The State Government is urging Queenslanders to explore their own backyard these summer holidays and discover some of the lesser-known national parks.
A competition has been launched where people can share their favourite hidden gems within Queensland parks, with $2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has launched it onto its official social media channels with the #HiddenGems.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon says there are more than 540 beautiful spots in Queensland to visit.
“Queensland’s national parks aren’t just helping to protect our environment, they’re the perfect place for fun, affordable, family adventures,” Minister Scanlon says.
“It’s why the Palaszcuzk Government is investing a $262.5 million to expand and create new national parks – this biggest investment in this state’s history,
“We’re expecting more than 140,000 overnight visitors and about 24,000 active vehicle access permit holders across the busy summer period at the usual famous places like K’gari, the Daintree and Gondwana.
“But we want Queenslanders to go beyond the family favourites and learn more about the lesser-known pristine spots in our parks.”
Those who take part will go into the draw to win 1 of 10 $200 gift vouchers.
Andrew Kingston from National Parks Association Queensland says there’s been a huge boost to visitor numbers since COVID, with huge benefits to being out in nature.
“We know the science is quite clear: spending time in nature is good for your health, wellbeing, your stress and for your emotional intelligence and for your kids,”
“We’d really encourage people to go and explore, go discover, go find your little place in nature.”
To enter the competition you have to share images and stories about the many hidden gems in our national parks via the comments section on specific competition posts that will be posted on the Queensland National Parks Facebook and Instagram pages.
The competition starts today and ends on 18 December 2022.
Prize winners will be contacted directly by the Department of Environment and Science.
