$3 million tourism injection to strengthen Whitsundays as holiday hotspot

The Queensland Government has announced a $3 million investment to support a major expansion of the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, aimed at boosting tourism in the Whitsundays and encouraging visitors to stay longer in the region.

The project is being supported through the State Government's $80 million Tourism Icon Investment Fund, part of the broader Destination 2045 strategy focused on strengthening Queensland's tourism industry and reinforcing the state's reputation as the "Home of the Holiday".

The resort upgrade will deliver 10 new three-bedroom holiday cabins, a purpose-built café and restaurant, a new swimming pool with a swim-up bar, an outdoor cinema, and an expanded waterslide precinct designed to enhance the destination's appeal for families.

The investment adds to more than $7.6 million already committed this year to 30 regional tourism projects across Queensland, supporting local jobs, economic growth and visitor experiences.

The Crisafulli Government said the Tourism Icon Investment Fund is designed to support world-class tourism infrastructure, with all successful projects required to at least match the State's funding contribution.

Other projects funded through the first round of the program include support for the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach, the Great Keppel Hideaway Renewal project, eco-tourism initiatives along the Brisbane River, a new Queensland Big Icon project, and upgraded flood-resilient infrastructure for Barron River Rafting.

Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the investment would help strengthen the state's tourism offering while driving regional economic activity.

"This investment is about backing Queensland as the Home of the Holiday and ensuring we're delivering the kinds of experiences that keep visitors staying longer and spending more in our regions," Minister Powell said.

"We're investing in operators who are creating jobs, growing tourism and building attractions that families want to return to."

Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm said the project would help elevate one of the region's best-known family destinations.

"This investment supports a local tourism operator to expand its offering and create even more reasons for visitors to holiday in the Whitsundays," Ms Camm said.

"By increasing accommodation capacity and introducing new attractions, we're encouraging visitors to stay longer and contribute more to the local economy."

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort owner Greg McKinnon said the expansion represented another major milestone for the family-owned business.

"As a family-owned resort built over more than 30 years, we're proud to continue investing in tourism in our region," Mr McKinnon said.

"The project will attract more families and visitors to the Whitsundays while also creating jobs and supporting local businesses."

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth welcomed the funding announcement, saying the new facilities would further strengthen the resort's national reputation.

"The addition of new cabins, a café and restaurant, a pool with a swim-up bar and a waterslide precinct will build on the outstanding reputation BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has already established," Mr Booth said.

Further Tourism Icon Investment Fund projects are expected to be announced later this financial year, with applications for the next funding round due to open later in 2026.