TRC Tourism is proud to be working with Traditional Owners and First Nations communities across the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Country, and Outback Queensland to develop 3 regionally tailored First Nations Tourism Action Plans.

These projects are part of Queensland’s commitment under the Towards Tourism 2032 strategy and the First Nations Tourism Roadmap, which place First Nations tourism at the heart of the state’s future visitor economy.

Through extensive engagement and co-design, each Action Plan will help shape how Traditional Owners wish to share their stories, culture, and Country with visitors in ways that align with community aspirations, cultural values, and local capacity.

Community-Led Planning Across Three Regions

Sunshine Coast First Nations Tourism Action Plan

On the lands of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples, TRC is supporting the development of a tourism plan that reflects how Traditional Owners want to engage with tourism on their own terms. The project will identify preferred storytelling approaches, opportunities for cultural tourism, and a staged roadmap for action—ensuring tourism benefits flow back to Country and community.

Queensland Country First Nations Tourism Action Plan

Covering a wide region that includes the Country of the Ngemba, Iningai, Kunja, Yuwaalayaay, Mandandanji, Kooma, Bunjalung, and Bidjara peoples, this project focuses on building knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and defining a clear, actionable tourism vision. It recognises that meaningful tourism development must be guided by Traditional Owners and match their readiness and capacity to participate.

Outback Queensland First Nations Tourism Action Plan

Spanning the Country of more than 18 First Nations groups, including the Gangulu, Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta, Waanyi, and Gungarri peoples, this project presents an opportunity to co-design a region-wide plan that acknowledges the diversity of cultural perspectives and the vastness of Country. The Action Plan will include practical, community-defined actions and support mechanisms to bring tourism ideas to life over time.

How TRC Works with First Nations Communities

We believe that First Nations-led tourism has the power to support cultural continuation, economic empowerment, and Country stewardship. Our approach is grounded in:

  • Respectful engagement: Honouring cultural protocols, building trust, and creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations.
  • Participatory planning: Supporting communities to identify how, when, and where they want to engage in tourism—and at what pace.
  • Capacity building: Helping communities navigate the tourism system, access funding, develop tourism products, and tell their stories in ways that are culturally appropriate and visitor-ready.
  • Strategic implementation: Providing communities with a roadmap that includes short, medium, and long-term actions, backed by clear responsibilities and enabling partnerships.

We understand that tourism is not simply an economic activity—it’s about reconnecting with Country, sharing cultural knowledge, and creating pathways for young people to learn, work and thrive on their ancestral lands.

Shared Outcomes

Each of these Action Plans will be different, because each community is different. But they share a common goal: to ensure tourism is shaped by First Nations people, for First Nations people, in ways that celebrate culture, respect Country, and welcome visitors with integrity.

We are honoured to support this journey across Queensland and look forward to seeing these community-led plans come to life.

 

Interested in our approach to Indigenous tourism planning?
Learn more about our work: Indigenous Tourism Planning