School children targeted to visit Queensland’s Outback
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 23 2009
2009 >>

Queensland children will soon be adventuring out to the state’s spectacular Outback under a new school excursions program launched by Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor today.

The program is a Tourism Queensland and Outback Queensland Tourism Association initiative that provides Year 6 and 7 students with an exciting new option for school camping expeditions in their home state.

“Children will be enticed to travel as far west as Charleville, Longreach, Winton and Mount Isa to explore the Outback first-hand and enrich their learning,” Mr Lawlor said.

“This program includes the creation of a comprehensive handbook for teachers with information and ideas on travelling to Queensland’s Outback.

“The Queensland’s Outback Education Handbook has been created by Tourism Queensland as a free resource for teachers wanting to develop lesson plans about Queensland’s Outback.

“The proposed travel itineraries are unlike any other school excursion and will no doubt unlock an awe-inspiring new world for our school students.

Mr Lawlor said the program is just what schools need to provide their students with a unique Queensland adventure that is both educational and lots of fun.

“Forget the traditional school getaways to frosty Canberra, our kids now have the opportunity to see some amazing parts of their home state that many people are yet to experience,” he said.

“From dinosaur discoveries and our pioneering spirit, to working cattle stations and hidden lakes and dams, these excursions will bring Queensland’s colourful Outback to life.

“And as an added bonus, our kids will also be supporting the local tourism industry here in Queensland.”

Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland has created four suggested camping safaris that cover many Outback highlights and are sure to provide unforgettable encounters:

• Longreach Explorer
• Way out in Winton
• Mount Isa Outback Tour
• South West Safari Tour.

“These safaris include some of our most famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Waltzing Matilda Centre, Kronosaurus Centre, Lawn Hill Gorge, Cosmos Centre and Observatory and the Tree of Knowledge Memorial,” he said.

The camps are generally 6-7 days and will be provided by Kangaroo Bus Lines and Down Under Tours.

Mr Lawlor said travelling in Queensland’s Outback was similar to most road-trips and the suggested itineraries included many fascinating stops to keep the journey fresh and interesting.

“The people of the Outback are very warm and friendly and will welcome our young explorers at every step along the way,” he said.

“It is only two hours between most towns and every town out there has its own remarkable and unique story that is waiting to be told.”

The new Queensland’s Outback Education Handbook contains 29 informative fact sheets covering many aspects of outback history, legends and natural hidden treasures.

“I would urge all Year 6 and 7 teachers to make sure they get their copy of the Queensland’s Outback Education Handbook,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The handbook is an excellent new resource for teaching our children about the state’s cultural heritage and we hope it becomes a valued classroom companion.”

For more information about the handbook and the school excursions see the Tourism Queensland website at www.tq.com.au/outbackeducation.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:16 PM