In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, which struck in March, a new initiative has been launched to encourage locals and visitors to take a holiday and support local businesses.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has had a devastating impact on the community, tourism, and events industry in Queensland and New South Wales. As part of the Gold Coast recovery effort, the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland have announced a multi-million-dollar stimulus package, including a ‘spend and get’ reward program to support tourism operators.
The LOVE GC Cards launch today with 50,000 cards preloaded with $100 worth of credit. The card costs $50, so visitors will unlock a bonus $50 to spend on over 150 experiences and access to deals across accommodation, dining, and entertainment on the Gold Coast.
HOTA, Home of the Arts, is one of the many Gold Coast attractions where you can use your LOVE GC Card. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate explained the benefits, stating:
“Locals and visitors will be able to use their LOVE GC Cards to take advantage of some incredible deals being offered as part of the campaign at their favourite attractions and experiences as well as a range of dining and accommodation options."
According to an Impact Survey, the Gold Coast alone lost a staggering $42 million in a single week, affecting 89 per cent of businesses. This is set to have long-term effects, particularly over Easter, with South East Queensland experiencing a 10 per cent decrease in bookings compared to last year and an estimated $300 million in lost revenue.
The Gold Coast lost $42 million in a single week. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn confirmed the negative impact the cyclone had on the Gold Coast in particular:
“We know the Gold Coast visitor economy is worth over $8 billion annually, and our impact assessment completed with Invest Gold Coast confirmed that the tourism sector felt the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred the greatest."
Use your GC LOVE Card on amazing hotels like the Dorsett. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Some highlights of the GC Loved Cards initiative include The Dorsett Gold Coast and the Sofitel Gold Coast and entertainment options like the Australian Outback Spectacular and HOTA shows. Cards can be purchased online via lovegcdeals.com from 9am Gold Coast time on March 31.
Mayor Tate shared his enthusiasm for the initiative:
“What better way to show the love and enjoy everything our magical city has to offer than by purchasing a LOVE GC Card and getting another $50 to spend. What’s not to love about that!".
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.
Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.
Unwind in the ancient outback.
About Rangelands Outback Camp
Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.
Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.
Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.
Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.
Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.
Soak in 360-degree views.
Rangelands Outback Camp tours
Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .
Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.
Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.
The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.
A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.
A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.
Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)
Sleeping in luxury
After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.
Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.
Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.
Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.
Rangelands Outback Camp dining
As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.
Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.
Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.
