Latest news with #TourismandEventsQueensland
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Where Movement Meets Mindfulness: Inside Shakti Mohan's Soulful Escape To Queensland
Last Updated: Shakti Mohan recently travelled to Queensland, Australia. Her soulful escape included exploring its natural wonders, cosmopolitan cities, and the rich Indigenous heritage. For Shakti Mohan, movement has always been a form of expression, but her recent journey to Queensland, Australia, revealed a new rhythm entirely. Away from the spotlight and studio mirrors, the celebrated dancer and choreographer found herself immersed in something far more elemental: the quiet pulse of the rainforest, the salty breeze of untouched beaches, and the golden hush of a Queensland sunset. ' Queensland, Australia offers such a compelling mix, from peaceful coastal retreats and ancient rainforests to vibrant urban energy. This trip allowed me to reconnect with nature and experience Australia in a truly fresh and soulful way," Shakti shared, reflecting on a journey that blurred the lines between luxury, nature, and inner stillness. Her travels spanned the urban vitality of Brisbane, the golden expanse of the Gold Coast, the laid-back charm of the Sunshine Coast, the marine wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, and the grounding calm of ancient rainforests. But it wasn't just the geography that made an impact; it was the emotional texture of each place. With every barefoot walk, silent gaze, and cultural encounter, Shakti's posts unfolded not as a travel diary but as a personal unravelling. In images and video captured mid-journey, she's seen with wind-tousled hair by the sea, still beneath the rainforest canopy, or laughing quietly with locals. It's a softer, more intimate portrait of the artist, one that reveals a side rarely seen on screen. What began as a collaboration with travel company JourneyLabel and Tourism and Events Queensland soon evolved into something more personal: a chance to pause, breathe, and move at nature's pace. 'At JourneyLabel, we are drawn to destinations that leave a lasting impression. Queensland, Australia's stunning beauty, diversity, and warm spirit align perfectly with what today's Indian traveller seeks," said Sufail Husain, Co-Founder, JourneyLabel. 'It's a privilege to partner with TEQ and collaborate with Shakti Mohan, who brings such grace and sincerity to the storytelling. We believe this journey will inspire others to travel deeper and dream bigger." As Shakti continues to share her journey on social media, her audience is tuning in not just for the scenic beauty, but for the feeling of presence, of peace, of purposeful travel. Through Shakti's eyes, Queensland becomes more than a destination. It becomes a mirror, a muse, and a moment of renewal. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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First Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Explore Queensland, Australia Through Shakti Mohan's Lens: A JourneyLabel Luxury Travel Story
This collaboration re-imagines luxury travel for the discerning guest from India, one who values not only indulgence but also meaning, authenticity, and connection read more JourneyLabel, India's leading bespoke travel curator, has partnered with Tourism and Events Queensland, Australia (TEQ) to unveil the many facets of Australia's sunshine state through the eyes of renowned dancer, choreographer, and TV personality Shakti Mohan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This collaboration re-imagines luxury travel for the discerning guest from India, one who values not only indulgence but also meaning, authenticity, and connection. Shakti Mohan's journey through Queensland, Australia, serves as a lens to explore its natural wonders, cosmopolitan cities, and rich Indigenous heritage, offering a deeply curated and emotionally resonant experience. 'I'm delighted to embark on this journey with JourneyLabel and Tourism and Events Queensland,' shared Shakti Mohan. 'Queensland, Australia offers such a compelling mix, from peaceful coastal retreats and ancient rainforests to vibrant urban energy. This trip allowed me to reconnect with nature and experience Australia in a truly fresh and soulful way.' A Journey Through Contrasts Her itinerary was carefully organised to reflect the diversity Queensland, Australia offers, from the vibrant cityscape of Brisbane to the golden shores of the Gold Coast, the lush beauty of the Sunshine Coast, the iconic Great Barrier Reef, and the ancient rainforest. At every stop, Shakti engaged with local culture, cuisine, and natural wonder, sharing real-time stories and moments with her millions of followers back home. 'India is one of Queensland, Australia's fastest-growing and most dynamic international visitor markets,' said Ryna Sequeira, Director India, Tourism and Events Queensland, Australia. 'We are seeing increasing demand for immersive and premium travel experiences. Our partnership with JourneyLabel and Shakti Mohan allows us to bring Queensland's story to life in a way that resonates with the evolving tastes of Indian travellers.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Inspired by Shakti's journey, JourneyLabel is now sharing specially tailored travel stories for those seeking their own Queensland experience. These luxury travel narratives are thoughtfully curated for solo adventurers, couples, families, and honeymooners, with a focus on wellbeing, romance, exploration, and authentic encounters. 'At JourneyLabel, we are drawn to destinations that leave a lasting impression. Queensland, Australia's stunning beauty, diversity, and warm spirit align perfectly with what today's Indian traveller seeks,' said Sufail Husain, Co-Founder, JourneyLabel. 'It's a privilege to partner with TEQ and collaborate with Shakti Mohan, who brings such grace and sincerity to the storytelling. We believe this journey will inspire others to travel deeper and dream bigger.' As her travel stories continue to roll out across Instagram and lifestyle platforms, Shakti's images barefoot on the beach, in rainforest silence, or gazing at golden sunsets are already inspiring her audience to see Queensland, Australia, not just as a destination, but a feeling. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
