Round 1 successful recipients
| Recipient name | Project title | Project summary | Location | Tourism region | Funding (exc. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1770Reef | Georgianna McHaffie Reef Retreat – Luxury Reef Expeditions | A heritage marine vessel will be repurposed into premium accommodation for three-day reef expeditions, offering guests a unique blend of history and natural beauty. | Seventeen Seventy | Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd | $300,000.00 |
| Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre | When the Land Cries – A Tribute to Queensland’s Resilience | A permanent gallery will be developed to showcase Queensland’s flood, fire, and drought cycles through multimedia displays, soundscapes, and oral histories. This sensory exhibition will deepen visitor engagement and highlight the resilience of regional communities. | Longreach | Outback Queensland Tourism Association | $299,745.00 |
| Bedarra Island Resort | Bedarra Island Amphibious Reef Tour Boat – Inclusive Adventures | An amphibious vessel will be delivered to provide all-weather reef tours, enhancing accessibility and expanding tourism offerings for visitors of all abilities. | Mission Beach | Tourism Tropical North Queensland | $300,000.00 |
| Betoota Hotel | Betoota Hotel – Luxury Glamping Tents for Outback Events | Four air-conditioned glamping tents, designed for the outback climate, will be added to the Betoota Hotel. This project will cater to growing tourism demand during major events like the Betoota Races, enhancing visitor experiences. | Birdsville | Outback Queensland Tourism Association | $282,000.00 |
| C.D Alison & S Alison | Evening Star Experiences – Artesian Baths & Augmented Reality Adventures | Eight luxury artesian bath suites will be constructed, using geothermal water from the Great Artesian Basin to position Charleville on the 'Wellness Way' trail. Two immersive AI/AR experiences, the 'WWII Bonnievilla Experience' and the 'Bilby Adventure,' will also be developed to enhance visitor engagement. | Ward | Outback Queensland Tourism Association | $161,245.00 |
| Dear Vincent Wines | Lost in a Vineyard – Art, Wine & Nature on the Granite Belt | St Jude’s Estate will be transformed into a creative tourism destination, featuring a contemporary art gallery, immersive exhibitions, and a seasonal 'Field of Dreams' with sunflowers. Visitors will enjoy art workshops, wellness programs, and long lunches in a picturesque setting. | Ballandean | Queensland Country Tourism | $299,300.00 |
| Discovery Parks - Bargara | Discovery Parks Bargara – Coastal Tourism Transformation | The project will deliver eight deluxe beachfront cabins, 15 poolside cabins, a resort-style pool, a new playground, and redeveloped reception and food truck zones to create a premium coastal experience. | Bargara | Bundaberg Tourism | $300,000.00 |
| FNQ Aviation Museum | Mareeba Aviation Museum – Celebrating History & Innovation | The first stage of the Mareeba Aviation Museum will deliver an open-air exhibition structure, creating a landmark attraction that highlights the region’s aviation history and boosts tourism. | Mareeba | Tourism Tropical North Queensland | $300,000.00 |
| Hartley's Crocodile Adventures | Big Croc Feed – Expanded Enclosures & Visitor Facilities | The project will deliver 12 new crocodile enclosures, a crocodile-proof causeway for safer access, and an expanded car park to meet growing visitor demand and enhance the Big Croc Feed experience. | Wangetti | Tourism Tropical North Queensland | $300,000.00 |
| Highland Hideaway Experiences | Highland Hideaway – Farm-Stay Cabins in the Gympie Hinterland | Purpose-built onsite cabins will be constructed at Highland Hideaway to convert day visitors into overnight guests. These accessible farm-stay options will increase visitor stays and support local economic growth. | Lower Wonga | Visit Sunshine Coast | $299,620.00 |
| Kronosaurus Korner | Kronosaurus Korner – Immersive Prehistoric Museum Upgrades | Upgrades to Kronosaurus Korner will include new interiors, large-scale murals, hands-on activities, and immersive displays. These enhancements will create a world-class visitor experience, showcasing Richmond’s globally significant marine fossils and palaeontology opportunities. | Richmond | Outback Queensland Tourism Association | $244,940.00 |
| Kuranda Transfers | Kuranda Wet Tropics Birding Expeditions – Explore Endemic Species | A multi-day birding expedition service will be established in Kuranda, featuring a hybrid touring vehicle and eco-friendly operations. This project will showcase the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and its 13 endemic bird species, filling a key gap in Tablelands tourism. | Kuranda | Tourism Tropical North Queensland | $88,154.00 |
| Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours | Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco-Cultural Tourism Precinct | Infrastructure enhancements will transform the Mandingalbay Yidinji precinct into a world-class eco-cultural tourism hub. Visitors will enjoy authentic First Nations experiences, including cultural storytelling, guided tours, and eco-activities, while supporting local employment and training. | East Trinity | Tourism Tropical North Queensland | $270,600.00 |
