunning photos, plus water and a souvenir cooler.
Pets are welcome aboard on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (terms and conditions apply).
Get your day underway at sunrise with the Rattler’s drivers on a Light Up & Workshop Tour, which includes a hearty breakfast of your choice in Rusty Rails Café.

Education trips and special occasions

The Mary Valley Rattler offers an educational and fascinating journey back to a bygone era for students of all ages.
The Rusty Rails Café at the historic Gympie Station can cater to up to 120 people, with a menu that has been designed to be light and contemporary.
Special Occasions can be tailored aboard any of their fleets, with dedicated staff on hand to help plan the perfect event.
Ample parking is available for coaches, and they recommend pre-booking for groups of over 10 people.
The Rattler regularly hosts themed outings such as Halloween and the Agatha Christie-styled Murder on the Mary Valley Rattler.

Visit the Rattler website for more information.

Experience the beauty of rural Queensland, Rattler style!

If you’re looking for a fun day out, with beautiful scenery and a friendly, casual atmosphere, the Mary Valley Rattler is worth checking out.

It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland, all while supporting a vital piece of Australian history.

We’re sure you’ll love the experience!

Spectacular scenery on the return journey to the Gympie Historic Railway Station.

If you go:

Gympie Historic Station

Tozer Street, Gympie, Queensland 4570, Australia

P: (07) 5482 2750

E: info@maryvalleyrattler.com.au

W: maryvalleyrattler.com.au

Mary Valley Rattler is open 7 days a week except for Christmas Day.
Please note its hours may vary on public holidays.

GET DIRECTIONS

VIEW MAP

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With thanks to the Mary Valley Rattler for hosting us for this special experience.

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If you enjoyed this story, you might also enjoy this story:

Epic Rail Journey to North Queensland Paradise

15/11/2022/by Jocelyn Watts

Australia, EXPLORE

You, me and Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island: The best wedding anniversary pressie ever!

By Brian Pickering and Kaye Browne

IT’S funny how people perceive other people’s lives. Take, for example, the reaction when we messaged a few friends and family we were about to take a short break.

The replies were swift… “What! You’re going on a ‘holiday’?… But we thought you WERE already on holiday… a permanent one!!!”… accompanied by classic exasperation emojis. Very funny.

But despite being ‘on the road’ for the past three years in our 20ft New Age caravan, (and loving it!) sometimes you just need to take a break from the everyday routines we all endure, whether travelling or in a house! Plus, our imminent wedding anniversary was all the excuse we needed to ‘Getaway’.

As it happens, we feel very much at home here in Hervey Bay, just north of Maryborough in Queensland, so much so we’ve stayed here, with occasional trips north to Bundaberg and south to the Gold Coast and Brisbane to visit friends for some house-sitting, for just on two years.

Time flies when you’re having fun, and we love the vibe of the place and have made many new friends – in fact, we’ve met and socialised more in ‘The Bay’ than we ever did living in Sydney for two decades.

Like everyone else, our travel plans were impacted when COVID-19 hit – but luckily, working online means we can do what we do anywhere there’s enough Internet coverage. We now call ourselves ‘Slow-Mads’!

So why a road trip to Magnetic Island just off the coast from Townsville in far North Queensland?

Why not, especially as Brian’s parents used to holiday there when his father was stationed with the Navy during WWII in Townsville and the pair used to regularly have romantic weekends on ‘Maggie’ when he had days off.

It didn’t take long to decide it would be fun to visit the place they loved so much for our wedding anniversary, especially as friends Col and Jenni regularly holiday there and raved about it.

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DESTINATION MAGGIE: Magnetic Island, North Queensland.

Fly or drive? Fly or drive?

In round figures, the cost to fly from Hervey Bay to Townsville (via Brisbane, four hours south of Hervey Bay) is around $1,200 per person!! We reasoned flying would mean lots of airline departure lounges, buses, and taxis, and miss the changing scenery below.

Sure, you might arrive the same day, but what’s the rush?

So we made the decision to drive. Ok, so it’s roughly a 12–14-hour road trip, but the stopover points we planned in advance made it all well worthwhile.

Trip planning

It goes without saying Australia is a BIG place!… So it’s important to plan ahead.

The mantra… ‘Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance’ comes from our previous work in mainstream media, but it also means it’s worth the effort to spend some time planning, which hopefully relieves you of any headaches and worries during your trip, knowing everything has been ‘locked in’.

With so many people now ‘hitting the road’ post-COVID lockdowns, it’s important to make sure you book ahead for accommodation that suits you!… unless of course you have a small camper-trailer and are happy to ‘free-camp’ along the way.

