Boosting shore experiences

AS DESTINATIONS continue to see the benefits from an increase in cruise ship visits to Australia, we are delighted to welcome two new members to the Association. Magnetic Island Ferries is providing three shore excursions to visiting cruise ship passengers, with additional itineraries being developed to meet the growing number of visitors to Townsville. These include a half-day tour of Townsville’s street art through to full-day excursions to Magnetic Island and Charters Towers.

Led by knowledgeable guides, each tour gives passengers an insight into the colourful history of the destinations.

Magnetic Island features a wildlife tour of their large koala colony while Charters Towers showcases its vibrant goldrush past.

Both tours offer a taste of Australiana from roo, prawns and barramundi to damper and billy tea. With 12 cruise ship visits due into port next year and a possible 20, in 2021 when the newly dredged harbour will cater for larger vessels, these tours are critical in the development of regional cruise destinations such as Townsville to provide passengers with a favourable land-based experience. Iconic Sydney landmark Taronga Zoo has also joined the Association. Several small group tours are offered to cruise pax including Nura Diya, which tells stories of Australian wildlife through the perspective of an Aboriginal guide, with tales of shared history with the animals and land.

These two new members add to the onshore experiences offered to the growing cruise sector.