David Attenborough reveals Queensland’s natural beauty to the World
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 10 2009
2009 >>

Tourism Queensland’s Island Caretaker Ben Southall will not be the only adventurous Brit exploring the Queensland coast over the coming week as world famous wildlife commentator Sir David Attenborough touched down in Queensland yesterday.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the arrival of Britain’s best-known natural history film-maker, whose career as a naturalist and broadcaster had spanned five decades, was a major coup for Queensland and would help to reveal the diversity of Queensland’s nature-based tourism experiences.

“Sir David will start his Queensland voyage in Cairns trekking north to Mungumby near Cooktown in the state’s north for a filming safari in search of termite mounds and velvet worms”, Mr Lawlor said.

“He will then set his sights on southern Queensland for a visit to Underwater World and Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.

“The remainder of Sir David’s trip will see him following in the Island Caretaker’s footsteps and heading offshore to Heron Island for the opportunity to capture the underwater magic of sea sponges and crustaceans”.

Mr Lawlor said Sir David had a unique ability to connect with his surroundings and capture it for viewers, creating a real interest and desire for current and future generations of holidaymakers to want to visit Queensland.

“Sir David’s globe-trotting camera has reached almost every corner of the planet and now he’s focusing his lens on Queensland’s natural encounters,” he said.

“Tourism Queensland is supporting Sir David’s visit to Queensland for his new documentary ‘First Animals’ which will explore early life on earth.

“Sir David will front the documentary which is expected to air next year on the BBC and Discovery Channel to an audience of several million viewers.

“Our aim is to increase the visibility and presence of Queensland destinations and experiences in our international markets and Sir David’s visit is just another example of how Tourism Queensland aims to generate an international interest in Queensland.

“More than 250,000 visitors from the UK headed to Queensland in the year ending June 2009, contributing approximately $476 million to the Queensland economy.

“Visitors from the UK love our natural environment, beach lifestyle and often engage in nature-based adventure activities.”

Last changed: Dec 10 2009 at 11:03 AM