10/06/2026
SWQROC Media Release: Travellers back Outback Queensland in a new purpose-led journey
As fuel concerns continue to influence travel decisions, a new initiative is delivering real support into South West Queensland communities with hosted coach journeys introduced as a practical way to inject immediate economic activity into the regions.
Developed by Fun Over 50 Holidays, the Backing the Outback journeys are designed to encourage people to keep travelling to regional Queensland and supporting local businesses through overnight stays, dining, shopping and experiences across South West Queensland.
Fun Over 50 Holidays will be donating the use of their Gold Class coach, along with a driver and host, as part of this goodwill initiative with departures on 27 May, 9 June and 17 June already sold out and taking in Roma, Charleville, Quilpie, Eromanga, Thargomindah, Cunnamulla and St George.
The first group has just finished their tour, and the total spend across regions came to $59,861.37.
Plus, the second group has just departed, and they are on a mission to spend more than the first group.
Fun Over 50 Holidays CEO Toni Brennan said the initiative is not about replacing self-drive travel — but reinforcing confidence that now is the time to go.
“This is about backing our regions at a time when they need us most,” said Ms Brennan.
“We know many people are questioning travel plans right now, but these communities rely on visitors.
“This isn’t about a single tour, it’s about showing that visitors are still coming and giving others the confidence to follow, whether that’s a self-drive holiday or a multi-day coach tour.
“Whether you travel by car or on a coach, what matters is that you still go.
“We’ve also introduced a Fuel Protection Guarantee to give travellers added confidence to keep their plans in place.”
The journeys operate on a pay-as-you-go model, encouraging guests to engage with each destination at their own pace and spend directly within the community at local cafés, tour operators, accommodation providers and small businesses.
Early signs suggest the approach is working, with local tour operators and attractions reporting a lift in direct bookings, including enquiries and calls from guests travelling on the journey.
