- The Crisafulli Government is backing a major new Great Barrier Reef tourism experience.
- The $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund is delivering world-class tourism experiences across Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after a decade of decline under Labor.
Tourism experiences are set to swell at the Great Barrier Reef, with the Crisafulli Government delivering a $4 million investment to bring more visitors to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
The funding for the Reef Magic IV project is supporting the delivery of a new high-speed catamaran to expand access to the Reef Magic Pontoon.
The 32-metre vessel will strengthen Cairns as a Reef destination, create jobs and drive growth, with low-emission technology and bio-fuel capability built in.
The project is a co-investment with private partners matching, at a minimum, the Crisafulli Government’s funding.
It is funded through the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund, a key initiative of the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan, to transform Queensland into the nation’s tourism and events capital.
Far North Queensland is already benefiting from the Tourism Icons Investment Fund, with the first round also delivering $677,000 for Barron River rafting upgrades.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the investment was about delivering better visitor experiences.
“Queensland is proudly cementing its position as the Home of the Holiday, and this strategic partnership investment will attract more visitors and drive economic returns for local communities,” Minister Powell said.
“We’re backing world-class attractions that draw more tourists, because when visitors come here, they spend in our local businesses, support jobs and strengthen regional economies.
“We’re investing in the kinds of experiences people simply can’t get anywhere else, giving our operators confidence to grow and ensuring Queensland remains Australia’s number one tourism destination.
“This investment is just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is planning better tourism offerings in our state which is in stark contrast to Labor who had a secret plan to gut tourism funding.”
Member for Barron River Bree James said the project would strengthen local operators and deliver flow-on benefits across the region.
“We know these experiences are already icons of the Reef, but this investment will help operators right here in Cairns and across the Far North take things up a notch and keep visitors in our region longer,” Ms James said.
“When people stay longer, they’re eating at our cafés, booking our tours, shopping in our local stores, that’s real support for local jobs and local families.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of Far North Queensland, and this is about making sure the benefits flow straight back into our community and the people who live and work here.”
Experience Co CEO John O’Sullivan said the Reef Magic IV project would deliver a state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran, expand daily visitor capacity and provide further enhancement of their premium reef experience.
“The vessel is designed for the overall comfort of our guests as well as delivering increased fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact which supports sustainable tourism growth,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“This funding will help us enhance our offerings and attract more visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, benefiting both the environment and the local economy.
“We are grateful to the Queensland Government for their support of sustainable tourism and this vital project.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the Tourism Icons Investment Fund was a game changer for destinations in delivering on the aspirations of Destination 2045.
“Having two projects funded through a $4.6 million State Government investment is a reflection of the significance of the Tropical North to the Queensland story,” Mr Olsen said.
“The tourism industry is grateful for the ongoing support of the Crisafulli Government to evolve the tourism industry which employs one in six people in Tropical North Queensland.”
Applications for the next round of the Tourism Icons Investment Fund will open later in 2026.
