AUSTRALIA'S first Aboriginal-owned and operated whale watching tours will leave from Raby Bay twice a week, drawing thousands more visitors to the Redlands.
Also operating from South Bank two days a week, Yalingbila Tours is tipped to generate $35 million, create 25 jobs and attract 7000 tourists to Queensland.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said Yalingbila Tours would give visitors an insight into Quandamooka culture.
The six-hour trip would head to the waters off North Stradbroke Island's Point Lookout where about 200 whales pass through every day during whale season.
"Our young guides will share their knowledge of caring for Quandamooka country and waters, and protecting the wildlife that also call it home," Mr Costello said.
The tours will use a new Sealink Rocket catamaran, decorated in Quandamooka artworks with support from Redland City Council. The boat will take up to 120 people on the six-hour return cruise past Minjerribah.
About 7500 people were expected to go on the tours in the first season.
Mr Costello said the tours would employ Quandamooka guides and an administration team. Young people would be trained as boat captain and crew.
"Any profits made from the tours will also go back to creating more training, education and business opportunities for our people," he said.
Yalingbila Tours would target international and domestic tourists and provided an opportunity for Redlanders to enjoy a local whale watching experience.
Redland mayor Karen Williams said Yalingbila Tours had the potential to support new businesses and grow established businesses.
"Yalingbila Tours will draw thousands of new visitors to Redlands Coast and Minjerribah from June to October, traditionally our off-peak tourism season, and they will be looking for great places to stay and eat, as well as other things to do," Cr Williams said. "...Yalingbila Tours will add to our reputation as a naturally wonderful location to see not only whales but other marine life such as dolphins, dugongs and turtles."
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the tours would provide some of the best whale watching in the world in the company of Quandamooka guides.
"International tourists want to travel where they can get a unique cultural experience," Ms Jones said.
"We also know that eco and adventure tourists stay longer and spend more money while they're on holiday. These tours will lure thousands of extra tourists to Queensland and generate millions for our economy."
Mr Costello said they would partner with Redlands and North Stradbroke Island businesses and look at opportunities that could further benefit the Redlands Coast.
The government granted an exclusive whale watching permit to QYAC to create employment opportunities and complement existing cultural tourism and whale watching as part of North Stradbroke Island's economic transition from sand-mining.
The tours cost $135 from Raby Bay and Dunwich, or $165 from Brisbane.
Visit yalingbilatours.com.au.
