AusLeisure

With direct air services between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast Airport, Gympie’s Mary Valley Rattler team believes it can tap into New Zealanders’ passion for rail, especially heritage rail services.

Mary Valley Rattler General Manager, Sherry Lowe, recently returned from a Tourism and Events Queensland co-ordinated sales mission to New Zealand, and she was excited by the level of interest from the travel trade in the heritage railway service.

Lowe shared “It was a hugely productive sales mission. Trade representatives had considerable knowledge about the Sunshine Coast and were particularly interested in what was being offered beyond the beaches. Mary Valley Rattler certainly struck a chord with them.

“New Zealand has a strong tradition of train travel, with a particular fondness for steam trains and vintage rail experiences. This love for rail heritage is reflected in numerous preserved railway lines, themed events, and steam train excursions, many of which are popular tourist attractions."

Lowe added “we were able to build interest on this basis, and with Air New Zealand joining Jetstar in a few months’ time to provide direct air services from Auckland to Sunshine Coast Airport, this was the ideal time to tap into the region’s largest international market.

“There’s huge enthusiasm for the Sunshine Coast over winter, and the fact that visitors can also experience attractions such as the Rattler provides even greater incentive to book a holiday to our region.

“It was a great opportunity to promote not just the Mary Valley Rattler but also the wider Gympie region – from the stunning beaches of Rainbow Beach to the adventure tours and fantastic produce offered in the Mary Valley.

“We are encouraging Kiwis to travel with their tastebuds, and the Rattler is a great way to explore the many foodie experiences in the Gympie region.

“Judging from the feedback I received, we will be seeing a significant increase in New Zealand inbound travel over the year ahead.”

More information on Mary Valley Rattler 

Image top. Sherry Lowe GM Mary Valley Rattler; Image below: Sherry Lowe was part of a TEQ Sales Mission to New Zealand

Related Articles

17th January 2025 - Mary Valley Rattler ventures into the past to mark Australia Day 2025

20th November 2024 - Mary Valley Rattler’s volunteers secure gold in Queensland Tourism Awards

1st August 2024 - High expectations for Mary Valley Rattler to continue as impressive tourism generator

29th April 2024 - Mary Valley Rattler debuts inaugural ‘Gold Heist’ performance experience

7th March 2024 - Mary Valley Rattler increases its services

6th February 2024 - Mary Valley Rattler operators offer discounted tickets to their community base

21st September 2023 - Mary Valley Rattler team marks 5th birthday with discounted offerings

10th July 2023 - Mary Valley Rattler tourist railway launches heritage Silver Bullet hospitality service

21st June 2023 - Mary Valley Rattler operation becomes independent of Gympie Regional Council

26th February 2023 - Mary Valley Rattler’s Tasting Train special package offered in lead up to festival

8th December 2022 - Mary Valley Rattler celebrates 100,000th passenger

15th August 2022 - Mary Valley Rattler recognised as ‘Best of Queensland Experience’ and receives high profile among UK TV viewers

27th April 2022 - New General Manager appointed for Mary Valley Rattler  

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.