June marks Central Deborah Gold Mine’s 25th year of running underground mine tours in Bendigo. In celebration of this milestone, an exciting new tour, called Nine Levels of Darkness, promises to take the adventure tourism market in Australia by storm.

The new tour drops participants 228m below the surface and will officially make Bendigo home to the deepest underground mine tour in Australia.

Bendigo’s Mayor, Cr Rod Fyffe, officially announced the opening of the tour at a launch held underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine.

“In recent years Bendigo has significantly improved its profile as a tourism destination and the introduction of new international quality products such as Nine Levels of Darkness will significantly enhance the offering for our visitors. This builds on the strong economic benefits that tourism brings to our region” said Cr Fyffe.

Aimed at the adventure seeker market, this physically demanding tour is guaranteed to take participants out of their comfort zones as they drop 228 metres underground in the original miner’s cage to try their hand at being a gold miner from the 1940s. Participants will kit up in a full miner’s outfit and will be put to the test by their Shift Boss as they experience all different aspects of olden day mining.

“The experience is guaranteed to be deep, dark and dirty, but the main emphasis is of course on having fun and doing something that you simply can’t do anywhere else,” said Karl Penrose, Central Deborah Gold Mine Manager.

“It is fantastic to be celebrating 25 years of underground tours at Central Deborah Gold Mine and the launch of this tour reinforces our mission statement, which is to make Bendigo’s history come to life,” said Lloyd Cameron, Chairman of The Bendigo Trust which oversees management of the mine.

“Central Deborah is nationally recognised as a significant heritage site and we believe that the only way to keep the story of gold in Australia alive is by offering authentic experiences which serve to remind this generation of the role that gold mining played in the building of this nation,” Lloyd continued.

Not only is Central Deborah significant at a local level, operating during the gold rush from 1939-1954, but it also captures an important facet of our national identity given that much of Australia’s development is inextricably linked to our successful mining sector. With 25 years of experience developing underground tours, you can be assured that Nine Levels of Darkness is an experience that will soon become a “bucket list” item.

Nine Levels of Darkness Basics:

Tour Times: 10:00am daily

Duration: 4.5 hours

Cost: $275 per person

Numbers: Minimum of 3 people per tour and a maximum of 6

Age Limits: Participants need to be over 15 years of age

Bookings: Bookings Essential. Book online or directly

For more information please visit www.central-deborah.com or call +61 3 5443 8255

Visitors to Point Nepean National Park will now be able to experience the history and stories of this special place through a series of new audio tours. Parks Victoria has developed the 'virtual tour guides' which are available to visitors by downloading the audio files onto their own MP3 player before visiting the park or hiring an iPod at the Point Nepean Information Centre.

The audio tours will take visitors on a journey through the history of Point Nepean that spans back thousands of years to the Boonwurrung people with a dreaming story about the Moonah trees.

Different to static signs, the audio tours are an emotive experience for visitors. Voices tell the stories of Point Nepean's rich history transporting visitors back in time.

Imagine what it was like to be on the disease-plagued Ticonderoga or to be stationed at Fort Nepean during World War 1 when the war's first shot was fired.

Be taken back to the day Harold Holt went missing off the wild Bass Straight Coast in the cliffs below Point Nepean. Put yourself into the boots of a cadet, training for the army on a 44 week internship, practising your rifal shooting skills in the Range Area or marching on the lawn of the Parade Ground of the Officer Cadet School.

The audio guides give these invaluable into a fascinating place with so many stories to tell, with 32 chapters and over 70 minutes of storytelling.

Download audio files

* iPod hire $10 at the Point Nepean Information Centre 

 

Be the first to download the Mornington Peninsula iPhone application with loads of features, mapping and even a trip builder.

Go to itunes and download the application for free. It is called 'Official Mornington Peninsula Tourism Guide & Checklist'.

Don't feel left out if you don't have an iPhone - Mornington Peninsula Tourism have designed a solution for Android phones, too! - Visit www.visitmp.mobi and check out the wonderful mobile website!

There's no excuse now - All iPhone and Android users can have the Mornington Peninsula at their fingertips with great itineraries, maps and all activities!

Melbourne Accommodation in the Heart of the City!

