Hatch Yourself Some Turtle Time - Turtles Queensland

Get set for three months of turtle time this January as hundreds of tiny hatchlings muscle their way out of their sandy nests and make a nightly dash for the warm waters off Mon Repos beach, east of Bundaberg in Queensland.

Just three hours drive south of Gladstone, the turtle encounter which has mesmerised thousands of visitors over the forty years since Mon Repos was classified as the most significant Loggerhead rookery in the South Pacific.

Nightly ranger-guided turtle tours are priced at $10:20 for adults and $5.40 for children (five to 17 years).

According to General Manager of Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism, James Corvan, January is the best time for turtle watchers thanks to the crossover between nesting season, when mature female loggerheads lay eggs and hatching season, when the first baby turtles emerge from their six to eight week incubation period and comically scurry down the beach.

"January offers a double dose of nature with both nesting and hatching a possibility," said Mr Corvan.

"By the end of 2011, around 150 mature loggerhead females had made their way to shore to nest.

"January promises the arrival of even more nesting turtles and at the same time the nightly emergence of hatchlings.

"On one hand, visitors will be able to get within inches of the giant females and watch them lay between 100 and 150 eggs each night. On the other, they will be asked by rangers to form a line-up and shine torches between onto the beach to create a path that will guide the 5 cm hatchlings to the ocean."

The hatching season continues through to the end of March.

Bookings are essential for the nightly Turtle Experience Tours. Please call Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre on (07) 4153 8888, email bookeasy@bundabergregion.org or visit www.bookbundabergregion.com.au.

Gladstone Region Has Been Selected as the Host for the 2012 QICA Conference

GAPDL is proud to be hosting the 2012 QICA Annual Conference, which will take place in some of Queensland's most popular and breathtaking locations.

The conference will begin on Tuesday 21 February with delegates being transported from Gladstone to the idyllic Discovery Coast towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy where you will enjoy a welcome function like no other at Kahunas Bar and Grill.

The Discovery Coast’s Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are relaxed seaside communities linked by kilometres of striking beach fronting the deep blue waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

The picturesque coastline of the twin seaside communities of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy create an exciting and appealing multitude of experiences. Famously known as the birthplace of Queensland, Seventeen Seventy was named after Lieutenant James Cook and his crew from the ‘Endeavour’ who came ashore on 24 May 1770.

Following a scrumptious buffet breakfast where you will be officially welcomed by Gladstone Regional Council Mayor, Cr. Gail Sellers, Wednesday will return delegates to Gladstone briefly before embarking on a 2 night, 3 day adventure to the magnificent Heron Island where the Conference and Gala Awards Dinner will be held.

Heron Island is a true coral cay, located right on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is ribboned by sugar white sands, crystal clear waters and acres of coral with beautifully coloured marine life. At this World Heritage-listed Marine National Park all flora and fauna is protected, so the island is a nature lover's paradise, where the emphasis is on enjoying natural beauty. Stress is replaced by a sense of adventure, and your days are filled with discovery.

Heron offers many activities such as guided island and reef walks, semi-submersible cruises and private beach picnics. An amazing array of animal and bird life can be discovered throughout the year, such as the delightful Green and Loggerhead Turtles. Heron is also world famous for its fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling.

At certain times of the year, turtle nesting and hatching take precedent over all other island activities. At Heron Island, the resort has been thoughtfully designed to blend with the surrounding environment

(Source: www.qica.com.au)

Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone offers Quality Gladstone Hotel Accommodation

Gladstone Regional Tourist Numbers Boosted

TOURISM operators should gain confidence from the latest Tourism Queensland Gladstone Regional Snapshot.

The report, which compares June 2011 to June 2010, shows visitor numbers for the Gladstone region had increased in almost all areas.

"Gladstone recorded increases in domestic visitation in the year ending June 2011, driven by solid growth in holiday and business visitation. In contrast, VFR (visiting friends and relatives) was weaker," the report said.

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development project officer Melissa Dahtler said the region's businesses should take great encouragement from the report.

She said compared to the previous quarter's report, where there was a significant downturn after the floods, tourism had made a great turnaround.

The visitor figures, which Ms Dahtler said were classed as overnight stays, were up by 16% annually and holiday figures, which are stays of one week or longer, were up 30% annually.

SNAPSHOT

Visitors up by 16% annually

Holidays up by 30% annually

Visiting friends and relatives down by 12% annually

Queensland Tourism News: Queensland Tourism Industry Canvassed on China Growth

Tourism Queensland has released a discussion paper on opportunities and challenges facing the industry as the State ramps-up efforts to snare a greater share of the burgeoning China market.

Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Minister Jan Jarratt said work was well advanced on developing the new Project China Strategy, with industry feedback critical.

"Sustainably growing our share of the China market and giving Chinese visitors a great experience involves everyone and I want industry to have their say, with consultation open until December," Ms Jarratt said.

"The discussion paper raises issues from better catering for Chinese travellers to diversifying target markets such as attracting different age groups and destinations so it is important for industry to think about these issues and give their feedback," she said.

"The resulting Project China Strategy will map out our long-term vision to grow our share of the crucial China market, with potential spending by Chinese visitors in Australia tipped to reach $7-9 billion by 2020."

Ms Jarratt said China was already Queensland's third largest international market and one of the fastest growing, with 198,000 Chinese visiting Queensland in the year ending June 2011 - 25% more than the year prior.

"Chinese travellers are big spenders, outlaying $381 million on their trips to Queensland in the year ending June 2011 - a significant $48 million more than during the previous year," she said.

"With Chinese visitor numbers forecast to continue growing by double digits over the next few years, it's vital that our tourism industry has the skills, products and experiences to ensure they have the best possible Queensland experience, and when they go home they tell their friends and family that Queensland is where Australia Shines."

Queensland Tourism News: Queensland Tourism Industry Canvassed on China Growth

Virgin Adds Gladstone Flights

Virgin Australia announced that it will utilise its brand new ATR aircraft on new regional services between Brisbane, Gladstone and Port Macquarie.

To commence October 2011, Virgin Australia under its regional alliance with Skywest, said it will also increase the number of services between Canberra and Sydney up to 60 per week.

The carrier’s group executive of alliances Merren McArthur said the new routes to Gladstone and Port Macquarie were part of the airlines commitment to its regional network.

“Gladstone is a booming city with a thriving economy that supports the resources, tourism and primary production sectors,” Ms McArthur explained.

“We have introduced a schedule to suit both the corporate and leisure traveller in this very important market.”

The new routes are still awaiting regulatory approval, but the airline is confident that this will be forthcoming very soon.

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