Outback Queensland, an area known for its vast red plains, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife, has faced significant setbacks in recent years due to natural disasters and the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, amidst these challenges, Indigenous tourism, especially initiatives led by local communities like Yagurli Tours, is helping to revive the region’s tourism sector, drawing visitors from across Australia and around the world.

The Indigenous-owned business, Yagurli Tours, managed by the Gangalidda and Garawa peoples in Burketown, a town located in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is playing a key role in bringing back life to Outback Queensland’s tourism. By promoting a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, the tour company offers a distinctive experience that focuses on the region’s Indigenous history and connection to the land.

Impact of Natural Disasters and COVID-19 on Queensland Tourism

In recent years, Queensland’s tourism sector, particularly in its rural and remote areas, has suffered substantial losses. The region was heavily impacted by back-to-back flooding events and the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted travel for months and left the Outback isolated. These challenges disrupted the flow of tourists who rely on well-maintained roads, which are often the only means of access for travelers exploring this vast region.

Floods in 2023 were particularly devastating, with the Gulf of Carpentaria enduring its largest flood in a decade. The natural disaster isolated the area for over three months and damaged infrastructure essential for the tourism industry. The situation was worsened by the ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily that struck the region less than a year later, causing further flooding and disruptions. Despite these setbacks, Yagurli Tours and other local tourism operators are hopeful that the recovery from these events can lead to a vibrant future for the industry.

Indigenous-Led Tourism as a Catalyst for Recovery

While tourism suffered, Yagurli Tours was determined to weather the storm. Lurick Sowden, the manager of Yagurli Tours, emphasized the importance of cultural tourism in the region, noting that while there had been challenges, 2025 could mark a significant recovery. With roads now open and access to the region restored, visitors are once again arriving to experience the Gangalidda and Garawa cultures, traditions, and natural wonders of the area.

Yagurli Tours offers a variety of experiences that bring visitors closer to the unique landscape of the Gulf of Carpentaria, including:

1. Hot Air Ballooning Over Salt Pans – Yagurli Tours is known for its collaboration with Balloon Aloft to offer hot air balloon rides over Australia’s largest salt pan, where tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the land’s vastness. The Gulf’s extraordinary Morning Glory clouds—rare, tube-shaped clouds that form over the area—are a major highlight during balloon flights.
2. Cultural Tours and Storytelling – Guests can embark on a journey to learn about the traditions and customs of the Gangalidda and Garawa peoples, with guided cultural storytelling sessions that connect visitors with the region’s deep history and spiritual significance.
3. Fishing Charters – Tourists can experience traditional fishing methods on the Albert River, an area of great cultural and ecological importance to the local people.
4. River Cruises – Visitors can take serene cruises along the river, taking in the breathtaking landscape and watching wildlife such as crocodiles, birds, and fish in their natural habitats.

These activities not only support the local economy but also provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with the local Indigenous culture in a meaningful and respectful way. Sowden and the Yagurli Tours team continue to push for the recognition of the Indigenous tourism sector as an essential part of Outback Queensland’s recovery.

Tourism Recovery and the Role of Infrastructure

One of the primary obstacles faced by tourism operators in the region is infrastructure. The Outback is a road-heavy region, where access to most remote areas relies on well-maintained roads. With limited rail services and high airfare costs, road access is critical for the tourism industry to thrive. The Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) has stressed that the reopening of the region’s roads is crucial for the industry’s resurgence.

According to Denise Brown, Chief Executive Officer of OQTA, regional tourism numbers are starting to rise again, especially with visitor traffic picking up in May and June. She believes that the domestic tourist season in Queensland is set to recover, despite a slow start in 2025. Brown explained that there is significant interest in traveling to Burketown and other Outback locations, particularly when roads are safe for travel.

“The challenges of access are real, and our number one focus is ensuring these roads stay open,” said Brown. “When people can travel freely to the outback, they are eager to experience its unique beauty and culture, which is something you can’t find anywhere else.”

Growth in Global Interest for Outback Queensland

Although Queensland has long been a popular destination for domestic travelers, global interest is now growing, thanks to the exposure of local tourism businesses such as Yagurli Tours. The region’s remote location, combined with the rich cultural heritage of its Indigenous peoples, provides travelers with a truly unique experience. International tourists are increasingly drawn to areas like Burketown, which offer untouched natural beauty and the opportunity to engage with local communities in a more authentic way than typical mass tourism destinations.

According to Tourism Australia, Indigenous tourism is one of the key sectors that will play an important role in the country’s recovery. Efforts to promote the outback as an Indigenous tourism destination have been supported by various government initiatives, with a focus on cultural sustainability and community-driven tourism. These efforts aim to not only promote tourism but also empower Indigenous communities by providing jobs and preserving cultural practices that are integral to the nation’s history.

Looking Ahead: Tourism’s Role in Economic and Cultural Revitalisation

With the Indigenous tourism sector at the forefront, the future of Outback Queensland’s tourism looks promising. While the industry still faces challenges, there are tangible signs of recovery. Visitor numbers are rising, and operators are cautiously optimistic about the coming years.

Yagurli Tours and other Indigenous-run businesses are playing a crucial role in this recovery, bringing both economic benefits to local communities and cultural education to visitors from around the world. The resilience of the Gangalidda and Garawa peoples and their commitment to preserving and sharing their culture with the world is a testament to the region’s strength and spirit.

As more travelers seek out authentic, immersive experiences, Outback Queensland’s blend of cultural tourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism is becoming increasingly popular on the global stage.

Conclusion: A New Era for Outback Queensland Tourism

Outback Queensland has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, but with efforts from Indigenous tourism operators like Yagurli Tours, the region is experiencing a revival. The resurgence of road access, the reopening of essential infrastructure, and the growing demand for culturally immersive travel experiences signal a positive future for Queensland’s tourism sector.

This revitalisation also highlights the growing importance of Indigenous tourism as a driving force for sustainable and culturally rich travel experiences. As global travelers continue to seek more meaningful and authentic adventures, Queensland’s Indigenous-led tourism initiatives will undoubtedly lead the way in showcasing the richness of Australia’s outback to the world.

(Sources; Yagurli Tours Official Website, Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA), Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism, Tourism Australia Official Website, Gangalidda Garawa Official Website.)

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