ABC News
03-05-2025
- ABC News
Queensland government exploring how to preserve historic shipwreck sites
The wreck of the SS Yongala is a diver's Disneyland. After sitting on the ocean floor for more than 100 years, the 110-metre wreck off the coast of Townsville in north Queensland has developed its own ecosystem, and is home to a diverse range of fish species, sharks, rays and turtles. But there's another, darker side to the story of the SS Yongala. And it fascinates archaeologist Celeste Jordan. "Really, it is Disney diving, it's touted as Australia's Titanic," she said. A diver watches a turtle swim around the wreck of the SS Yongala off the coast of Townsville. ( Supplied: Tourism and Events Queensland/Nigel Marsh ) Wrecks deteriorating About 122 people were killed when the luxurious passenger liner sank in 1911 during a cyclone. There were no survivors. The SS Yongala before it was wrecked. ( Supplied: Maritime Museum of Townsville ) Despite a seven-day search, no official trace of the vessel was found until 1958 by divers, though there were reports of it being spotted by the Navy in the 1940s. Ms Jordan works at the state Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation as a principal heritage officer. Celeste Jordan, diving in waters off the coast of north Queensland, is passionate about shipwrecks. ( Supplied: Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation ) She is part of a program searching for the final resting place of wrecks like the SS Yongala, mapping them and investigating how to preserve them. "Understanding ship construction, the cargoes they were carrying, the people on board, what their personal possessions were on board, [it] gives us an understanding of what we were doing [then]," she said. Ms Jordan said while sites naturally deteriorated, weather events being driven by climate change were speeding up the process. For example, she said flooding could affect wrecks through run-off pouring into the ocean, while cyclones increased wave action hitting the boats. Thousands of divers come to experience the abundance of wildlife around the SS Yongala each year. ( Supplied: Tourism and Events Queensland ) In January 2024, waves from Cyclone Kirrily ripped parts of the bow port side of the Yongala shipwreck because the boat was not protected by reefs. Preserving history Ms Jordan said she was investigating potentially scuttling (intentionally sinking) another boat or structural barrier to reduce the impact of rough water on the ship. Another issue for preservation is the threat of coral-eating bacteria. "[It] eats the black coral, and then the black coral dies and then of course … the super structure could fail because the corals don't hold it together as well," Ms Jordan said. She said if no preservation action was taken on the Yongala, it would continue to slowly deteriorate and eventually the wreck's structure would collapse. Ms Jordan said it would be an expensive and challenging exercise to preserve it, and for many shipwrecks, doing nothing could be the best option. Further south in central Queensland, the HMAS Protector forms a breakwater on Heron Island. The rusting remains of the HMAS Protector lie off Heron Island, forming a breakwater. ( ABC News: Jasmine Hines ) It's also a tourism drawcard for the island, with tourists snorkelling around the wreck. It was one of Australia's first Navy ships and the only vessel to serve in three wars, but the rusted relic has decayed significantly in recent years. The HMAS Protector with one of Australia's E class submarines during World War I, by marine artist John Ford. ( Supplied: Royal Australian Navy ) The state government is now urging tourists to avoid swimming around the wreck because of its sharp edges and falling parts. Ms Jordan said the best bet for preserving HMAS Protector would be to fully submerge it, which was not possible because of its location. "Really for the [HMAS] Protector, it's about planning for how it might continue to deteriorate so it doesn't interfere with how people use Heron Island," she said. All wrecked ships and aircraft that are at least 75 years old are protected by underwater cultural heritage legislation. The Queensland government says visitors should avoid swimming near the HMAS Protector wreck. ( ABC News: Jasmine Hines ) Burying wrecks in sand, road crash barriers While Queensland has yet to employ any of these tactics to save underwater wrecks, it has been done elsewhere in Australia. Ms Jordan said more than a decade ago there was some experimental work done preserving historic wrecks in Victoria and Western Australia. In Western Australia, a series of road crash barriers were put around the James Matthews shipwreck. Road crash barriers were used to surround the James Matthews wreck. ( Supplied: WA Museum ) It was then covered in sand to create an anaerobic environment, meaning oxygen could not impact the wreck. "Because it's such a unique example of a type of ship, it was decided that the need to preserve it was of greater importance for our understanding of that type of history than people viewing it," Ms Jordan said. "As researchers and archaeologists, you do have to sometimes weigh that up." The James Matthews under sand following its reburial in 2013. ( Supplied: WA Museum ) Ms Jordan said the James Matthews was historically significant as it was one of only a small number of There are about 1,400 shipwrecks and 150 aircraft in Queensland waters, but only 200 have been found and positively identified. ABC Capricornia — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Friday Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
