TNQ Indigenous Experiences Cluster

Tourism Tropical North Queensland facilitates the TNQ Indigenous Experiences Cluster Group where operators and stakeholders share knowledge and work together to build our Indigenous experience offerings. The group’s role, scope and guiding principles are here. To be included in group emails please email TTNQ.

Through the TNQ Indigenous Cluster Group a mentoring program was funded by the Department of Tourism Innovation and Sport in the Year of Indigenous Tourism to support 19 Indigenous tourism operators to grow their business. See some of their stories here. While the program is not ongoing, there are opportunities for Indigenous businesses to join TTNQ-led business mentoring program by being a part of the TTNQ operator network.

TNQ First Nations Tourism Action Plan

The Tropical North Queensland Indigenous Experiences Cluster Group, identified the need to develop a region-specific First Nations Tourism Action Plan for Tropical North Queensland (the Plan). A Steering Committee, starting with three nominees of the Cluster, was formed in May 2021 to oversee the development and implementation of the Plan. Over 30 regional workshops and consultations were undertaken in the development of the Plan in 2022, with over 300 stakeholders consulted. The findings of this work are summarised in the Consultation Report.

The Plan builds on local tourism plans and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2020-2025. The State-wide plan provides the framework for a strong future for Indigenous tourism in Queensland. QTIC has also produced the Best Practice Guide for Working with First Nations Tourism in Queensland.

The Cluster would like to thank and acknowledge the Queensland Government through the Year of Indigenous Tourism program, who provided the funding for the Plan, along with TTNQ who co-funded this important initiative. The Plan is now a ‘living document’ meaning that its actions and priorities are reviewed at each monthly Cluster meeting, and they changes can be made to the plan, in consultation with the Steering Committee and relevant agencies. Changes can be proposed at each Cluster meeting or by emailing TTNQ.

Acknowledgment:
The TNQ First Nations Tourism Action Plan is funded by the Queensland Government through the Year of Indigenous Tourism program, with support from Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

#ExploreTNQ

There’s never a dull day at the beautiful @paronellapark! 🏰🌴 First opened to the public in 1935, this stunning castle has remained virtually unchanged since then 💫 Like something out of an old love story, this spot is truly a magical & unforgettable place nestled amongst the lush @wettropicsworldheritage rainforest, it’s the kind of place that you say you'll drop in for a few hours & end up spending the whole day 🌿

🎥 @adventuringourownway  #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #cassowarycoast

[ID: A series of video clips of Paronella Park, the ruins of a Spanish style castle built in the rainforest. The park has been taken over by lush plat life and grass. Text on screen reads POV: you stumble upon a castle that’s been reclaimed by a Queensland rainforest]
Today @leighton_videography brings us his favourite waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland! Which one is your fave? 🌴🦋

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia 

[ID: Clips of waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland. All are full and flowing. Waterfalls are Millaa Mill Falls, Behana Gorge, Davies Creek Falls and Windin Falls]
Don’t forget to catch the epic magic shows at @wildlifehabitat 🌴😌

[ID: Two wildlife keepers lift a blue sheet for a few seconds, then drop it to reveal an emu.]
We interrupt your scrolling to show you @visitpalmcove, nothing further, as you were 🌴🦋

📸 @tessa_jayne_  #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #palmcove #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia

[ID:Palm trees line a sandy beach pathway at sunset, with a lone person walking and the ocean visible in the background.]
There’s so much to love about @lizardisland but the world famous “Cod Hole” is one of our favourites! Why? Because of these curious potato cods of course🐠 

🎥 @tabithalipkin #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia 

[ID: Woman diving on the Great Barrier Reef while a curious potato cod (large fish) is investigating her. Text on screen reads “POV: You make friends with a potato cod named Tater Tot at the Great Barrier Reef and she loves the camera. LOVES IT. She especially wanted to show you her spots…”See!? This is why they call me a potato cod! My spots look like potatoes!” “What’s personal space?!” “Hi again” “Can we take a picture before you leave?” Absolutely]
Nothing screams tropical like an island getaway & @bedarraisland should definitely be at the top of your list! 🏝🍹 Oh, did we mention all inclusive? 🍾 From private candlelit dinners on the beach, to fishing gear & kayaks, to meals & cocktails, the staff at Bedarra Island go above & beyond to make sure your luxury escape is unforgettable 🌴🌸 Not to mention the view is pretty great 😉 So, when will we see you here? 👋

🎥 @_markfitz #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast 

[ID: Aerial video panning over the beach on Bedarra Island. There are bright green palm trees and blue ocean waves lapping a white sandy shore. Text on screen reads: Amazing tropical beaches in Australia: Bedarra Island, Qld]
Don’t have time to visit the Great Barrier Reef while you’re in #Cairns? Or if you just want to learn a little more about the reef, there’s nowhere better to explore than the @cairns_aquarium 🩵🐠

🎥 @tabithalipkin #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia 

[ID: Clips of the Cairns Aquarium and marine life that is housed inside it. Text on screen reads: An aquarium that brings the Great Barrier Reef to you”
Today we take time to commemorate the brave men & women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Soldiers from Tropical North Queensland joined the defence force to help protect Australia, including many Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to these people, we now live in an incredible location that we’re very proud of 💙🌴

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the region, visit the Cairns Museum or check out some of the many historical sites around the region including the ANZAC trail ✨

Lest We Forget ❤️
If bright blue milky waters and a jacuzzi-like spa spells bliss for you then we’ve got you covered 🙌🌴 Cardwell Spa Pool, located along the Cardwell Forest Drive, is just one of few colourful swimming spots in the area! 🦋 If you enjoy waterhole hopping, head further along the track to Attie Creek Falls & Dead Horse Creek 🚙🌿

🎥 @jessadventuresaus #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast

[ID: Video clips of the Cardwell Spa Pool, which has bright blue water and is surrounded by lush green rainforest. Text on screen reads: Is this the bluest swimming hole in all of Australia?]
Happy Earth Day! 🌏🌱
This year for Earth Day, we’re working to reduce plastic use in Tropical North Queensland, here’s how you can help on your next holiday!

☕️ Reusable water bottles, coffee cups, straws and more! 
🏝️ Support local conservation efforts like beach clean ups
🦋 Choose eco-friendly accommodation, restaurants and tours who are also working to reduce plastic use
🗑️ Reduce and recycle your rubbish (make sure it goes in the right bin and doesn’t end up on the ground!)

Hit the bio link to learn more ☝️

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsgbr #earthday2024