Two passionate Outback tourism advocates have come together to support a new tourism experience.
Following a conversation at the beginning of the year, Mount Isa tourism operator Kylie Rixon began developing a new tourism experience celebrating Lake Moondarra.
Longreach tourism pioneer Richard Kinnon recognised the opportunity and supported the venture by leasing The Thomson Princess riverboat to the new business.
The result is Kylie’s newly formed Moondarra Cruises, a business dedicated to showcasing the beauty, tranquillity and unique character of Lake Moondarra through sunrise and sunset cruises and floating function experiences.
Kylie said the venture reflects the resilience of the Outback tourism sector.
“Richard has been incredibly supportive of this idea from the beginning. We both believe this is exactly the time to invest in experiences that inspire people to visit regional Queensland,” she said.
Ms Rixon said the partnership came together quickly once the pair began talking.
“When Richard and I started talking about the potential of Lake Moondarra, everything seemed to fall into place. Leasing The Thomson Princess gave us the perfect platform to bring this idea to life,” she added.
She credited the Mount Isa Water Board, along with Mount Isa City Council, Glencore and Bell and Moir Toyota Mount Isa, for supporting the venture from the outset. “It’s locals supporting locals,” Ms Rixon said.
Moondarra Cruises will offer sunset cruises, dawn bird watching trips and floating functions for private celebrations, corporate events and community gatherings. Ms Rixon said she hopes the venture renews local pride in the lake as much as it draws visitors.
“We want locals to fall in love with the lake all over again. Lake Moondarra is part of our identity,” she said.
Moondarra Cruises begins operating in the coming weeks, with an official launch planned over the Mount Isa Rodeo weekend.
It is the first commercial operator of its kind on the lake, with a website, Facebook page and online booking engine to follow.
Sessions run for three hours including bus transfers and are priced at $129 for concession and locals and $149 for adults.