By staying at the Alto Hotel on Bourke, you are making a commitment to the environment. The hotel, which has won several awards for environment and hospitality excellence, protects the environment and leads as one of Melbourne's few resource smart and environmentally friendly rated hotels.

For example, the Alto Hotel have reduced their carbon footprint to an average of 13.5kg per room, compared to estimate of 24-26kg as set by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Council. The hotel also offer free parking for guests arriving with electric or hybrid vehincles and free rehcarging from 100% green energy. 

Consider the distinctive, fresh and innovative atmosphere of Alto Hotel's stylish rooms, apartments and suits when planning your holiday to Melbourne, today!

Like the Alto Hotel's facebook page to receive regular updates and news items.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has opened the new world-class Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

“Victoria has one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world so we must do our best to ensure these little creatures are cared for and protected.

“The new wildlife rehabilitation centre has the capacity to care for up to 1,500 Little Penguins as well as care for other injured wildlife on Phillip Island. 

“The centre will provide an outstanding level of support for the Philip Island Little Penguin colony and is a credit to the hard work of the local community and staff at the Philip Island Nature Park,” Minister Smith said.

Minister Smith congratulated the Nature Parks for its on-going work and commitment to the conservation and preservation of the wildlife and environment under its care and management.

“The Coalition Government recognises Phillip Island Nature Parks as one of Victoria’s premier tourist attractions and I am thrilled to open this world-leading wildlife rehabilitation centre,” Minister Smith said.

Local Member for Bass Ken Smith commended Phillip Island Nature Parks for their ongoing commitment to the conservation, protection and enhancement of Phillip Island’s precious wildlife and biodiversity.

“The Phillip Island Penguin Parade attracts over 500,000 visitors per year. In 2008 it contributed over $107 million to Victoria’s economy,” Mr Smith said.

Phillip Island Nature Parks has Victoria’s only specialised seabird rehabilitation facility, with a world class oil spill recovery record. The Nature Parks’ conservation, research and education work is world-class, in particular its 43 year research work on Little Penguins.

For more information visit Phillip Island Nature Parks or the Penguin Foundation 

 

A very BIG congratulations to Dolphin Watch Cruises who were awarded winner of Best New Tourism Development (Extreme Wilderness and Wildlife Cruise) at the recently held South Coast Tourism Awards 2011.

Dolphin Watch Cruises has been finding innovative ways to showcase Jervis Bay since 1990 and the Extreme is a 14 metre 'rigid inflatable' that will take you to all the beautiful and previously undiscovered secrets of Jervis Bay. The Extreme allows you to see more, do more and go further. See dolphins, whales, seal colonies, sea cliffs, sea caves and the worlds whitest sands. Book your Extreme cruise today!

In addition to the Best New Tourism Development award, Dolphin Watch Cruises received their third consecutive win of Best Tour and Transport Operator and was inducted in to the South Coast Tourism Hall of Fame. This is a huge achievement and we wish Dolphin Watch Cruises every success in the coming year.

For addition information, or to book your cruise, visit www.dolphinwatch.com.au

 

Want to discover more about the world’s smallest (and cutest) penguin? Phillip Island Nature Parks’ iPhone app helps you plan and enhance your visit to this must see wildlife attraction including the world-famous Penguin Parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download today!

The Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre this week opened its doors to the public.

Located in Nathalia, the Centre provides visitors with the chance to discover and explore the colourful history associated with the Barmah Forest, now known as the Barmah National Park.

Moira Shire Councillor David McKenzie said from the moment visitors stepped foot in the Centre they would appreciate the Forest’s complex and diverse history and the important role it played in shaping the district.

“The Centre effectively conjures an atmosphere true to the many events, activities and historic milestones associated with the Forest,” Cr McKenzie said.

A Visitor Information Centre, located within the Centre, allows visitors to speak to staff about the town of Nathalia, access to the Barmah Forest and attractions within the greater area.

“A Visitor Information Centre is a real positive for Nathalia as it provides visitors with a valuable information source allowing them to gain information about attractions, accommodation options and events within the district,” McKenzie said.

The Centre was funded through a $100,000 contribution from Moira Shire Council and a $300,000 contribution from the State Government as part of the Small Towns Development Fund.

