13-hour daytrip to Uluru sells out in Mackay, reveals demand for Australian tourism

Sean Cocup (right) was first in line to buy tickets to the Uluru daytrip initiative from Mackay Tourism. (

ABC Tropical North: Tobi Loftus

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A huge line of hopeful travellers has revealed a thirst in regional Australia for more affordable and accessible travel options. 

The Mackay Airport, along with Mackay Tourism and Alliance Airlines, has organised a 13-hour daytrip to Uluru in April with the aim of boosting local confidence in the tourism sector. 

Tickets for the event were only available in person, and hundreds of people lined up from 4:45am for the 88 tickets.

Sean Cocup was the first in line and said he got there early because the trip fell on his fourth anniversary with partner Tabitha Rix.

"It would be a long time before we'd ever save up to go there on our own," he said.

The Northern Territory is well known for its unique national parks, and rich Indigenous history.(

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By midmorning, all tickets had been sold. 

"I didn't know how big it was going to be," Mr Cocup said.

"I was lucky to be here by myself as everyone rolled in pretty quick after the school run." 

Ms Rix said she felt "pretty special and thankful" to be going on the trip.

"We've always wanted to go to Uluru," she said. 

"It's the best way to celebrate an anniversary, dinner under the stars at Uluru.

Bernadette and Dean Dyer say Uluru has always been on their list of places to visit.(

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For retired couple Dean and Bernadette Dyer, visiting Uluru has always been on their wish list.

Mr Dyer arrived at 6:00am and secured the eighth spot in the queue. 

"We planned on going on a trip to the Northern Territory [last year]," Mrs Dyer said.

"But then COVID-19 struck, so we didn't go."  

Trip supports Australian tourism

Mackay Tourism chief executive Tas Webber said the organisation was mainly focused on inbound tourism, but organising the Uluru day trip with the Mackay Airport was about the tourism market in general. 

Mackay Tourism chief executive Tas Webber says they are overwhelmed with the response to the Uluru initiative. (

ABC Tropical North: Tobi Loftus

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He said tickets for the flight cost travellers $500 and included return flights, a sunset tour, barbecue dinner and entry to the Field of Lights. 

"This is about supporting one of our major stakeholders in the Mackay Airport and bringing confidence back into the market, supporting local and supporting Australian tourism," he said. 

"Mackay Airport led this idea. It's been talked about for about four months now.