Cloncurry Shire Council is asking visitors to heat up their next adventure with the Curry Crawl: A Culinary Expedition through the Heart of the Outback!, taking out the $10,000 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Queensland: It’s Time to Shine competition.
Named competition winners at the LGAQ Annual Conference in Gladstone, Cloncurry Shire Council described the Curry Crawl as bringing visitors “an unparalleled journey through the flavours and stories that define the essence of Cloncurry's outback spirit”.
Cloncurry is affectionately known to locals as "The Curry", due to the town’s toasty climate, but the moniker also highlights the spicy culinary spirit of a unique and vibrant community.
The Curry Crawl will take visitors on a gastronomic journey where they can explore iconic pubs and local businesses while tantalising their taste buds and savouring cold beverages.
Importantly, the Curry Crawl will encourage visitors to engage with local characters, hear the fascinating stories of the region and experience the legendary hospitality that defines Cloncurry.
The Curry Crawl is a recipe for an unforgettable outback experience that blends flavours, stories and hospitality into a tapestry of memories. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a travel connoisseur or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, the Curry Crawl promises to be a journey that you'll cherish forever.
In winning the Queensland It’s Time to Shine competition, Cloncurry Shire Council will work with TEQ’s industry media agency, IMATE, to increase destination awareness of “The Curry” and develop the official Curry Crawl Map.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith congratulated Cloncurry Shire Council on the win.
“The Curry Crawl will bring a brand new tourism product to Queensland’s Outback Experience.
“All the entries this year radiated Queensland councils’ passion for their regions and celebrated exceptional experiences and unparalleled dedication that drive the tourism industry forward.
“I would like to thank TEQ for generously coming on board once again with a $10,000 marketing prize, and I can’t wait to try the Curry Crawl.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said in a globally competitive market, innovative ideas that sell the very essence of a destination were what would cut through.
“Our industry has an ambitious target of achieving $44 billion in overnight visitor expenditure by 2032 and to get there we need to be bold and deliver campaigns that will have impact,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“We’re also seeing travellers want to enjoy experiences more than ever and so the concept of the Curry Crawl is a wonderful opportunity to give a literal taste of the incredible culture and experience of Cloncurry.
“I congratulate the Cloncurry Shire Council on submitting what was a convincing submission that we will back with $10,000 in support through our industry media agency service, IMATE.
“Having grown up an hour away from the Curry, I got to regularly personally experience the best of what the town has to offer, and I am so excited that we can support the Council’s ambitions to share this with the world.
“We look forward to visitors enjoying this truly unique journey through the region.”
Judges noted it was very difficult to select a winner this year and it was highly competitive, however they did want to recognise innovative and high-quality entries from:
- Paroo Shire Council - with Hot Springs Capital of Australia – promoting the varying artesian hot springs offerings in their shire, and tieing in with the imminent opening of the Cunnamulla Hot Springs.
- Rockhampton Regional Council - Yeah, the girls! - Promoting Rockhampton as one of Australia’s top destinations to visit for the ultimate girls trip.
- Charters Towers Regional Council - Follow Their Footsteps, Unearth Our History, Honour the Legacy – promoting visitors to visit a newly built miners Memorial.
In its second year, the Queensland: It's Time to Shine competition asked councils to share their one big tourism campaign idea with the LGAQ – and the industry leaders from TEQ – to be in the running for a $10,000* marketing package from TEQ’s Industry Media Agency, IMATE.
For more information, please contact:
Dan Knowles, Media Advisor
Phone: 0432 681 664
Local Government Association of Queensland