Tourism has been a shining light amid some very tough times in outback Queensland this year, boasting over a million visitors for the first time, all of which was celebrated with a gala awards night in Winton on Saturday.
In the words of outgoing Outback Queensland Tourism Association chairwoman Belinda Murphy, to say it's been a big year for the outback is an understatement.
And to show how the vast region is embracing tourism as a diversified industry in such times, around 160 people from Karumba to Eromanga were on hand to share in the 2019 Outback Queensland Tourism Awards.
They saw home town attraction, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs take out the coveted major tourist attraction award.
Spokeswoman Trish Sloan said they were going from strength to strength, recently announcing the discovery of a new flying reptile.
Forsyth's Cobbold Gorge received the tourist attraction award once again and Glenda Daly said it had been an amazing year for them in the Gulf Savannah, especially with the construction of their awe-inspiring glass bridge.
"We have the vision and the creativity - we need you to support us, and you have," she said, addressing guest of honour, state Tourism Minister Kate Jones.
The success of the state government's declaration of the Year of Outback Tourism, in the wake of drought entering its sixth year in the central and southern parts of the region, and a disastrous monsoon impacting the north, was evident in the enthusiasm apparent on the night.
Ms Jones said the government knew how tough it had been.
"Thank you for the work you do, showcasing your story," she said. "And thank you for taking the message up to the NT - if you want to see the outback, come to Queensland."
She acknowledged Cr Murphy's seven years of dedication to tourism, saying the Year of Outback Tourism was in no small part because of her lobbying effort.
Cr Murphy said the government funding commitment couldn't have come at a better time, saying no other state in Australia received such support for tourism activities from their government.
"Keep it coming - that's my election pitch," she said.
Over 200 people gathered in Winton over the three days of the 2019 Outback Queensland tourism symposium, culminating in the awards.
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs also picked up a new award for eco tourism in front of its home crowd.
In the words of the shire's mayor Gavin Baskett, Winton has a reputation for punching above its weight in the tourism world, which didn't happen by luck.
Thanks to the foresight of Vince Evert, the Winton Progress Association was formed in 1967, the same year that the predecessor of Tourism Australia came into being.
One of Mr Evert's sons, James Evert was on hand on Saturday night to present Blackall identity Stewart Benson the Vince Evert Award for outstanding contribution to tourism.
It was Mr Benson's immense pride for his hometown and passion for sharing the region's history with travellers at Blackall's Ram Park Precinct and riverside camping grounds that saw him awarded as the 2019 recipient.
OQTA life member Lance Smith said anyone who walked in the footsteps of Vince Evert was guaranteed to be quality, and Mr Benson epitomised that.
Accepting his award, Mr Benson described himself as an old bushie who had ended up in tourism.
James Evert said his family had all grown up with their father's idea of the natural beauty of the region.
"He travelled round the world and could see the beauty we had here compared very favourably," he said.
The McKinlay shire celebrated a winning streak on Saturday when the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre took out its third consecutive win in the visitor information services category.
Outback Aussie Tours, Cobbold Gorge, its Goldfields Hotel in Forsayth and Outback Pioneers were recognised for their continual commitment in providing exceptional visitor experiences, being inducted into the Hall of Fame on the night.
Karumba's new Les Wilson Barramundi Centre was awarded the new tourism business winner while the Big Red Bash took out the festival and events category for the second time in a row.
Days after announcing the world's most remote music festival had sold out nine months ahead of time, BRB promotor Greg Donovan said its success had caught them by surprise.
"It works because it's outback," he said.
"Forty per cent of the people who go have never been to the outback before," he said.
"It's our job to keep it up, because every business out here gets a clip of the ticket from it.
"You guys can now bank on 10,000 people coming out here in July next year."
Read more:
Visitors to outback Queensland were put in the judging seat in 2019, having their say on their outback Queensland holiday favourites with people's choice awards.
Saltbush Retreat at Longreach won best outback stay, Outback Pioneers took home best outback experience, and the Wellshot Hotel was awarded best outback pub.
The Charleville region won the hearts of visitors in 2019, topping the votes in best outback region.
2019 award winners
- Vince Evert Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism: Stewart Benson, Blackall
- Major Tourist Attraction: The Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton
- Tourist Attraction: Cobbold Gorge, Forsyth
- Festivals & Events: Big Red Bash, Birdsville
- Cultural Tourism: Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach
- Tour & Transport Operator: Elite Aviation Services, Winton
- Accommodation: Saltbush Retreat, Longreach
- New Tourism Business: Les Wilson Barramundi Centre, Karumba
- Destination Marketing: Flinders Shire Council, Hughenden
- Visitor Information and Services: Julia Creek Visitor and Information Centre
- Outback Eco Project: The Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton
VISITORS' CHOICE AWARDS
- Best Outback Queensland Region: Experience Charleville (Murweh Shire Council)
- Best Outback Queensland Experience: Outback Pioneers, Longreach
- Best Outback Queensland Stay: Saltbush Retreat, Longreach
- Best Outback Queensland Pub: Wellshot Hotel, Ilfracombe
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
- Cultural Tourism: Outback Pioneers
- Hosted Accommodation: Cobbold Village
- Tour and Transport Operator: Outback Aussie Tours
- Best Outback Queensland Pub: Goldfields Hotel