Round 1 successful recipients

Development of a new tourism and environmental infrastructure within the precinct. Key elements include redevelopment of a 2.4-hectare lakes precinct with walking trails and wetlands restoration, alongside new amenities and a large undercover environmental interpretive facility.

The project delivers a major upgrade of the Great Keppel Island Hideaway Bistro, the island’s primary hospitality hub servicing both day visitors and overnight guests.

The project will deliver landmark experiences including a dual accessible flying fox across the river and new accessible vessels connecting attractions along the river.

Delivering a flood-resilient Rafting Operations Centre supporting the iconic Barron River rafting experience. The project will include visitor facilities, training and hospitality spaces, event areas, interpretive trails and the new Queensland tourism icon “The Big Paddles”, creating a vibrant lakefront destination for both visitors and the local community.

The project will deliver 10 new three-bedroom cabins, a purpose-built café and restaurant, and major new attractions including a pool with swim-up bar, outdoor cinema and a signature high-waterslide park.

Major rejuvenation of The Big Pineapple’s Heritage Infrastructure project at the iconic Sunshine Coast attraction. The investment will revitalise the Main Building Complex to support new experiences including a family-friendly microbrewery, cafés, retail, restaurant and function spaces.

Development of a new nature-based adventure destination in the Gold Coast hinterland. The development will feature Australia’s largest zipline tour with the country’s only one-kilometre span, alongside mountain biking, bushwalking, abseiling and visitor facilities including glamping tents, a tourist park and café.

The development will centre on the Endless Surf ES48 wave pool and surf lagoon, alongside a surf academy, premium hospitality venues and an upgraded 18-hole golf course, with future stages delivering accommodation and wellness facilities.

Development of a new state-of-the-art ferry servicing the Reef Magic Pontoon in Cairns and expanding daily visitor capacity with a premium reef experience. Designed with minimal drag, bio-fuel capability and fuel-efficient technology, the vessel will reduce emissions while supporting jobs and sustainable tourism growth in the region.