Kaye wanted to see some of the less well-known beachside towns en route, so some of the names mentioned below possibly won’t be at all familiar.

Each location has a separate link to the accommodation, plus a short update of where we stayed and what we thought of each place.

Important safety factor!

While two people can usually share the driving, it’s always a good idea not to do much more than three to four hours a day in total, and less is even safer.

This is due to the ‘fatigue’ factor, and we saw the results of several ‘prangs’ and even a large truck and trailer which had, unfortunately, slid off the road even though the road was dry at the time.

Plus driving can get pretty boring cos only the passenger gets to see left and right while the driver has to focus on the road ahead!.. That’s why we made this trip of about 1,200 k/ms (14.5 hours driving) over four days.

We’ll have more detailed updates on each location down the track! Meanwhile, with our ferry booked to the island on a Saturday, we left Hervey Bay on the Tuesday prior.

Hitting the road

Tues – From Hervey Bay 2hrs 42mins (226kms) to…

1. Miriam Vale Hotel

9 Blomfield St, Miriam Vale QLD 4677
We did a podcast with pictures a while back when we stayed at this lovely old hotel with heaps of history.
Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TXcwCPW5CU

Originally, we ‘free-camped’ in our caravan out the back as we still had our little dog Chica. This time we stayed in a lovely self-contained cabin. Mitch, the owner, has upgraded and expanded the hotel over the past two years, and the food, staff, and amenities are excellent. The town, although very small, has a lot of charm and history.

Miriam Vale Hotel.

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Wed – From Miriam Vale 2hrs 32mins (213kms) to…

2. Yeppoon Beachhouse

58 Farnborough Rd Yeppoon QLD 4703
http://www.yeppoonbeachhouse.com.au/

This was a very pleasant surprise. We’ve never actually stayed in a backpackers’ hotel, our verdict? Excellent!

We could see the beach and hear the waves crashing overnight but best of all it was super clean, with the shared kitchens (one downstairs one upstairs) and facilities constantly monitored and cleaned by very friendly owners and staff who were amazingly helpful… Price for a single room with Queen size bed, etc (as opposed to a shared dormitory style) was very good too and while backpackers tend to be ‘party animals’ it was surprisingly quiet while we were there.

Yeppoon itself is another hidden jewel in our view.

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Thurs – From Yeppoon 3hrs 43mins (340kms) to…

3. Sarina Beach Motel & Restaurant

44 Owen Jenkins Dr, Sarina Beach QLD 4737
https://sarinabeachmotel.com.au/
Well, this is where we celebrated our Wedding Anniversary! – A LOVELY location right on the beach. Plus, they have an amazing restaurant – ‘The Palms’ – with excellent food, etc…

Sarina township itself is a bit ‘old/quaint’, about 10 minutes away from the beach where we stayed,d but friendly to tourists.

We liked Sarina Beach and its very comfortable bed #Unit 18 so much we re-booked for two nights on our way back south which is when we also managed to have a chat with the co-owner, Meaghan Thompson to find out what’s kept her, her husband and (now) five kids here for the past 14 years!

You can listen to the podcast or read a full transcript here: https://foodwinepetstravel.com/travel/169-podcast-the-serenity-of-sarina-beach-meaghan-thompson

Sarina Beach Motel.

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Fri – From Sarina 4hrs 10mins (354kms) to…

4. Alva Beach Tourist Park (Ayr)

20-36 Braby St, Alva QLD 4807
https://www.alvabeachtouristpark.com.au/

This was our longest drive, with both of us sharing every hour and a half, and while not our favourite stopover, we were very impressed with the owners/caretakers of this park who were VERY accommodating, allowing us to upgrade from what we had originally booked online (old tiny cabin room only) to a really nice self-contained 2 bedroom ‘tiny-home’.

Best of all, they had been given boxes of fresh, locally grown fruit and veg and generously invited us to help ourselves. A wonderful surprise, and we’re still talking about the yummy vegetarian meal which resulted.

Alva Beach at Ayr.

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Sat – From Alva/Ayr 1hr 19mins (103kms) to…

5. Ferry to Magnetic Island

An easy drive to Townsville, where we eventually found the local Woolworths and stocked up on some basic ‘goodies’ so we could avoid having to eat out for every meal every day. We’d been warned that food and drinks are generally higher on the island because of transport costs, but we later discovered they’re not that bad.

There are several options to get to Maggie. Passengers can get a speedy catamaran, which gets you there in 20 minutes. The car ferry takes about 40 minutes, and although you can get out of your car and use the onboard café, we chose to stay there, windows down, enjoying the sea breeze!

