21st June 2017
The Whitsundays have long been recognised as one of Australia’s most iconic destinations but now the holiday hot spot has achieved a new milestone – receiving a spot on the board of Australian Monopoly. Beating other popular spots such as Tropical North Queensland and the Gold Coast, the Whitsundays have been immortalised in an Aussie version of the family favourite board game following a public vote.
The board game, which went on sale June 15, offers a new edition celebrating the lifestyle and traditions of Australians. Featuring six Aussie tokens including a kangaroo, kookaburra, surfer, cricket bat, barbeque and meat pie, early stocks of the game also featured a highly collectible Golden Thong token. Retailing at around $39.99 the game of chance and strategy has returned with a modern twist on Australia’s favourite destinations.
The aim of the game is for players to buy and sell their way around the country to achieve the great Australian dream of wealth for toil. And toil you shall, with other players trying their best to buy property out from under you. The iconic Chance and Community Chest cards have also received an Australian makeover, with players able to sell lamingtons at the school fete or sell off their State-of-Origin tickets in order to remain in the game. Still it’s not all bad news; players can also get lucky and collect a handsome pay day if their horse wins the Melbourne Cup.
The Whitsundays is proud to take its place on the iconic board following the hotly contested 3 week public vote which began in November 2016. Pitting some of the nation’s most loved capitals and regions against each other, the election was a collaboration between the world-famous board game and tourism offices.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Craig Turner said that securing a spot on the limited edition board game was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Whitsundays.
"It's beyond fantastic to see our region secure a square on the Australian Monopoly board.”
"Who hasn't played Monopoly at some point in their lives, whether at Christmas, on holiday or when it's raining too much to go outside?” he said.
