A bigger crowd is expected at the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards’ Moroccan-themed presentation night this year as the finalists of five new categories join the event.

The Fraser Coast tourism industry hit new highs in the year to March with a record number of domestic visitors coming to the region and spending record amounts, according to the latest National Visitor Survey data released today.

Imagine sitting in the pitch black basement of Maryborough’s historic Bond Store listening to stories about people from the Fraser Coast community.

Fraser Coast youngsters have a rare opportunity to learn creative writing from popular author Justin D’Ath who has written more than 50 books for children and young adults.

Fraser Coast Visitor Centre staff and volunteers have seen an upswing in activity this week as they prepare to welcome more tourist from further south as temperatures drop.

Camp oven cooking guru Ranger Nick will be one of the special guests at this year’s Relish Food and Wine Festival in Queensland’s Heritage City of Maryborough.

Author and illustrator of the Ruby Red Shoes series Kate Knapp will bring her own brand of magic to the Mary Poppins Festival this June-July school holidays in Maryborough.

Roving entertainers, tasty food stalls and fun children’s rides will all be part of Hervey Bay’s traditional Blessing of the Fleet which signals the start of the whale watching season on July 21 this year.

A delegation of local tourism operators has been in Sydney and Brisbane this week as a part of a Fraser Coast Tourism & Events 2018 Trade Mentoring program.

Hervey Bay scuba diving companies are already accepting tentative bookings for divers keen to see the ex-HMAS Tobruk as soon as tours begin.