We’ve got the reef. We’ve got the rainforest. And now, thanks to the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 plan, Far North Queensland has something even more powerful — the long-term commitment and backing to become the number one tourism destination in the state.
Announced as a bold 20-year roadmap for Queensland’s visitor economy, Destination 2045 isn’t just another policy document — it’s a blueprint to double the value of the state’s tourism sector to $84 billion annually and create nearly 40,000 new jobs. And FNQ is central to that ambition.
Whether you’re running a tour, a tourism experience, or a local café, Destination 2045 is built to boost your business, bring in new visitors, and cut the red tape that’s been holding our region back.
Destination 2045 sets the course for Queensland to become:
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A global leader in ecotourism
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Australia’s home of major events
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A well-connected international destination
For Far North Queensland, this translates into real projects, real investment, and real opportunities.
Key Projects for Far North Queensland
The plan includes several major initiatives to drive visitation, create jobs, and future-proof the local tourism economy:
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Connecting Queensland Fund: Attracting new international flights to Cairns and improving intrastate connections, making travel easier for visitors from around the globe.
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Great Barrier Reef Islands Rejuvenation: Sustainable infrastructure upgrades to reinvigorate the Reef’s island experiences.
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Events Expansion: Half of all event calendar growth will take place in the regions, including Tropical North Queensland, with a goal to grow business events to a $2 billion industry.
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Wangetti Trail: A 94-kilometre hiking and biking adventure from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, spotlighting the region’s natural beauty.
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Smithfield Bike Trail Expansion: 52 new kilometres added to Cairns’ popular mountain bike network, boosting active tourism appeal.
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Daintree Cultural and Ecotourism Centre: A new First Nations-led experience in the heart of the Daintree National Park, blending cultural storytelling with nature-based tourism.
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Lake Eacham Day Use Area Upgrade: Enhanced infrastructure and accessibility improvements to enrich the visitor experience in this popular Atherton Tablelands spot.
At its heart, Destination 2045 is about people—growing jobs, supporting communities, and strengthening the backbone of Queensland’s economy.
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Target: Double visitor expenditure to $84 billion by 2045
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Goal: 25% more direct tourism jobs
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Current tourism support: 270,000+ jobs, $115 million in daily visitor spending
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With around 9 in 10 tourism businesses being small enterprises, the benefits will be felt at the grassroots level.
Tourism supports one in six jobs in Tropical North Queensland. Destination 2045 ensures we responsibly unlock our natural assets and aim to become the most accessible ecotourism destination in the world.
We’re not just promoting tourism. We’re making it easier to operate. Destination 2045 includes plans to cut red tape, streamline regulations, and give local operators the tools and freedom to grow and innovate.
Let’s keep FNQueuing ahead of the rest.
See the full plan at Destination 2045.
Want to stay updated on projects in your area? Follow Bree James, Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Barron River, for the latest announcements and opportunities.
