Revitalising Outback Tourism: Yagurli Tours Sparks Global Interest in Burketown’s Unique Indigenous Experiences

Outback Queensland, an area known for its vast red plains, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife, has faced significant setbacks in recent years due to natural disasters and the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, amidst these challenges, Indigenous tourism, especially initiatives led by local communities like Yagurli Tours, is helping to revive the region’s tourism sector, drawing visitors from across Australia and around the world. The Indigenous-owned business, Yagurli Tours, managed by the Gangalidda and Garawa peoples in Burketown, a town located in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is playing a key role in bringing back life to Outback Queensland’s tourism. By promoting a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, the tour company offers a distinctive experience that focuses on the region’s Indigenous history and connection to the land. Impact of Natural Disasters and COVID-19 on Queensland Tourism In recent years, Queensland’s tourism sector, particularly in its rural and remote areas, has suffered substantial losses. The region was heavily impacted by back-to-back flooding events and the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted travel for months and left the Outback isolated. These challenges disrupted the flow of tourists who rely on well-maintained roads, which are often the only means of access for travelers exploring this vast region. Floods in 2023 were particularly devastating, with the Gulf of Carpentaria enduring its largest flood in a decade. The natural disaster isolated the area for over three months and damaged infrastructure essential for the tourism industry. The situation was worsened by the ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily that struck the region less than a year later, causing further flooding and disruptions. Despite these setbacks, Yagurli Tours and other local tourism operators are hopeful that the recovery from these events can lead to a vibrant future for the industry.