Enjoy what we have to offer
DON’T race away from Queensland, there’s no better place in the world, says Shane O’Reilly, one of the Australia’s most influential tourism industry players.
Speaking to the Bulletin from Canberra, where he attended last night’s Australian Tourism Awards, the head of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat said that in times of crisis locals should focus on what Queensland sold to the world.
“We offer a clean, safe and pristine environment with world-class beaches and it’s at times like this (coronavirus outbreak) that we have to sit back and enjoy what’s on offer in our own back yard instead of racing off somewhere else,” he said.
Tamborine Chamber of Commerce head of tourism Judi Minnikin, who also owns Cedar Creek Lodges, said there was lots happening on the mountain “but we could do with a lot more”.
“It’s a little bit cooler up here right now and we’ve got some fresh pure air away from it all where people can enjoy what the mountain has to offer,’’ she said.
“There’s also no transport to worry about so people can just enjoy themselves while having some exercise in a fun way,” she said.
Meanwhile, Binna Burra Lodge has received a $1.8 million cash injection from the federal and state governments to support its clean-up and recovery.
The resort’s heritagelisted lodge burned to the ground during the Sarabah bushfire in September. While rebuilding efforts have started, February rain dampened efforts.
Binna Burra Lodge chairman Steve Noakes said reopening was delayed until the second half of this year.
Federal Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the $1.8 million in joint funding would assist with the clean-up of the iconic tourism destination and lay the foundations for the restoration and revitalisation of the site.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Reconstruction Authority would oversee the $1.8 million fund delivery, making sure it goes towards the clean-up and stabilising of the cliff face to ensure safety around the site into the future.
“Under this funding, the Binna Burra Lodge will also undertake master planning to inform its recovery and restoration needs after the September fires razed 42 out of its 43 cabins,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The Queensland Government wants to see this historic lodge, which has been a jewel in our state’s tourism crown since 1933, back on its feet and welcoming guests.’’
Meanwhile, tourist operators and accommodation providers across Lamington and Springbrook National Parks and Mt Tamborine are offering some great details for Gold Coasters willing to head up the mountain.
The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat
1.
– Rainforest spa chalet $480 for two nights, Mon-Thur or $590 for two-night weekend stay. Nestled in the World Heritage Listed National Park of Springbrook. Food hampers and massage packages available as add-ons.
2. Witches Falls Cottage
– Stay four nights pay for three, from $295 per person – can house up to four couples in holiday house accommodation, includes full-day private winery bus tour. Valid until April 1.
3. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
– Two nights from $420 twin share – includes daily buffet breakfast and access to 160km of walking tracks and a sunset tour with drinks at surprise venue overlooking Lost World Valley and McPherson Range.
4. Cedar Creek Lodges
– Midweek deals from $189 per night for twin share – minimum two-night stay, includes breakfast, mini-golf games, wine on arrival and early checkin on a 112-hectare rainforest property with Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain.
5. Escarpment Retreat and Day Spa
– Stay midweek and get third night half price at $147.50. Accommodation is chalet-style village at Mt Tamborine. Includes breakfast every morning, glass of bubbly and chocolate on arrival. Valid until March 31.