Beenleigh is Queensland's newest tourism hot spot
Jeremy Pierce, Courier Mail - November 25, 2015

QUEENSLAND has a new tourism hot spot.

Wedged between Logan, Ipswich and the Gold Coast, Beenleigh has suddenly emerged as Queensland tourism's star on the rise.

The south east Queensland town was the biggest mover in a list of the state's tourism hot spots compiled by leading travel company Wotif.com.

Accommodation bookings jumped an incredible 72 per cent in 2014.

In the same time, occupancy in the Brisbane CBD increased just two per cent while the Gold Coast hinterland rose four per cent.

Logan Mayor Pam Parker, "We're taking baby steps, but soon we will be taking giant steps.

"We have 140,000 cars driving straight past us every day and that is enormous potential to tap in to.

30 minutes to world famous Gold Coast and just 36 minutes to Brisbane, Australia’s fastest growing city

"It's all about location, location, location."

Wotif.com product director Donna Rodios said Beenleigh's position between Brisbane and the Gold Coast made it popular with holiday-makers.

"Beenleigh offers an opportunity to explore places like Redlands, Mt Tamborine and the Scenic Rim," she said.

"The theme parks (closer than the hotels in Surfers Paradise) and a host of wineries are also nearby, which makes it an ideal option for either a family holiday or a couple’s getaway."

Susie Pepperell has run Albert River Bed and Breakfast for five years and said she had definitely noticed an upswing in visitor numbers.

"It's such a great location," she said.

Brisbane's Robyn Jeffery is one of those discovering the appeal of the region.
Logan City Council is developing a major tourism area which will house the famous Alma Park Zoo while the internationally renowned Beenleigh (Rum) Distillery is undergoing a multi-million dollar redevelopment

Location and growth are the two major criteria for a great place to live
Beenleigh offers both with abundance