Australia Zoo Wildlife Camping

Australia Zoo Wildlife Camping

Australia Zoo partnership to deliver multi-million wildlife camping experience

Posted on 18.04.2019

The Queensland Government has today announced it will partner with Australia Zoo to deliver an $8 million wildlife camping experience on the Sunshine Coast.

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo would receive support through the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund to build ‘Camp Croc Hunter’.

Minister Jones said while the Sunshine Coast was known for its beaches and other major attractions, the new ‘Camp Croc Hunter’ project would give domestic and international tourists another reason to visit the region.

She advised “the recent Governing from the Sunshine Coast highlighted how important the tourism and hospitality industries are to the Sunshine Coast.

“That’s why we need to support the local tourism industry.

Minister Jones envisages the project would provide a 108-site camping ground designed to provide the full range of camping experiences which is expected to attract more than 39,000 annual visitors and contribute up to $4.5 million in visitor expenditure a year to the region, adding “we’re talking about tent accommodation to caravan and RV powered sites to glamping-style tents and eco cabins.”

It will also include a café, reception, entertainment and pool area, caretaker quarters and workshop, amenities blocks, covered cooking areas school camp facilities and a mountain bike pump track.

Minister Jones said the $36 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund was the first of its kind in Australia – enabling the government to partner with tourism operators to build new tourism attractions.

Australia Zoo’s Dr Terri Irwin welcomed the grant from the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund and said it would be a great boost for Queensland’s tourism industry.

Dr Irwin advised “our tourism partnership with the Queensland Government will enable Australia Zoo to employ more people in the Sunshine Coast region, encourage visitors to stay longer, and increase spending within our community which is fantastic for our local economy.

“’Camp Crocodile Hunter’ will be open in 2020 as part of our Australia Zoo 50th anniversary celebrations.”

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive Simon Latchford welcomed the funding announcement as a major tourism boost for the Sunshine Coast region.

Latchford concluded “attending the largest travel trade show – Australian Tourism Exchange last week; we know top travel trade world-wide are seeking new and authentic tourism experiences to sell to visitors.

“People want to explore beyond the gateways and immerse in world class nature and get up close to wildlife

“Australia Zoo is a globally recognised premium tourism attraction for our region and this exciting expansion inclusive of glamping accommodation will not only entice more visitors but also convert day-trip visitors to stay longer and spend more.”

Source
Australian Leisure Management

See also:
Australia Zoo tourism project to create jobs on the Sunny Coast
Media Statement
Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development
The Honourable Kate Jones

 

 

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