Hidden Queensland tourism jewel uncovered

Online, December 15, 2009 (Newswire.com) - A LITTLE-known Townsville attraction has been unearthed to the nation by taking out an Australia-wide award.
The OM4Tourism Hidden Jewel Awards are for small Australian tourism businesses that offer a fascinating or unusual visitor experience, but remain relatively undiscovered.
Pop Sullivan's Ross River Dam Boat Cruises have operated exclusively on the picturesque Queensland waterway for the past five years, leaving a lasting impression on those lucky enough to experience a part of Townsville largely unseen.
"Until people actually get on the boat they very often have no idea that what lays out there on Ross Dam is truly worth seeing, but once they have done the cruise they bring their families and friends back time and time again," Mr Sullivan said, who - as the charismatic tour guide - has been known to sing a few songs as the MV Kathleen Mary cruises the 33,000 hectares of water every Sunday.
"I've had people who were born in Townsville and have lived here all their lives saying they had no idea how beautiful it is up here. The area is listed as an Australian wetland of significance and there are 221 known species of birds, so it's definitely been a well-hidden jewel and was only unlocked to the public five years ago."
As well as the bird life, Mr Sullivan lists other tour highlights as the absence of tall buildings and the rare opportunity to experience the Australian bush in its natural state, from roaming wildlife to watching the hills change colour as the day ambles on. Then there are the intriguing tales of the past.
"I try to bring the history to life in people's minds," Mr Sullivan said. "We talk about the old homestead, the dairy shed, the cattle dip, the two old pubs that were built on the side of the river in the gold rush and all the stories associated with them. Young and old are often overwhelmed with the tales out here."
But for Mr Sullivan the biggest stumbling block in the past has been getting the word out about his tours. He has won numerous North Queensland Tourism Awards for the Australian adventures he conducted with bus-loads of seniors before his boating days, but he admits the Townsville market is a tough nut to crack.
"Townsville is not a tourist town and we don't have the attractions here yet to make it into a tourist town," Mr Sullivan said. "Hopefully this national award should bring a bit of extra exposure and, once people know there are things to do in Townsville, they will stick around for a bit longer."
As well as targeting tourists, those visiting friends and family and locals seeking a unique experience, from next year Pop Sullivan's Ross River Dam Boat Cruises will focus on exposing school children to the wonders of nature and will be available for private charters, corporate events and special occasions like weddings.
Mr Sullivan's prize from OM4Tourism is intended to help take his business to the next level by providing a customised website with online bookings functionality.
He has also been working with the North Queensland Small Business Development Centre (NQSBDC) to get assistance with marketing.
"We hope to continue our work with Pop Sullivan to help him lift the profile of this wonderful tourist attraction in our region," chief executive officer Brian Arnold said.
Adult tickets are $28 each and children up to five years old are free.