Sign in Subscribe
Tourism

Outback Queensland Tourism Industry Sees Gradual Recovery After Floods

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Outback Queensland tourism industry has seen bookings gradually pick up after major flooding forced attractions to close, making tourists from traditional markets hesitant to travel. The flooding, which occurred in March and April 2025, caused devastating damage, resulting in over 100,000 head of livestock deaths, cutting off towns, and closing roads across western Queensland.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Eromanga Natural History Museum reported an 85% loss in visitor bookings after the floods.
  • Other sites west of Cunnamulla experienced lower visitor numbers and forward bookings.
  • Robyn Mackenzie OAM, co-founder and director of the Eromanga Natural History Museum, stated that it was still too wet to access new dig sites and that available manpower was being used for flood recovery work.
  • Major events such as the John Williamson concert in Birdsville and the Festival of Outback Opera are set to take place in winter 2025.
  • Tourist sites, including the Eulo Artesian Mud Baths and the Eulo Queen Opal Centre, have seen bookings pick up in the weeks since roads reopened.
  • Eulo Queen Opal Centre owner Garry Berghofer reported that visitor numbers were below normal due to the floods but are now increasing.
  • Artesian Mud Baths co-owner Edytha Brummell stated that most people who pre-booked sessions during the floods transferred their bookings to different dates and that promotional campaigns are helping to attract new visitors.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 head of livestock died in the floods. (Source: [No specific source mentioned in the original text])
  • The Eromanga Natural History Museum lost 85% of its visitor bookings after the floods. (Source: [No specific source mentioned in the original text])
  • 1700 square meters of new gallery space is being added to the ENHM to house more dinosaur skeletons. (Source: Robyn Mackenzie OAM)
  • 3000 tickets have been sold for a John Williamson concert in Birdsville. (Source: Denise Brown, OQTA CEO)
  • The festival season in winter 2025 has seen an increase in bookings, with events selling out quickly. (Source: Denise Brown, OQTA CEO)

Sources:

  • Zac Braxton-Smith, Byline
  • Denise Brown, OQTA CEO
  • Robyn Mackenzie OAM, co-founder and director of the Eromanga Natural History Museum
  • Garry Berghofer, owner of the Eulo Queen Opal Centre
  • Edytha Brummell, co-owner of the Artesian Mud Baths

Read more