Laughing yet?
Ok, so I just got back last Friday (day 245) from a week-long media trip in tropical north Queensland, one of my favorite parts of Australia. It was a long week packed to the brim. I’ve gone on a couple of media trips to Queensland now and that Tourism Queensland does not mess around!
Which is a good thing because they do cater to your every need, put you up in nice hotels and feed and drink you to the max — they need to know that you are getting the full benefit of the trip out there, so the itinerary is packed from morning ’til night.
I’m seriously lucky because I have only been to tropical north Queensland a few times and I now feel like I have a pretty intensive understanding of the places and activities that draw visitors to the area. Next on my list would be to tackle the Cape York trip, but… when time and money present themselves. I digress…
For me, media trips do wonders as they put as much information as I might acquire on an independent trip in a week or more into my head in just a few short days. Being put in touch with the managers, owners, operators and tourism professionals first-hand provides me with a wealth of travel knowledge, and it just makes it plain easy to write about. Even when I went to Gold Coast for 3 days last December, I didn’t need to read pamphlets or guide books; the facts were told to me over dinner, as we were walking to the car and while checking out the wildlife sanctuary.
And, tropical north Queensland? Ask me about the different Aboriginal tours on offer there. Ask me about where to have your small beach wedding. Seriously, ask me! I am so grateful to have those opportunities with media trips because I am now better armed with what’s out there so I can say that this tour is more unique than the next, or this hotel is definitely worth the price or not.
But, there is a downside, and it is called work. At this moment, I am grappling with article ideas, throwing out pitches, drafting a thousand thank you emails and organizing my 5 pounds of pamphlets and literature. I’m scanning through photos and clawing my way to a level of being caught up from all the work I let slip by while away. Media trips are hard work, but I guess they are the kind of hard work you want to have on your to-do list.
Beautiful photos Brooke
I’d love to go to Top North Queensland and see the Daintree (as well as the conservation efforts going on there) and experience some of the aboriginal culture. Looking forward to your next posts.
Thanks
You’ll read a lot more about the activities and whatnot over on WhyGo Australia.
Always good to present the side of travel blogging/writing that many would never think about. Lots of work I’m sure, but as you said a good problem to have!
Do you manage to remember all the stuff you talk about or do you carry your pen and notepad around with you?
I remember a lot and take simple notes when being transferred or during downtime at hotels. We are also given contact information for PR representatives for many of the companies that we can get in touch with for further information later on.
I would do anything for a chance at a media trip! Sounds much better than a 9-5, that’s for sure. You got it so good!
Haha oh Mica, you should see my paychecks
Sounds like a fabulous trip! I love Queensland and am somewhat jealous of all that you got to see in a week! Can’t wait to see more about everything you experienced!
I’ll be working in more of the experiences on WhyGo over the coming months, but feel free to email me if you have specific questions
I figured that’s where we’d see more.
No real questions regarding Queensland (won’t be going there this time around). I just take mental vacations while reading through various posts from the bloggers I follow. 
Media trips ARE hard work! Oy. People don’t seem to get that fact.
But I like your positive spin on how fast-paced everything can be…sometimes I find it exhausting
They ARE hard work… and tiring. You often do activities in half the time and jet off to the next… a different kind of travel.
How does one get to go on a media trip?
Some bloggers and travel writers contact prospective tourism groups; people with more prominent sites will be approached by them. I’ve only gone on media trips for WhyGo Australia
Well, if you’re telling us to ask, what do you recommend for Great Barrier Reef cruises? Whitsundays, Cairns, both? Any specific providers?
Haha, well thanks for taking me up on that. If you can go from the Whitsundays then go for it because visiting the islands and the reef will be even more amazing. From Cairns, for your standard day at the pontoon (snorkeling, introductory diving activities), Quicksilver is a popular option but Sunlover Reef Cruises would be my pick… but only because of the better lunch buffet. Everything else would be pretty standard in my mind. If you want to discuss further, drop me a line
Is Cairns worth it? I’ve heard mixed reviews… it doesn’t sound enchanting to me due to the lack of beaches (aren’t there a lot of crocs or something?)…but what do I know?
Hi Laryssa,
Is Cairns worth it? Well, it depends on what you’re comparing your options to, and what your plans are while there. I think Cairns is a fantastic HUB town — great for reaching out to the local attractions on day trips: Kuranda, Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef, Mission Beach, the Atherton Tablelands, etc. Port Douglas is also nice — an hour north and a cuter small tourist town. You can get to all these attractions from PD as well, but some places will be further away… however being in PD puts you closer to a trip to Cape Tribulation. Yes, there are occasionally crocs in some locations… but maybe more up towards Cape Trib. People were out swimming when I was there last year. To answer your question… a trip up to Cairns should never be spent just in Cairns! The area itself is definitely worth it, though
I was just talking to somebody about how I always think I’ll get more work done on press trips than I do because I’m always so exhausted by the end of the day!
So very true! There were a few times I sat down with the computer in our breaks and found myself waking up from an accidental nap