| Mary Valley Rattler | Gympie RV Park Expansion – Enhancing Drive Tourism | Eight powered caravan and RV bays will be added to the Gympie RV Park, along with sealed access, lighting, drainage, and security upgrades. Located near the Mary Valley Rattler, this project will attract drive tourists and encourage exploration of Gympie’s historic attractions. | Gympie | Visit Sunshine Coast | $202,444.00 |
| Mitchel Grass Retreat | Mitchell Grass Retreat – Luxury Eco-Glamping Expansion | Four new luxury eco-glamping tents with en-suites, air-conditioning, and private decks will be added to Mitchell Grass Retreat, catering to high-end tourists and boosting local tourism. | Longreach | Outback Queensland Tourism Association | $300,000.00 |
| Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum Inc Assoc | Mount Isa Underground Hospital – Nighttime History Experience | A new ticket office and tour desk will be constructed, and Mount Isa’s first nighttime tourism experience will be launched, featuring an immersive show highlighting the region’s history. | Mount Isa | Outback Queensland Tourism Association | $300,000.00 |
| Muddy Duck Tourist Park | Muddy Duck Tourist Park – Caravan Site Expansion & Riverside Upgrade | Muddy Duck Tourist Park will expand its capacity with 48 new caravan and camping sites, including 32 powered sites. The project will also upgrade the riverside recreation area with landscaped gardens, safer river access, lighting, and permanent seating to enhance guest experiences. | Longreach | Outback Queensland Tourism Association | $142,935.00 |
| Pilgrim Magnetic Island | Pilgrim Magnetic Island – Accessible Amphibious Marine Tourism | A purpose-designed amphibious vessel will be acquired and fitted out to offer accessible marine tourism experiences, including reef tours, stargazing, and low-impact marine activities. | Nelly Bay | Townsville Enterprise | $300,000.00 |
| Poseidon Jet Ski Tours | Poseidon Marine Tourism – Expanding Townsville’s Marine Adventures | A 12–13 metre vessel will be acquired to offer Magnetic Island tours, whale watching, eco-tours, and private charters, with accessible features for guests of all abilities. | Townsville City | Townsville Enterprise | $300,000.00 |
| Reef Distillers | Farm to Still Tours & Tastings – Showcasing Sustainable Agritourism | Reef Distillers will construct a dedicated tasting room as part of their 'Farm to Still' Tours and Tastings. Launching in mid-2026, this facility will offer visitors an immersive farm-to-bottle experience, showcasing local growers and award-winning spirits while supporting sustainable agritourism and regional tourism. | Hidden Valley | Capricorn Enterprise | $63,865.00 |
| Skybury Farms | Skybury Roastery – Coffee Meets Craft Distillery | A craft distillery, tapas bar, tasting area, and expanded dining space will be added to Skybury Roastery, creating a unique attraction that combines coffee and spirits. | Paddys Green | Tourism Tropical North Queensland | $300,000.00 |
| Sweers Island Resort | Sweers Island Resort – Sustainable Accommodation Upgrades | New eco-friendly cabins with modern amenities will be built at Sweers Island Resort, alongside expanded guided nature-based activities to enhance the guest experience and attract more visitors. | Sweers Island | Tourism Tropical North Queensland | $300,000.00 |
| The Dusty Chook | The Dusty Chook – Eco-Luxury Glamping & Communal Spaces | Two luxury safari tents with private spas and a communal camp kitchen will be constructed, offering guests an immersive eco-luxury experience in a serene countryside setting. | Chinchilla | Queensland Country Tourism | $286,866.00 |
| The Wilderness Lodge Pty Ltd | Carnarvon Gorge Nature-Based Campground – Stage 1 | The first stage of a sustainable campground will deliver 76 unpowered sites, guest amenities, and a reception area, offering educational tours and activities that highlight the area’s natural and cultural heritage. | Carnarvon Park | Queensland Country Tourism | $300,000.00 |
| Traveller's Rest 1770 Pty Ltd | Eco Journeys – Sustainable Tourism in Agnes Water/1770 | Traveller’s Rest 1770 will develop eco-tourism attractions, including stargazing platforms, forest bathing areas, guided e-bike tours, and an eco-friendly tiny house. These additions will promote sustainable tourism and encourage longer stays in the region. | Round Hill | Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd | $217,529.00 |
| Wake House Australia | Mackay Wake Park – Adventure Tourism Infrastructure Upgrade | Wake House Australia will upgrade its facilities with accessible amenities, weatherproofed areas, outdoor fans, multilingual signage, and a flood-resilient board storage zone. These improvements will double visitor capacity and enhance comfort for adventure seekers. | Beaconsfield | Mackay Isaac Tourism Ltd | $268,181.00 |
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Map showing the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund recipients under Destination 2045