5 February 2009
$1.3 million to extend the Great Ocean Walk
Victoria’s 104-kilometre Great Ocean Walk has received $1.3 million to improve the iconic walking track and cater for the growing appetite by visitors for active, nature-based holidays.
The improvements will include:
- Ten kilometres of new walking tracks from Moonlight Head to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre including bridges and boardwalks
- Construction of a key view point of the Twelve Apostles at the conclusion of the walk
- Trail signage, seats and environmental boot cleaning stations
The improved infrastructure is expected to increase visitors’ length of stay and expenditure and have a flow-on benefit to businesses such as tour operators, food retailers, transport services, accommodation and equipment hire.
The $1.3 million project has the backing of key Victorian Government strategies including the Tracks and Trails Strategy 2005-2010 and the Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012.
It was also announced last year that as part of the Regional Tourism Action Plan increased marketing of the Great Ocean Road region, bushwalking and the Great Ocean Walk will also take place as part of Tourism Victoria’s new nature-based campaign.
High Country in a spin
Victoria’s High Country will host Australia’s largest mountain bike event, the Terra Australis – Great Southern Land Mountain Bike Epic.
The seven-day, seven-stage mountain bike race through Victoria’s High Country is expected to attract at least 150 rider teams and be a major boost for tourism in the region.
Over the next five years the event is expected to attract at least 500 riders.
The new annual event will be held between 29 March and 4 April this year and will capitalise on the growth and popularity of cycling and endurance events.
The inaugural event will have stage finishes in Indigo and Alpine shires, the Rural City of Wangaratta, Falls Cree Ski Resort and Dinner Plain.
Victorian Government funding for the Terra Australis – The Great Southern Land Mountain Bike Epic is provided through the Provincial Victoria Local Events Program to Indigo Shire Council.
Visitors encouraged to explore regional Victoria
In late December 2008 Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan launched the Make your Holiday in Provincial Victoria campaign to promote the great holiday destinations on offer across Victoria.
The Make your holiday in Provincial Victoria – your next holiday is closer than you think campaign currently featuring in newspaper advertisements.
The campaign followed the launch of the $16 million Regional Tourism Action Plan 2009-2012, part of the 10-Year Tourism and Events Strategy.
A key action of the Plan is a major adverstising campaign to lure more big spending interstate visitors to regional Victoria, which will be developed later this year.
Melbourne culinary delights on world stage
Melbourne culinary scene will be highlighted on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations with chef and food writer Anthony Bourdain filming an episode of his television show recently.
Bourdain, who rose to fame following the release of his best-selling book Kitchen Confidential, will be visiting local restaurants, chefs, markets and attractions that exemplify the Australian way of life.
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is a travel/food program that attracts a worldwide audience of 172 million households and is the Travel Channel’s number one program.
An hour-long episode will be broadcast internationally during the northern hemisphere summer of 2009.
Shutter bugs to capture the best of Victoria
Tourism Victoria and Travelling in Australia are encouraging readers to capture the best of Victoria in a unique photography competition.
Amateur and professional photographers have the chance for their work to be turned into a set of e-cards that will be showcased at the largest tourism conference – the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) which is being held in Melbourne in June 2009.
The photographic competition has eight categories – naturally Victoria; cultural capital; in love with Melbourne; laneways of life; good sports; indulgent pleasures; regionally diverse and I am Melbournian.
Each category winner will have their image published as part of a set of eight postcards mounted on the cover of the May issue of the magazine.
The Minister for Tourism and Major Events Tim Holding will select the overall winner from the eight category winners. The winner will collect a Mt Hotham weekend ski holiday worth over $5,000.
Entries close 16 March 2009. Entry details and a full description of each category can be found at travellinginaustralia.com.au
Victoria offerings pick up two awards
Two of Victoria’s tourism businesses have picked up awards as part of The Australian 2008 Travel & Tourism Awards.
Vibe Savoy Hotel in Melbourne collected the Best Value Accommodation Award while Salus Spa at the Lake House at Daylesford won the Best Destination Spa award.
Readers voted for their favourite destinations on the theaustralian.news.com.au and in issues of Travel & Indulgence during November and December last year. |
