Queensland Walks’ submission to Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future advocates for walkability as a core pillar of Queensland’s long-term tourism and economic strategy. Highlighting the importance of walking, running, rolling, and strolling in the tourism experience, the submission urges the Queensland Government to leverage the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a catalyst for long-lasting improvements to pedestrian infrastructure and public space design.
The organisation outlines how walkability enhances tourism by promoting deep engagement with destinations, supporting regional development, and boosting local economies. It recommends integrating walkable infrastructure with public transport, applying universal design principles, and ensuring accessibility, safety, and comfort—particularly for women, girls, and people with disabilities.
Key Points include:
- Walking enhances tourism experiences by allowing deeper engagement with both urban and natural environments
- Walkability boosts regional development and supports local businesses, especially in towns and outer urban areas
- The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a walkable legacy for Queenslanders and visitors alike.
To achieve this, Queensland Walks recommends:
- Investing in pedestrian-first infrastructure: wider, better-maintained footpaths, shaded routes, comfortable seating and safe crossings
- Integrating walking with public transport, ensuring smooth, accessible connections between tourism destinations and transit hubs
- Developing a network of ‘Great Walks’ in Brisbane, South East Queensland, and regional areas—signature walking trails to attract visitors and promote health and culture
- Expanding and maintaining Rail Trails across the state for multi-day walking and cycling adventures.
Accessibility and safety are also central themes:
Universal design principles should be applied to ensure that all people, including those with disabilities or limited mobility, can walk, roll or stroll safely and comfortably.
The submission highlights the Safe Cities | Safe Streets for Women and Girls project, recommending its citizen science model be used to improve nighttime safety in entertainment and transport precincts.
Queensland Walks proposes a ‘Walking Greeters’ program, a volunteer-led initiative offering guided walks and local advice, enriching the visitor experience while easing congestion.
In summary, walkability should be at the heart of Destination 2045—not just for tourism, but for liveability, health and equity across Queensland.
Download the submission
Queensland Walks’ submission to Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future advocates for walkability as a core pillar of Queensland’s long-term tourism and economic strategy.