Cost? Well, the advertised cost for a return trip WITH your own car is around $220.
However, booking through Defence Holidays NQ – http://www.defenceholidaysnq.com.au, we were able to get a reasonable discount. They can also offer discounts on local accommodation bookings so worthwhile checking them out!

_______________________________________________________________

Sat – 1 pm ferry From Townsville to…

6. Island Leisure Resort

6 Kelly St Nelly Bay Magnetic Island
http://www.islandleisure.com.au/
Just 1.5 km from the ferry wharf and 100 metres from the water in Nelly Bay, the resort has beautiful high-ceilinged self-contained rooms.

There’s a large swimming pool, barbecue area, plus a family room for kids with a pool table, books, videos, and more, and also a laundry with coin-operated machines.

Island Leisure Resort is a great place recommended to us by our friends Col and Jenni we mentioned earlier who’ve stayed there several times after visiting family in Townsville.

It’s a popular option because we wanted seven to 10 days, but could only get four days

So, Defence Holidays came to the rescue and helped us organise another location – Details below.

Island Leisure Resort, Magnetic Island.

7. Canopy Chalet 4

42 Yates St Nelly Bay Magnetic Island – just around the corner from our stay above!
https://www.bestofmagnetic.com/magnetic-island-accommodation/canopy-chalet-4

This was another surprise – A very ‘eclectic’ design of about 12 cabins surrounding a large swimming pool, but it was lovely, airy, and had everything you’d need for a great holiday and still within walking distance of the beach – well, pretty much everywhere on the island is within walking distance!

A magnificent Magnetic Island Banyan Tree.

Kaye checks out the Sunday Markets.

Restaurants

It was also right next door to one of the many great restaurants on the island; ‘Thai Again’, which Col and Jenni had recommended – and they were right – the food was delicious. We also got to chatting with the couple sitting next to us – long-time locals who live on the island, and as it turns out – we’d spotted their stall ‘Hooked On Maggie’ at the Sunday weekly markets at Horseshoe Bay.

Brian enjoys a glass of red wine at Thai-Again.

What can you do on Magnetic Island?

In a word… PLENTY! – In fact, we wish we’d had more than 10 days there. Such an amazing vibe about it.

They say there are 23 beaches on Maggie some of which can only be reached by boat so we didn’t get to see them all this visit – but we gave it a red hot go.

There are snorkelling trails and beaches with gentle waves perfect for kids. The Backpackers Base hotel and accommodation was chockers with young foreigners making the most of the reopened international borders.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Moulin Rogue show at the Stage Door Theatre Restaurant… we can vouch for the idea that it’s a ‘slice of Vegas in the tropics’!

Basically, ‘Moulin Rogue’ is a tongue-in-cheek send-up of the classic ‘Moulin Rouge’ cabaret, which started way back in 1889 in Paris, Franc,e but this performance relied on two key performers who are locals, and they were brilliant, a great sound, and some audience participation.

And the food was great too because when you book, they ask if you have any dietary requirements, and they cater to everyone.

Again, we got chatting with the couple next to us. (Their story another time).

You can read our full story here, along with a video compilation of the night we went!
https://foodwinepetstravel.com/travel/170-video-blog-the-moulin-rogue-magnetic-island

Summary

Now you might think… “WOW!… How much did all that cost, and was it worth it?”

Well… cost is relative, of course. You might go on an ocean cruise for a few days to a week and spend $8-10k. But after going through all our expenses – Fuel, food, accommodation, etc, in round figures, it was a little over $4,000.00 for our three-week holiday.

So was it worth it?… You bet! Will we do it again? Absolutely, but if we went back to Magnetic Island from Hervey Bay, where we are now or (say from Brisbane or Bundaberg) for a short break, we would probably catch an overnight train and then rent a car in Townsville or on the island.

Estimated savings for the next visit would be about $400+ on fuel and several hundred in additional accommodation there and back.

Still, the sightseeing aspect of the drive was well worth it plus supporting local businesses, etc, and best of all, there are so many accommodation options in all price categories you do NOT need a caravan or camper trailer to do it, although if that’s your preference there are plenty of caravan parks and free-camps on the way.

Magnetic Island/Maggie?… We’ll be back!

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27/10/2022/by Contributor

Australia, EXPLORE

Muttaburrasaurus: The dinosaur people dig

Muttaburrasaurus langdoni has been voted as Queensland’s state fossil emblem. The plant-eating dinosaur was discovered in 1963 and named after the Central Queensland town of Muttaburra, the hometown of Jocelyn’s father, William C. Scott. Read on to find out why “Mutt” has been declared Queensland’s official state fossil, and what you can see in Muttaburra.

