Mackay’s Wildcat Adventures has been named Queensland’s best new tourism business at Friday night’s 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Launched in December 2021 at the height of the Omicron wave, Wildcat Mackay has achieved incredible success in its first year of operation.
Owner Julie Telford said she was so proud to accept the award.
“To launch a business at the height of COVID-19 seemed crazy, but we knew we had a solid plan, an innovative boat design and a spectacular place to show visitors,” Mrs Telford said.
“We operate a successful business in the Whitsundays but could see an opportunity for a new business venture just a couple hours south in Mackay.
“We are very grateful the Queensland Government backed our idea through their Growing Tourism Infrastructure Grant, which saw the dream become a reality.
“Wildcat has the privilege of employing incredible crew who love what they do, and this means all our guests have a genuine and authentic experience of Mackay’s beautiful waters.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us from building the concept to launching the business and achieving so much in our first year. We appreciate all the help and guidance from Mackay Isaac Tourism and the welcoming Mackay community. This award provides an opportunity to thank every single customer for booking on our awesome tours”
Owner Asher Telford and his innovative naval architecture team custom-designed and built a vessel to suit Mackay’s marine conditions.
“We’ve been able to design a boat that keeps visitors comfortable while also moving through the water quickly to show visitors as much as possible in one day,” Mr Telford said.
“It has been pivotal to our business success to design boats that make the most of local conditions. As a result, wildcat offers a smooth ride, 360-degree viewing platform, easy access electric stairs, wheelchair access and lock-in points, fully licensed bar, paddleboards, solar charging system and is extremely fuel efficient.”
“It was a dream to start a new business in Mackay and show off this spectacular part of the Great Barrier Reef, and to accept a Gold Queensland Tourism Award is the best reward for that risk.”
Wildcat Mackay offers immersive learning tours, school group excursions, sunset tours, private charters and daily day tours taking visitors snorkelling, paddleboarding and showcasing the Great Barrier Reef.
The business holds the highest level of ECO accreditation and are proud Climate Action Leaders. Wildcat has invested heavily in local partnerships and sponsorships to establish itself in Mackay over the past year. It has achieved 96% direct bookings, mainly from the local community and surrounding regions.
Wildcat Mackay’s sister company, Red Cat Adventures, operates just north of Mackay in Airlie Beach. Red Cat Adventures is currently in the Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame after three straight years of being awarded the state’s best Major Tour and Transport Operator and best Adventure Tourism operator. However, they stepped back from entering this year to concentrate on the business and to raise the profile of their new business Wildcat Mackay.
Al Grundy, Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Isaac Tourism, said the region is excited about Wildcats future.
“Winning the Gold Award for best New Tourism Business is a credit to Julie and Asher Telford who have brought a clear vision to this region and who deliver exceptional experiences to our visitors every day,” Al said.
“Businesses such as Wildcat Mackay do much more than just provide amazing visitor experiences, importantly they add to the economy from employing locals to contracting caterers and marine support services.
“It’s a distinct advantage for our region to be home to one of Queensland’s best, and I congratulate Julie, Asher and their team on this achievement.”
Wildcat Mackay is now in the running for Best New Tourism Business at the upcoming Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney in March 2023.
For more information about Wildcat Mackay Visit www.wildcatmackay.com.au
