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Range rated highly in renowned travel guide |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 22 September 2005 |
The Lonely Planet, the international authority on travel, has just
rated the Blackall Range as a better tourist destination than the
tropical delights of northern Queensland. In fact the hinterland
region scored highly, rated third behind the aquatic beauty of the
Great Barrier Reef and the sand haven that is Fraser Island.
The comparisons were made in the Lonely Planet's 492-page travel guide for Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef region. Given the faith travellers give the publication, locals think this could be the beginning of a new wave of tourism for the hinterland and Sunshine Coast.
"Money can't buy that sort of coverage from a publication like Lonely Planet," said John Atkin, President of the Blackall Range Business and Tourism Association. "The Lonely Planet was once regarded as the guide for budget travellers but is now the Bible for what we call the FIT, or Free Independent Traveller ... they're the people that go and set their own itinerary." The BRBTAis an association made up of a large and diverse range of businesses, organizations and individuals interested in the growing tourism industry in the Blackall Range including Maleny and environs, its website said.
Its vision is to promote a thriving tourism sector contributing substantially to the local economy and quality of life, while remaining sensitive to the need to protect the characteristics which make the Blackall Range and its environs special. Mr Atkin hopes local business linked to tourism seize this accolade from the Lonely Planet to expand their businesses, which he expects will see an increase in trade as a result of the rating. "It is significant that the Lonely Planet has used the term Blackall Range to describe the region ... we've got to ride on that and use the name," he said.
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The dramatic beauty that impressed
Lonely Planet. |
"I think the big thing from it is that it reinforces the research that we've done showing the reasons people want to come here ... the green hills, the community spirit between the townships, the nature based attractions, the quietness and the appeal of the walks.
And soon visitors and residents alike will benefit from an initiative by the state government which is ploughing in $10 million from Heritage Funding for five major new walking tracks in South East Queensland.
Once completed, The Great Walk will start at Baroon Pocket Dam and finish at Mapleton Forest Reserve, and will take between 4 and 6 days to complete. For a more relaxing experience, a range of half day and full day walks will also be available.
"Once the new walk is finished it will be another string to our bow," said Mr Atkin. "It will showcase what attracts people to this region ...... peace, tranquility, quiet, clear skies, fresh air, mountain views and the chance to relax and unwind."
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 September 2005 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