This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

Muttaburrasaurus was voted the most popular fossil emblem

THE Muttaburrasaurus langdoni will now become part of Queensland’s official identity after it topped a popular public poll to select the State’s fossil emblem.

The 12 shortlisted fossils featured dinosaurs from both land and sea, early mammals, and flora, all discovered across Queensland.

Of the nearly 9000 votes cast by Queenslanders, the ornithopod emerged as the clear popular choice.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Muttaburrasaurus will join the nine other unique Queensland emblems.

“The 100-million-year-old, plant-eating dinosaur was discovered in 1963 and named after the Central Queensland town of Muttaburra,” the Premier said.

‘The seven-metre-long dinosaur makes a very big statement indeed.

“I’m sure it will be an enduring emblem Queensland can be very proud of.

“Along with our official coat of arms, flag and badge, our emblems highlight the many wonders and beauty of our state.

“The Cooktown Orchid, koala, Great Barrier Reef Anemone fish, brolga, the sapphire, and our official colour – the mighty maroon, are all iconic symbols.”

Travel back in time with Muttaburrasaurus

The Premier said the popularity of Muttaburrasaurus as the State’s official fossil emblem highlights the importance of dinosaur tourism in Outback Queensland.

“I encourage Queenslanders to get acquainted with our new fossil emblem by planning a visit to Outback dinosaur destinations,” the Premier said.

Queensland’s rich palaeontology discoveries have generated worldwide interest among experts and have attracted thousands of tourists to the Outback to see the fossils found firsthand.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said thousands of visitors travel to Outback Queensland every year to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs and discover our rich palaeontological history.

“Everybody loves dinosaurs, they generate millions of dollars for the visitor economy, and we want to see Outback Queensland continue to grow as Australia’s paleo capital.”

Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre, Central Queensland, Australia.

The replica of the Muttaburrasaurus langdoni can be found at an interpretive centre at Muttaburra in Central Queensland. The displays include replicas, models and histories for guests to learn more about how this ancient creature was discovered, as well as what life was like back then when they roamed our world 100 million years ago. PHOTOS: Jocelyn Watts, July 2022.

Mutt, one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in Australia

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said while there was an outstanding lineup of nominees for the State’s Fossil Emblem, he couldn’t think of a more worthy winner.

“Muttaburrasaurus has been synonymous with Queensland Museum since it was described by our palaeontologists in 1981, and thanks to the iconic replica skeleton that stands proud within the museum, Queenslanders have come to know and love this home-grown dinosaur over the decades,” Dr Thompson said.

“Mutt, as people affectionately call it, is one of the most complete skeletons of an Australian Dinosaur and is a great ambassador for palaeontology and dinosaur history.”

Queensland’s Muttaburrasaurus is a national icon and global treasure

Queensland Museum palaeontologist Dr Scott Hocknull said Queensland’s Muttaburrasaurus was a national icon and global treasure.

“I started volunteering at the Queensland Museum as a kid 30 years ago and Muttaburrasaurus was the first dinosaur fossil I got to work on,” Dr Hocknull said.

“It inspired me then, as it will do for countless budding palaeontologists in the future.

“I used to dig dinosaurs as a kid, but now I do it for real, and I can thank Muttaburrasaurus for this.”

The next step in making Muttaburrasaurus the state’s fossil emblem includes amending the Emblems of Queensland Act 2005 to confirm ‘Mutt’s’ official status.

To learn more about Queensland’s emblems, flags, and icons, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/about/how-government-works/flags-emblems-icons

Where is Muttaburra?

Muttaburra is located 152 kilometres from Barcaldine in Outback Queensland via State Route 19.

The Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre is at 9 Bruford Street, Muttaburra.

What else is there to see in Muttaburra?

While on an Outback trek in July 2022, I visited Muttaburra, the geographical centre of Queensland, to see the Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre and the Dr Arratta Memorial Museum where my father was the first baby born after Dr Arratta’s arrival in 1925.

Here I’m pointing to where my father, William C. Scott, is recognised as the first baby born in Muttaburra after the arrival of Dr Arratta in 1925. With me is Margaretha Siebert from the Dr Arratta Memorial Museum.

Muttaburra has the distinction of being the town closest to the geographic centre of Queensland. A monument, erected in recognition of this significance is located on Nev Bullen Drive near the Dr Arratta Memorial Museum. PHOTO: Selfie!

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22/10/2022/by Jocelyn Watts