Message from the Minister of Tourism for Australia

Important Notice for all Backpackers

peter lawlor, minister of tourism and fair trading

Backpackers are some of Queensland's most important visitors and make up almost 20% of our state's international travellers.  Backpackers stay longer and spend more than the average visitor and live and work alongside Queenslanders, becoming locals for a time and making friendships that often last a lifetime.

Our beaches and our fabulous aquatic adventure playgrounds are one of the main reasons backpackers come to Queensland.  While the vast majority of the 360,000 or so backpackers who visit Queensland each year have a fantastic time full of fun and adventure, occasionally there are some who fall victim to accidents, particularly through getting into trouble in our surf and waterways.  Most of the time these incidents could have been avoided by following the safety messages that are widely promoted through hostels, visitor information centres and at our beaches.

Most Queensland surf beaches have areas patrolled by lifesavers who each day nominate safe swimming areas - designated between red and yellow flags.  Beachgoers should only swim between these flags.

By following this simple rule, everyone can have a fantastic time, enjoy our fabulous beaches, go home safely and hopefully come back to Queensland again and again.

Peter Lawlor
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading