News

27 April 2010
How many people have had a private chef cook lunch in Brisbane's scenic countryside for them while on holiday?

Queensland Holidays Ultimate Auctions gives people the opportunity to do just that, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor announced today.

Mr Lawlor said the Ultimate Auctions, which go live online from 3pm, today, April 27 offered holidaymakers the unique opportunity to bid for 10 Queensland experiences they would not be able to get anywhere else.

"They'll also enjoy a picturesque drive to Ipswich's Queens Park to see elusive native animals like bilbies & wombats at the wildlife park.

"Then there's the exclusive Spicers Hidden Vale Resort where your private chef awaits with a BBQ lunch.

"The successful bidder can then spend the afternoon exploring the working cattle station; try their hand at whip cracking, go for a horse ride or 4WD tour.

"As well as the chance to explore Brisbane's scenic countryside, punters will have the chance to bid on stargazing at Charleville, a tropical Port Douglas romantic escape, a Whitsunday site-seeing getaway, working with MasterChef's Matt Preston, having some family fun in the Whitsunday sun, staying at the famous Birdsville Hotel during the Birdsville Races and more," Mr Lawlor said.

"From Port Douglas to Brisbane, the Great Barrier Reef to Queensland's Outback - these are experiences that can't be found anywhere else."

Mr Lawlor said Queensland Holidays Ultimate Auctions showcased the unique experiences Queensland holidaymakers could enjoy.

"Settle in with a gourmet food hamper before exploring your surroundings on a sunset sail complete with champagne and nibbles. Delve a bit deeper on a snorkelling trip and unleash your creativity during a private painting lesson with local artist Vonnie Van Bemmel.

"It's access all areas travel and to top it all off the proceeds from many of the items on offer go to charity.

"Bidding starts as low as $1, but the competition can mean that some experiences end up selling for top dollar.

"If you miss out however, all bidders will be given the opportunity to purchase the same experience at the regular retail price following the auction."

Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said the user-friendly Ultimate Auctions site was modelled on the popular eBay platform, making it familiar and easy to use.

"By tapping into the popularity of eBay-style shopping and the popularity of the internet to book holidays, Ultimate Auctions presents a convenient way for Queensland tourism operators to sell their products," Mr Hayes said.

"These offers will go out to the 350,000 subscribers to Tourism Queensland's www.queenslandholidays.com.au e-newsletter so there's no doubt the bidding war will be fierce."

Mr Hayes said Tourism Queensland was at the leading edge of destination promotion in the digital sphere.

"Over a period of seven or eight years, including the huge splash made internationally by the 'Best Job in the World' campaign, TQ has proved itself to be a force to be reckoned with globally."

For more information on the auctions and to bid visit http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/travel-tools/auction/auction_home.cfm.