People Power Peddling Business Success 

This month’s article showcasing our diverse businesses community in partnership with Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper.

Just Tuk’n Around hit the road in 2015 as a fun, light-hearted, informative eco-friendly tour experience. Their unique fleet of 14 tuk tuks offer a range of tours – from their 30-minute tour, their popular Progressive Dinner, and special occasion celebrations – that zip around our pathways and boardwalks highlighting the history, landscape, and everything to do in Airlie Beach.

Just Tuk’n Around welcomed new owners in July 2023, Julia and Steve Whitton.

They met on Long Island in 1992 and then worked on Long Island, Daydream Island and South Molle Island for a decade. After managing resorts on the Gold Coast for 20 years Steve was desperate to get back to the Whitsundays. Being a natural entertainer, Steve started working for Just Tuk’n Around as a tour guide just so he could ride around all day looking at the beautiful scenery and talk to people. When the business came up for sale, he realised he had found his perfect job.

The Whitton’s have seen first-hand how popular the tuk tuks are with tourists, regional visitors, and locals.

However, like many other Whitsunday businesses, their greatest challenge is the weather as they can’t operate in the rain. But this doesn’t stop the Whitton’s from working on their business.

Their advice to other businesses is that your team and customer service are everything, your number one priority. A great team providing a great customer service experience is unbeatable, your secret weapon.

Also, never underestimate the power of word of mouth. What people say about you – as a business and employer – speaks volumes about how you look after your team and customers.

As members of the Chamber, the Whitton’s have been excited to see the recent development of the Chamber and the positive steps they are taking not only for local businesses but the community as a whole.