Early indications have revealed potential travellers are going online and ordering brochures to be sent directly to their inbox or in hard copy to their post boxes.

Resembling a visitor information centre with shelves of brochures and maps to select from,  visitors can be directly linked through, via e-mail, to real visitor information centres in Goondiwindi, Toowoomba, Roma and north to Cooktown.

An exciting first for Queensland and Australia, the initiative, which received funding through the Queensland Tourism Network Grant Scheme 2011/12, administered by Tourism Queensland, is a partnership between the highway committees representing Inland Queensland and the RACQ.  Tourism Queensland Acting CEO, Leanne Coddington said the initiative was a great example of using the latest technology to promote and link potential visitors with regional and remote Queensland attractions. “This virtual visitor centre is fantastic news and will hopefully entice more visitors to Queensland’s regional tourism destinations, injecting money into local economies.”

RACQ’s Executive Manager of Tourism Andrew Millward is encouraging Queenslanders to get behind the wheel and explore Queensland’s diverse landscape from the comfort of their car.

“We really are spoilt for choice with so much to discover in our own backyard including stunning beaches, lush rainforests, historical landmarks, and quirky attractions,” Mr Millward said.

“By creating the RACQ Tourism Information Centre, we’re making it easier for Queenslanders to discover the state’s hidden gems while at the same time helping to boost tourism in regional areas.”

Chair of the Leichhardt Highway, Cr David McMahon of Goondiwindi said, “This project takes the notion of a driving holiday to a new level.  People in the south east corner are now planning their inland holiday with a click of their computer”.