• The Crisafulli Government has delivered more than $25.5 million for nine major new and revitalised tourism offerings across Queensland. 
• Projects spanning the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Central, Far North and Outback Queensland have received funding through the first round of the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland tourism with a record investment after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major boost for Queensland tourism, backing nine new and revitalised experiences that will attract more visitors, support local jobs and drive economic growth across the State. 

More than $25 million is being invested through Round 1 of the Tourism Icons Investment Fund under Destination 2045, supporting new adventure attractions, reef experiences, family tourism infrastructure and upgrades to some of Queensland’s best-known tourism destinations. 

This $25.5 million investment has unlocked tens of millions of dollars in private investment with funding contributed by the Crisafulli Government at a minimum matched by the proponents. 

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and a fresh start for the State’s tourism sector after a decade of decline under Labor.  

The investment stands in stark contrast to the former Labor Government, which had a secret plan to gut tourism funding by 95 per cent – a move that would have cut programs, reduced support for operators and stalled new tourism experiences across Queensland.  

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the projects were proof the Crisafulli Government was delivering Destination 2045 across every corner of Queensland. 

“When we launched Destination 2045, we said we wanted to build the next generation of tourism experiences right across Queensland and that’s exactly what we are delivering,” Minister Powell said. 

“These are the kinds of experiences that puts Queensland on people’s bucket lists – whether it’s exploring the Reef, staying in our regions, experiencing the Outback or visiting new attractions with family and friends. 

“As we build towards 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have an opportunity to showcase the very best of Queensland to the world and leave a lasting tourism legacy for future generations. 

“From new adventure experiences to upgrades of iconic attractions, we are backing projects that support jobs, grow regional economies and strengthen Queensland as the Home of the Holiday.”  

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler said it was encouraging to see the Tourism Icons Investment Fund supporting projects that would strengthen Queensland’s visitor economy.  

“Iconic experiences are often the reason people choose Queensland in the first place, but they also create a ripple effect – drawing visitors into regions where they stay longer, spend more and support local businesses,” Ms Wheeler said. 

“Backing these projects helps ensure Queensland continues to evolve its tourism offering and remains globally competitive in the lead-up to 2032 and beyond.” 

The Tourism Icons Investment Fund Round 1 projects are: 

• Australia’s largest zip line – an incredible nature-based tourism experience in the Numinbah Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland – $4 million.
• A world-class adventure experience across the Brisbane River, including attractions such as a flying fox spanning the river – $4 million.
• A major revival of the Big Pineapple at Woombye, featuring new and upgraded facilities, including a microbrewery, café, restaurant and sports bar – $5 million.  
• A state-of-the-art vessel servicing the Reef Magic pontoon off Cairns, enhancing access to the Great Barrier Reef – $4 million.
• A new Queensland Big Icon – The Big Paddles – and a flood-resilient rafting centre at Lake Placid – $677,000.
• An expansion of the BIG4 Whitsunday Resort adding a café, cabins, and a waterpark – $3 million.
• A wave pool and surf lagoon at the Palm Valley Gold Coast development – $4 million.
• Significant upgrades and new experiences at the Great Keppel Island Hideaway Bistro – $1.8 million.
• A transformative new Lakes Precinct at Longreach’s Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – $1 million. 

Applications for the next round of the Tourism Icons Investment Fund will open later this year. 

For more information, visit: https://www.detsi.qld.gov.au/tourism/funding-grants/tourism-icons-investment-fund