A giant snorkeller is floating in Darling Harbour inviting Australians to holiday in ‘Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’ and discover why the tropical destination is the preferred summer playground for visitors from around the world.

The Sydney activation on December 3-5 is part of Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s ‘Summer Great. Leave Greater.’ campaign supported by Tourism and Events Queensland.

Pedestrians at Cockle Bay will see the 8m inflatable snorkeller and evening projections on the Australian National Maritime Museum’s roof showcasing the beauty of the world’s largest and most diverse reef.

TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the Summer Great campaign showcasing unique tropical summer experiences would encourage holidaymakers to fly to Cairns where one in five people’s livelihoods depend on tourism.

“Holiday numbers traditionally spike to around 58,500 a day in ‘Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’ but the pandemic has seen visitation fall to 8900, so capturing the domestic audience and their pent-up desire to travel has never been more important,” he said.

“With international borders not opening until at least mid 2021, the region is facing a major shortfall in visitation in summer.

“Australians have traditionally travelled to ‘Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’ to escape their winter with many believing it is too hot and wet in summer, but locals disagree.

“Summer is a very special time of the year in the tropics as the warm rains arrive to regenerate the world’s oldest rainforest and its waterways, while the winds subside on the Great Barrier Reef resulting in crystal clear water.

“This summer presents a unique opportunity to experience internationally-famous Cairns as a pure Aussie destination and to see it in a new light during the season when the landscape regenerates and the wildlife is more active.

“Iconic experiences like Skyrail Rainforest Cableway have reopened, new products including the Crystalbrook Collection’s luxury hotel Flynn are ready for guests and our Master Reef Guides are ready to show you just how special the Great Barrier Reef is.”

Summer packages and deals are being offered by MyQueensland.com.au, Qantas Hotels, 10Travlr and Expedia. For the next seven days My Queensland is offering $200 off select packages that include a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Discover the full sensory experience of summer at cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com.

You’ll also find the wonderful experiences unique to each season on the destination’s new Weather & Seasons page.