It's one of the longest, has many health benefits, it is a great attraction and has the ability to generate jobs and visitors to our region … it is the Great Victorian Rail Trail and its future looks as bright as the summer sun that makes it so great!
Mitchell Shire Council has joined with its local government partners in Mansfield and Murrindindi Shires in endorsing Great Victorian Rail Trail Strategic Development Plan.
The plan provides a solid foundation for activating the trail to realise its social and tourism potential. It has four key themes and outlines 18 projects that will continue to support and promote the trail as a first-class tourism attraction.
Council believes that the Trail will continue to grow in popularity with visitors and locals alike, and with access to the Trail at Tallarook via rail and road, there are great advantages in attracting people into the shire to enjoy the rail trail experience.
The 134-kilometre trail showcases the best of regional Victoria through Mitchell, Murrindindi and Mansfield shires. It attracts around 74,000 visitors annually, and the plan provides the map to significantly enhance its appeal and increase the number of users.
The themes within the plan are to:
- Improve and innovate the trail experience to provide a premium visitor offering
- Activate the trail with a new range of market leading products
- Foster engagement and collaboration to optimise positive trail outcomes
- Support demand driving activities that stimulate awareness and conversion (e.g. the decision to visit the trail).
