Regional Victoria does it again.
Three of our favourite regional towns have been listed as one of the nation’s best tourist destinations in Australian Traveller’s “100 Ways to Holiday Here this Year” feature.
The tourism magazine partnered with Tourism Australia and gave its editors the challenge to find the greatest “ways” Aussies could reconnect with their own country and support the domestic tourism industry at the same time, following the coronavirus pandemic which essentially derailed the tourism industry due to forced lockdowns and social distancing requirements.
Experiences across 10 key categories were explored in depth – coast, cities, islands, outback, icons, indigenous, regional, food and wine, family and road trips – to ensure every type of traveller was covered.
Geelong is listed at #76 and is included in the food and wine section. The feature suggests visitors take the ferry with Port Phillip Ferries from Melbourne to Geelong, discover The Beach House on Geelong’s waterfront and then venture to Little Malop Street to discover the likes of The Continental, Geelong Cellar Door and The Arborist. We can’t really argue with the feature either, it’s a perfect plan for visitors to get a taste of what Geelong has to offer, and this only further enhances Geelong’s reputation in the industry as a must-visit destination.
Alongside Geelong, Ballarat tourist attraction Sovereign Hill was also featured in Australian Traveller’s biggest ever domestic tourism campaign in the family section. Described as an “icon of Aussie tourism”, Sovereign Hill has been telling the tale of life as it was in 1850s Ballarat, during the greatest shallow alluvial gold rush the world has ever seen.
That’s not all though. Bendigo also got a mention in the regional category. Coming in at number 62, Bendigo is highlighted for its legacy of grand buildings, historic gardens, avenues and charming homes that make it a delight to explore through local tours, as well as being a goldmine in terms of exceptional local produce with wineries, craft brewers, boutique food producers and a gin dispensary. Local tours that were mentioned include the street art tours, Bendigo Art Gallery tour, Food Fossicking Tour, and the Central Deborah Gold Mine tour, among others.
Daylesford also made the cut, noted in the road trip category. Designer Lynda Gardener, who is a passionate advocate for the allures of the Victorian town with her three stylish holidays escapes in the area – The White House, The Estate Trentham andRoom + Board, shared her favourite things to do and places to visit on a short break.
From quintessential road trips to the drama and beauty of our beaches and coastline, from Indigenous festivals to the bright lights of our cities, now is the perfect time to plan (key word, plan) your next escape and help businesses and communities on the road to recovery.
You can discover more at the Australian Traveller website.