ABC News
29-04-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Queensland government slammed for featuring e-bike on beach in new tourism ad
The Queensland government has been criticised for promoting the use of e-bikes on the state's beaches in its latest tourism campaign. The one-minute clip, designed to attract tourists to the state, shows a man riding an e-bike on the sand at a Surfers Paradise beach on the Gold Coast. It has prompted the local council to consider introducing laws around the use of electric vehicles along its 50-kilometre coastline. Bicycle Queensland has also expressed safety concerns for other beachgoers. The state's cycling body says it does not condone the use of bikes on beaches. ( Supplied: Tourism and Events Queensland ) Alton Twine, Bicycle Queensland CEO and former City of Gold Coast transport director, said "e-bikes in particular don't belong on the sand". "The beach is there to be enjoyed by people recreating, lying on the sand, going for a swim, going for a surf, not to be riding a bike or any other vehicle up and down the beach itself," he said. The government's new tourism brand "That Holiday Feeling" was launched on Sunday. Mr Twine says bikes should not be used on beaches. ( Supplied: Bicycle Queensland ) Mr Twine said Bicycle Queensland would support the campaign if the scene was pulled from its ads. "One of the unintended consequences might be that people might look at that and then think that it's okay to ride their bike on the beach," he said. "We would support if they wanted to re-edit it and put it up on a bikeway — you can still show that people are happy and enjoying the tremendous environment that we have in places like Surfers Paradise." Tourism minister backs campaign However, Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has defended the campaign. "People complaining about a production clearly need a holiday," he said in a statement to the ABC on Tuesday. Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has hit back at critics and stands by the campaign. ( ABC Gold Coast: Danielle Mahe ) Queensland Tourism's last campaign, which centred around the popular animated series Bluey about a family of blue heelers, cost about $9.2 million. Mr Powell said the cost of this year's campaign was yet to be determined. "The exciting thing about this brand is that it's not just one campaign, this is multiple campaigns, this could go four or five years … until we know how long it plays out, I haven't got a number for you," he said. No laws breached In Queensland, electric bikes can be used on roads and footpaths and there are no state laws prohibiting people from riding them on beaches. With local councils responsible for governing beaches within their jurisdiction, acting Gold Coast Mayor Mark Hammel said the council would now review its local laws around the use of e-bikes in that environment. "It's great to see the Gold Coast featured in the ad — I understand cycling on the beach isn't in breach of any by-laws," Cr Hammel said. " As part of the local law review, we will look at e-bikes on the beach. " A City of Gold Coast council spokesperson urged beachgoers to behave safely and respect others at all times. "Safety is our number-one priority. Electric bikes are required to be ridden in accordance with the Queensland government rules," the spokesperson said. "Illegal behaviour may be reported to police."
Sydney Morning Herald
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rising Qld star headlines new tourism campaign with Madonna classic
A year after enlisting Bluey and Robert Irwin to put Queensland on international radars, local musician Kita Alexander has been recruited to attract interstate holidaymakers with a reimagined take on a Madonna classic. 'That Holiday Feeling', a new video campaign from Tourism and Events Queensland, features Alexander performing Madonna's iconic '80s pop anthem Holiday against a montage of the state's best assets and natural attractions. The celebrated destinations on display include the Great Barrier Reef and Mossman Gorge in North Queensland, K'gari's Lake McKenzie, the Sunshine Coast's Glasshouse Mountains, and Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves. Alexander, a singer-songwriter from Brisbane who lives in the Northern Rivers with her professional surfing husband, Owen Wright, and young family, launched the collaboration only a few weeks after finishing her support slot with internationally acclaimed pop artist Dua Lipa on her Australian tour. Loading 'I am such a proud Brisbane-born, Gold Coast-raised girl, who never in her wildest imagination thought she'd be the face of her home state's major tourism brand,' Alexander said. 'I want people to hear this song and feel a rush of excitement – like they need to book a Queensland getaway immediately.' Alexander listed the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island and Noosa as favourite 'happy places' in her home state. 'I love being by the water ... our beaches and ocean are honestly some of the best in the world,' she said.
