A VETERAN travel writer is calling on tourism authorities to do more to promote Brisbane’s Bayside, describing the region as a “hidden gem”.
Ken Hickson, who recently returned to Australia after 14 years in Singapore, said he stumbled across Wynnum and Manly while house-hunting – and was captivated.
“Why isn’t Bayside being promoted as a tourist destination for visitors from overseas and from other parts of Australia?” he said.
“Could Brisbane City Council, Tourism Queensland or Tourism Australia do something about this?”
Now a proud Bayside resident, Mr Hickson has become a vocal advocate for the area’s natural beauty, cultural charm and unique local experiences.
“Since I’ve arrived and moved in as a permanent resident of Bayside, I’ve gone out of my way – with my wife, family and friends – to explore as much of the area as possible,” he said.
More than just exploring, Mr Hickson has been actively promoting the region through his writing.
Beyond the Bayside, the couple have also taken the time to explore greater Brisbane using public transport.
They also used the CityCat ferry service: “It turned out to be the cheapest river cruise in the world – 50 cents each for more than two hours on board.”
Through his Travellers’ Tales community talks, Mr Hickson is helping to put the Bayside on the tourism map.
“By organising Travellers’ Tales events in Bayside, I’m also going out of my way to promote local, regional and international tourism,” he said.
“With two events so far at Wynnum Library and three for residents at Eureka Wynnum, we’re now scheduling next month’s event at Wynnum 60 and Better clubrooms at the Wynnum Community Centre on Wednesday, June 18, starting at 10am.”
Local Councillor Alex Givney welcomed Mr Hickson’s enthusiasm and said Brisbane City Council was actively supporting efforts to promote the Bayside and prepare the region for future growth.
“The Bayside lifestyle is unbeatable, and with more people continuing to settle in our coastal suburbs, the word is spreading about all we have to offer,” she said.
“Through the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and I are proud to support world-class events like the Wynnum Fridge Festival that brings people in droves to experience the arts and the incredible hospitality of the Bayside.”
Cr Givney said stronger tourism would also benefit local businesses and the broader community.
“More tourism means better business and we are proud to be working with the Queensland Government on their Destination 2045 20-year tourism strategy,” she said. “We are also working closely with the community to identify opportunities to support local business, employment and housing through the Wynnum Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Project, including a street art collection that will bring tourists to the Bay.”
She said good planning would ensure the Bayside remained a great place to live and visit.
“I will continue to work with local stakeholders to advocate for more opportunities to promote tourism in the Bayside,” she said.
For more information, to attend Travellers’ Tales events, or to read more of Mr Hickson’s work, email: kenhickson@outlook.com.
