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Welcome to the Great Southern Touring Route

The Great Southern Touring Route team is very pleased to be able to update you on some significant and exciting developments undertaken over the past 3 months.

As you know, our main charter is to work with you the international travel trade, the developments below assist us in fulfilling this charter.

If you would like to know more about any of the stories in the newsletter, always feel free to contact the relevant member of our team.

Click here for contact details.


Great Ocean Road celebrates 100 years

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road will celebrate its 100th birthday in September with a number of centenary activities set to highlight the road’s rich history as a popular tourist attraction and world’s largest war memorial.

The famed 243-kilometre stretch of coastline road will mark 100 years since Victorian Premier Sir Harry Lawson ceremoniously fired the first explosive charge on the construction of the road at St Georges River on 19 September 1919.

The scenic meandering road, which officially opened in March 1922, connects visitors to one of the most iconic and beautiful coastlines in Australia, including the famous towering 12 Apostles near Port Campbell.

The Story of the Road features a series of curated events from 18 September to 6 October which will encourage visitors to slow down and stop to explore the untold past of returned ex-servicemen and civilians who built the tourist route.

To find out more click here.


Feature Attraction - AURA at Sovereign Hill

Explore space, delve into the Dreamtime and re-live Australia's most important rebellion at Sovereign Hill's new sound and light show, AURA.

AURA is the story of how gold revolutionised Australia, taking guests on an adventure as they witness the creation and discovery of the world’s most precious metal.

Providing an immersive multi-sensory experience, the production transports audiences through pastoral settlements to the rich cultural tapestry of life on the goldfields, engaging people of all ages on an enrapturing journey.

AURA has been developed by Accolade Event Management under the watchful eye of Andrew Walsh, who worked on Melbourne’s White Night as well as Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies. The multi-million dollar show replaces its predecessor, Blood on the Southern Cross.

To find out more about this excting new addition to the Great Southern Touring Route product range please click here.


Destination Feature - Daylesford & Macedon Ranges

Nourish the soul and restore your balance in this idyllic getaway, where spa country meets natural bushland, and quaint villages are brimming with an artsy vibe and quirky creations.

With more than 200 wellness therapies and spa treatments on offer, this award-winning spa region is all about feeling good. Soak up the restorative waters of Hepburn Springs or indulge in the natural fizz of mineral water fresh from the ground, in a tradition dating back more than one hundred years.

Tranquil forests and lush heritage gardens transport you to a place of relaxation, or for something more active, explore the surrounding forests via a network of walking and cycling trails where you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of wildlife and stellar views.

Streetscapes burst with character and majestic old guesthouses beg for further investigation. Browse art galleries, meet the makers and creators in eclectic studio spaces and wander through charming towns to unearth specialty boutiques, restaurants, cafés, second-hand bookstores, antiques and collectables.

The enchanted setting of Wombat Hill House Café and Kitchen Garden offers all-day grazing on locally sourced, seasonal produce in a casual country-style setting within the beautiful Wombat Hill Botantic Gardens. Sit back and sip cool climate wines or grab a picnic basket and settle under a shady tree.

To discover more about this idyllic region please click here.


Feature Accommodation - Anchors Port Campbell

New to the Great Southern Touring Route program, Anchors Port Campbell is a boutique 4½ star couples accommodation nestled into the limestone hills above Port Campbell.

Enjoy 180 degree views of the Southern Ocean and forever changing valley. Unique, self-contained villas featuring open living with elevated bedroom, spa with panoramic view, gas log fire, Bose SoundDock™, coffee machine and free Wi-Fi.

Anchors Beach House is the newest addition to the Anchors accommodation fleet in Port Campbell. Located in the village, this luxurious townhouse sleeps a total of 12 guests in 5 bedrooms. Guests enjoy ocean views and is perfect for small groups and large families.

To find out more please click here.


Restaurants

The team from Great Southern Touring Route are always looking to bring new and relevant product to the international travel trade.

We would like to welcome the following restaurants to our 2019-2020 program, we know they are excited and looking forward to welcoming your international visitors:

  • 360Q
  • The Q Train
  • Chris's Restaurant & Villas
  • Cape Otway Lightstation Cafe
  • Forage on the Foreshore
  • Merrijig Kitchen
  • Halls Gap Hotel
  • Craig's Royal Hotel
  • The Forge Pizzeria
  • Lake House Restaurant
  • Wombat Hill House Cafe

To find out more about great places to eat and drink around the Great Southern Touring Route please click here.


Visit our website

The Great Southern Touring Route website is inspirational with beautiful images of the varied landscapes from around our region that provoke an emotional 'must see' response from website visitors whether consumers or trade.

The websites navigation is simple and easy to use. Most importantly the website includes detailed information that will make planning Great Southern Touring Route itineraries even easier than ever. Please take a moment to explore our website click here.