Media Releases

Hidden Secrets launched to highlight gems of tropical north

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Minister Jan Jarratt has unveiled a special promotion with Virgin Australia and popular magazine titles to lure more interstate tourists to Tropical North Queensland.

“Queensland is the happening destination when it comes to holidays – whether you’re into adventure, culture, luxury or just relaxing,” Ms Jarratt said.

“To commemorate the start of spring, I am delighted today to launch a new Hidden Secrets handbook featuring 107 amazing things to do and see in this incredible part of the world,” she said.

“It’s no secret that businesses and tourism in Tropical North Queensland have struggled in recent months – particularly since Cyclone Yasi hit the region at the beginning of the year.

“However, showing that true Queensland spirit, people in this region have picked themselves up again and are determined to prove they are open and ready for business.

“The fact is, Yasi may have battered our confidence, but it hasn’t beaten us.”

As part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to get the State “back on track’’ Ms Jarratt announced the $150,000 Hidden Secrets campaign aimed to lure inter-state visitors to Tropical North Queensland.

“This special promotion with Virgin Australia and popular magazine titles showcases the amazing hidden secrets of Tropical North Queensland.

“Tourism Queensland has worked with Tropical North Queensland tourism bodies to develop Hidden Secrets so it promotes many of the lesser-known local experiences that are worth a closer look.

“In conjunction with this promotion, Tourism Queensland is giving away weekly return airfares for two to Cairns, courtesy of Virgin Australia, each week for four weeks starting September 12 to any-one on the eastern seaboard.

“Competition entries can be submitted online with details also in subscription-only editions of popular magazine titles such as Marie Claire, Masterchef, Who Weekly, Men’s Health and Women’s Health.

“To go into the draw, travellers will need to answer a quick question about Hidden Secrets which can be found online and submit your entry. It’s a random draw so you need to be in it to win it.

“Hidden Secrets highlights the hidden gem experiences on offer in Queensland’s tropical north, from Mission Beach all the way up to Cape York and the Gulf Savannah.

“As well as being a must-read for things to do and see in the region, the booklet features handy references and other local information.

“From zooming underwater on a scooter to hand-feeding animals at a local zoo, picnicking on a deserted island, walking through a lava tube in the rainforest, swimming with dwarf minke whales, drinking coffee where it’s grown, trying wine made with exotic fruit, or hunting mud crabs the traditional way, there’s lots to do and see.’’

See www.tropicalholidays.com.au