Wetlands Weekend flies high on national tourism stage

Isaac’s start of the tourism season is about to fly high after St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend was recognised as one of the nation’s best events.

Central Queensland’s premier eco-tourism, culinary and First Nations event won bronze in the festival and events category at the Australian Tourism Awards at the Sunshine Coast tonight.

This is the third award win in a row following gold in the festival and events category at the Queensland Tourism Awards and Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards.

Mayor Anne Baker said pure people power had firmly placed the Isaac region on the tourism map.

“It’s official, Isaac region, the Wetlands Weekend is among Australian tourism’s cream of the crop,” Mayor Baker said.

“We are so excited and it’s incredibly humbling that the enormity of this collaboration has been recognised on the national stage.

“This is a true testament to the hard work and community spirit that makes St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend one of Australia’s must do events.”

Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the win is a culmination of years of hard work between Council, First Nations peoples, Isaac region communities and its event partners.

“The Isaac coast’s core promise is - feel the quiet satisfaction of discovering unspoilt nature on a road less travelled. Tonight’s award delivers on that promise.” Cr Vea Vea, who is the Planning, Environment and Community Services standing committee chair, said.

“The Wetlands Weekend event continues to be a drawcard for First Nations, culinary and nature-based tourism in regional Australia.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Tas Webber said there was no better way to showcase the region’s tourism offering than receiving a national award.

“To win bronze in the festival and events category on a national level is a first for the Mackay Isaac region,” Mr Webber said.

“It is validation that years of work have paid off and this award now cements the region as one of Australia’s emerging holiday destinations.”

The event is proudly brought to the region by Isaac Regional Council in partnership with the Koinjmal People from Koinmerburra Country and the community.

St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

Save the date for the next St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend on 24-26 June 2022 and follow Isaac Regional Council’s Facebook page for more information.