General News
9 March, 2026
Luxury abounds
THE luxurious experience – Bedarra Island Resort – has received a $300,000 grant from the Queensland Government for a special Reef tour boat.
The resort, off Mission Beach, will use the funding for an amphibious vessel to provide small group all-weather Reef tours, enhancing accessibility and expanding tourism offerings for visitors of all abilities.
Bedarra features only 12 guest villas, each hidden amongst the tropical rainforest and enjoying spectacular ocean views.
All villas offer their own unique experience, each being slightly different from the others. Some villas are situated literally a few steps from the beach, several feature private infinity edge plunge pools, some have outdoor rainforest bathrooms and some offer expansive private sundecks and daybeds.
The resort’s open terrace restaurant, bar and lounge are where guests converge to indulge in an ever-changing menu.
Bedarra’s philosophy is centred on relaxation, however, they also offer a number of less sedentary activities such as sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, motorised dinghies, snorkelling equipment, fishing gear, tennis, gym, self-guided rainforest walks as well as outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, scuba trips or deep sea fishing charters.
Massages and spa treatments can also be enjoyed in the beachfront massage pavilion.
Villas start from $1890 a night up to $3150.
The grant is the first round of the government’s $20 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) – a key pillar of Destination 2045 – to unlock new attractions, expand existing operators and drive visitors deeper into regional Queensland.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the RTIF was backing tourism operators and delivering more to see and do across regional Queensland.
“Looking ahead to the 2032 Games, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to elevate our tourism offering so visitors stay longer and we create a legacy that lasts for generations,” he said.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday and the Crisafulli government’s multi-million-dollar investment in our regional operators will deliver more tourism offerings in more locations.
“Our regional tourism industry is booming, so we fast-tracked funding and boosted the first round of grants from $5 million to more than $7.6 million.
“Cash in the hands of operators sooner means more jobs, more opportunities and more money flowing back into our regional communities.
Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Barron River Bree James said Far North Queensland tourism operators and visitors would benefit from this investment.
“Investments like these are helping to build a stronger, more diverse tourism offering that will benefit local operators and travellers for years to come,” Ms James said.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Tash Wheeler said the investment would help regional operators grow and innovate, ensuring Queensland remains Australia’s leading tourism destination.
“QTIC has consistently called for targeted, regionally focused infrastructure investment in our state budget submissions, and today’s announcement reflects the importance of backing those priorities,” she said.
“We have been clear that accelerating tourism product and experience development is critical to delivering on Destination 2045 and maximising the legacy of Brisbane 2032. Strong demand for programs like the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund demonstrates that industry is investment-ready and eager to grow.”
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