Our 30th Anniversary

17 October 1996 - 17 October 2026

Celebrating 30 Years of Connecting Queenslanders with the Outdoors

Today, October 17, 2026, is a remarkable milestone in the history of Outdoors Queensland as we celebrate 30 years of connecting Queenslanders with the outdoors.

Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Inc (QORF) was founded on 17 October 1996. In 2020, we formally changed our name to Outdoors Queensland Ltd, but we didn’t alter our reason for being.

For three decades, Outdoors Queensland has championed outdoor activities, supported communities, connected industry leaders, and helped more Queenslanders experience the benefits of getting outdoors. From coastal trails and national parks to adventure programs, forums, summits, conferences, environmental stewardship and community recreation initiatives, our journey has been shaped by the passion and commitment of countless members, partners, volunteers and advocates.

As we celebrate this anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on the world of 1996 when Outdoors Queensland first opened its doors.

A Look Back to 1996

• The world came together for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Centennial Olympics marking 100 years of the modern Olympic movement. Australians delivered an outstanding performance, winning 41 medals and building excitement for the Sydney 2000 Games that were just around the corner (coincidentally, preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Queensland are front of mind 30 years later).
• In science, the birth of Dolly the sheep captured international attention and opened a new era of genetic research and innovation.
• South Africa officially adopted its post-apartheid constitution.
• The High Court of Australia handed down the Wik decision, ruling that native title rights could co-exist with pastoral leases on Crown land.
• In February, the by-election in the state seat of Mundingburra resulted in the end of the Labor government led by Wayne Goss and the swearing in of a minority government led by Nationals leader, Rob Borbidge.
• John Howard became Prime Minister following the federal election in March.
• Australia introduced national gun control reforms, including the gun buyback scheme, following the Port Arthur tragedy in April.
• Floods in southern Queensland and northern NSW in May killed five people and caused more significant property and other losses.
• A training accident near Townsville in June resulted in the deaths of 18 Australian Defence Force personnel.
• A major landslide at the Alpine village of Thredbo in July destroyed two ski lodges and claimed 17 lives, with Stuart Diver as the sole survivor found after days under the rubble.
• The Wiggles released two albums, the classic “Wake up Jeff!”, as well as “Wiggly Wiggly Christmas”…
• Spiderbait topped the Triple J Hottest 100 with “Buy Me A Pony” (the first time an Australian band topped the Hottest 100).
• QORF was established as the peak body to represent the outdoor recreation industry in Queensland, providing leadership, advocacy and a united voice for the outdoor community.

30 Years of Impact

Since 1996, we’ve seen enormous change.

• People have moved from predominantly organised physical activity (such as club sport) towards unstructured, individualised, and flexible activities which have become the primary ways that Australians and Queenslanders stay active.
• Expansion of trails, parks and outdoor experiences across Queensland.
• The growth of outdoor activities as a recognised contributor to community wellbeing and the economy.
• Increased appreciation of the health benefits of time spent in nature.
• Significant increases in nature-based tourism across Queensland.
• Outdoor education has moved from a recreation-focussed program to a highly-professionalised, curriculum-linked and culturally aware discipline.
• The emergence and establishment of nature play for all children, championed in our state by the Nature Play QLD program.
• Increased recognition of the need to protect our wonderful natural environments, especially since Queensland is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot.
• Stronger partnerships between government, industry, community organisations, and conservation groups.
• A new generation of Queenslanders embracing adventure, active recreation, and connection to Country.

Since 2002, we have presented the annual Outdoors Queensland Awards (formerly the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards) which recognise and reward excellence in the outdoors community. The Awards celebrate individuals, organisations, programs, events and activities that have been successful in significantly improving outcomes for participants, clients and communities.

In 2020, QORF changed its name to Outdoors Queensland – a new brand with the same promise. We remain committed to our founding purpose: to empower, support and value Queensland’s outdoor sector. We know that a thriving Queensland outdoor sector allows everyone to enjoy health and wellbeing benefits.

 Thank You

This anniversary is not just about an organisation. It’s about the people who have helped shape our story.

We acknowledge the support provided by the Queensland Government for outdoor activities across our state, including funding that allows Outdoors Queensland to do our work. We appreciate the work that various government departments and Ministers do, and have done, regarding outdoor activities, particularly the Minister for Sport and the team within the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We thank our founders, past and present board members, staff, volunteers, members, partners and supporters whose vision and dedication have contributed to 30 years of achievement. Together, you’ve helped build a stronger, healthier and more connected outdoor community across Queensland.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the past, we’re equally excited about the future.

The challenges and opportunities facing Queensland’s outdoor sector continue to evolve, but our mission remains as relevant today as it was in 1996. We look forward to working with our members and partners to ensure future generations can enjoy the social, environmental and wellbeing benefits that come from spending time outdoors.

Here’s to 30 years of Outdoors Queensland, and the adventures still to come.

Happy 30th Birthday, Outdoors Queensland! 🎉🌿🏕️☀️