Tas Webber News Today

Isaac’s premier culinary, cultural and nature-based event St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend clipped another im-peck-able and golden win for the second time

Mackay Tourism is confident the festival’s return is ‘looking good’ despite a councillor saying its revival would be like ‘flogging a dead horse’.

Participants at the 2021 Conversations with Industry event People and Places Staff writers Premium Content Subscriber only More COVID safe events and experiences are on Mackay’s radar after tourism operators connected with industry and government experts on Wednesday. Mackay Tourism, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, hosted the 2021 Conversations with I­ndustry event at Harrup Park Coun...

Premium Content Subscriber only Mackay Whitsunday tourism operators are gearing up for state awards of a different vibe in 2021 as the industry celebrates resilience through COVID-19. Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the return of the Queensland Tourism Awards was a “significant milestone” for the industry which had worked hard to rebuild. “Tourism remains a driving force for regional economies and communities across Queensland, accountin...

Premium Content Subscriber only Get ready to circle a date on the calendar for your next visit to Mackay’s picturesque islands with a specially designed catamaran under construction. Owner Asher Telford said he was “incredibly thankful” for the state government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure grant for partly-funding the build. “The new product will allow us to showcase the incredible islands, beaches, snorkelling and fishing spots,” Mr Telford said. Red Cat Adventures will off...

Premium Content Subscriber only A popular Mackay region tourist destination may soon have another claim to fame with more turtles, dugongs and dolphins being sighted thanks to six years of being net-free. Cape Hillsborough National Tourist Park owner Ben Atherton said the zone created a “rounded experience” for visitors together with the wallabies, beaches and walking trails. “Mum and dad can fish in the area, kids can fish in the area. It’s not just about people catching more fish, i...

Another beach barbecue is planned for Keswick Island later this month, but this time it won’t involve a protest. The new “Anzac Day BBQ on Keswick Island” Facebook page states the get together would involve “just a simple day on the beach in Basil Bay on Keswick Island, having a BBQ to celebrate Anzac Day”. “(Anzac Day is) a day of national remembrance and to remember those who served and died in all wars, respecting past and present service men and women.” Event organisers pla...

Premium Content Subscriber only But Dawson MP George Christensen has hit back, questioning why the State Governments $200 travel vouchers were not extended to the Whitsundays. Last week the Federal Government revealed 800,000 discounted tickets would include return flights from Sydney to both Proserpine and Hamilton Island between April 1 and July 31. Discounted flights are not on offer for Mackay Airport. In parliament, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick questioned why so many Queensland de...

Premium Content Subscriber only A new competition will reward two lucky fishers a $500 Tackle World Mackay voucher to celebrate the official opening of barramundi season. Mackay Tourism and Mackay Regional Council have teamed up to entice locals and visitors to head out on the water and share a photo of their catch for a chance to win. You can fish in the ocean or at any of Mackay’s three stocked impoundments at Kinchant, Teemburra and Eungella dams. Mackay Tourism CEO Tas Webber said he h...

WHEN borders were slammed shut, all eyes were on the industry that props up many people across the Whitsundays and Mackay. The tourism sector was left reeling with lockdowns and travel bans in what was a make or break situation. However, with the push to holiday here and immense support from Aussies chasing their share of the Queensland sun, things are looking brighter ahead of 2021. Tourism Whitsunday CEO Tash Wheeler said businesses had battled through yet another hurdle this year after a...