“Upon entry to the Centre visitors are presented with an historical account of key time- frames and periods dating back to pre 1830, through large interpretive boards,” Cr McKenzie said.

“As they make their way through the Centre, which is spread over two levels, visitors will take in a host of information in the subject areas of the Indigenous community; the timber industry; past industries; cattlemen and ecology.

“A collection of artificial trees creates an impressive backdrop for the different exhibits which also feature detailed photographic displays,” he said.

The use of River Redgum from the historic Port of Echuca Wharf in a number of exhibitions further bolsters the rich ambiance within the Centre. Campaspe Shire donated the River Redgum, which came from the restoration of the Echuca Wharf.

Finishing touches to the Centre, including the creation of an ecological exhibit and the fit- out of an audio display theatre, will be completed in coming weeks.

“The Centre will attract visitors from around the district and further and accommodate school and educational groups,” Cr McKenzie said.

“Situated on the doorstep of one of largest River Red Gum wetlands in the world, the Centre will act as the perfect starting point or stopping point for those visiting the Barmah National Park”.

The Centre’s official opening is planned for the New Year.

The Centre, located in Blake Street Nathalia, is open seven days a week and is a must see for visitors in the area.

Join the Walhalla Goldfields Railway on the 100th anniversary night of the sinking of the Titanic. Take a journey back in time and enter a world of mystery and intrigue as a murder is committed on board the RMS Titanic as she sails to her deadly fate on the evening of 14 April, 1912.

The sinking of this luxury liner shocked the world, but very few know of the hideous crime that was committed on that fateful night. Walhalla Goldfields Railway's task is to discover the murderer before the Titanic's rendezvous with an iceberg and before all the evidence is sent to the depths of the Atlantic.

Experience an evening packed with wicked twists and turns mixed with tons of laughter and a sumptuous meal.

"A Night to Remember" is fully inclusive of three course meal, beverages [beer/wine/soft drink] and entertainment.

Have the option to play a major/minor character role in the murder mystery and remember to look the part!

Book your ticket today for "A Night to Remember"

Venue: The RMS Titanic will depart Thomson Station, Walhalla, at 7.30pm on 14 April, 2012

The world famous Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. The railway - which commenced operation in Australia on December 18, 1900 - operates every day except Christmas Day and is a genuine relic of the more leisurely days.

A historic steam train, which runs regularly in the Victorian mountain district, was built to serve at the turn of the century and was used to transport goods and passengers throughout the district. 

Puffing Billy Railway’s Steam & Cuisine Luncheon Train welcomes the new Natter Platter Menu in addition to the sumptuous three course menu. The Natter Platter is fantastic for sharing with a group of friends and provides a great new alternative to the standard three course menu.

Puffing Billy Railway has also refreshed the beverage list, serving all locally produced wine aboard the famous Steam Train.

The heritage dining carriages have all been refurbished to include heating on those cooler days … so why not enjoy first class travel in comfort!

Trains depart from Belgrave, which is only 40kms or one hour east of Melbourne by car or coach. Easy access is also available by electric train from Melbourne in around one hour, with a short walk from the electric train station to the Puffing Billy station.

The Steam & Cuisine Luncheon Train is a unique experience for locals and tourist alike, letting them enjoy the grandeur and charm of Puffing Billy. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous meal - as they sit in heritage carriages over 100 years of age - and enjoy the spectacular scenic vista of the Dandenong Ranges.

The Dandenong Ranges is one of Victoria’s leading tourism regions and is home to some superb flora & fauna including a population of famous lyrebirds and some of Australia’s tallest Eucalyptus trees.

“The Steam & Cuisine Luncheon Train allows visitors from all over Victoria, interstate and of course, overseas tourists to enjoy this Australian icon as it journeys along the line between Belgrave and Lakeside return”, said Puffing Billy CEO – Eamonn Seddon.

“Passengers now have the opportunity to travel in luxurious surroundings and feast on an array of dishes, whilst enjoying magnificent views of the Dandenong Ranges and soaking in the atmosphere of the steam locomotive’s rich and colourful history” said Seddon.

For further information visit www.puffingbilly.com.au

* Bookings: (+61) 3 9757 0700