Limestone Coast Tourism Increase

Friday, 19 August 2005

The Limestone Coast's popularity as a tourist destination has increased over the past year.

A national visitor survey has indicated visitors have increased 15.1 per cent from the year leading up to March 2005, with the caravan and camping sector having a big impact on this growth.

Limestone Coast Tourism regional marketing manager Peter Abbott said although the figure was susceptible to fluctuations, it was used as a guide by the organisation.

"Clearly the past year has been good, and we have had a big influx," he said.......

.....Mr Abbott said the gateway to the coast, Tailem Bend, had received benefits, particularly after the television show Postcards was aired and a feature on Old Tailem Town appeared in the SA Motor Magazine.

Mr Abbott said for towns further along, such as Tintinara and Coonalpyn, they needed more people driving to make the most of their biggest asset, the highway.

"We are currently looking at targeting drivers and giving them further benefits," Mr Abbott said.

"We want to make places attractive to 'break the drive and stay alive', so they make the most of cafes, etcetera along the highway," he said.

Limestone Coast Tourism has also advertised heavily in Victoria, particularly through television, and encouraged visitors with cheap fuel offers.

Mr Abbott said they had made a concerted effort to add value to being a member.

"People involved in Limestone Coast Tourism should have economic benefits, through both promotion and support," he said.

Despite positive feedback from the survey, Mr Abbott said the organisation had some concerns, including getting middle aged (25 to 45) or indulgence travellers to drive and not fly.

"These groups seem to fly between capital cities instead of driving, so it's not all fantastic," he said.

At the organisation's annual general meeting on August 12, it was noted member numbers had grown by 72 to more than 320 members.

The first meeting of the new board will be held today at the Naracoorte Town Hall.

Murray Valley Standard.

Houseboating in South Australia

Relax on the tranquil Murray River in South Australia

Cruise among great little riverside towns in your own floating home. Stop for a round of golf at some of the best courses in South Australia or explore charming pioneer villages and internationally renowned bird sanctuaries.

Australia's mighty Murray River winds its way through the heart of the Murraylands, carving out steep sandstone cliffs that turn deep orange at sunset; winding past giant red gums and weeping willows; and spilling its banks to create wide, wild lagoons.

1. Check out the Monarto open range zoo

2. Lose yourself and find rare birds, flora and fauna on a bushwalking journey through the Ngarkat Group of Conservation Parks.

3. Watch the sun slip away over the Murray River as you enjoy a three-course, very alfresco meal on a Big Bend by Night Eco Tour, just outside Swan Reach.

4. Explore Australia's paddleboat history at the Mannum Dock Museum, home to the lovingly-restored, 100-year-old PS Marion........

.......and much much more.

Distance: Adelaide Murray - Bridge 78 kilometres (50 miles) 1 hour.

Search for a South Australian Holiday Here!

ENJOY!

South AustralianTourism Guide

source: ABC South East SA, Australia

South-east attractions included in 'must see' guide
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Friday, 5 August 2005. 13:29 (AEST)

The Naracoorte Caves National Park, Beachport's Pool of Siloam and Poltalloch Station near Meningie are some of the Limestone Coast destinations to be named in a new book highlighting 200 of the state's tourism experiences.

Eighty-five per cent of the state's households will get a copy of the publication Must See, Must Do in South Australia, or a postcard inviting them to order a free copy.

The South Australian Tourism Commission is dubbing it the latest weapon in the drive to make tourism a $5 billion industry by 2008.

But the manager of regional marketing, Michelle Hocking, says it will need the public's help.

"What we want to have happen is for South Australians to be proud ambassadors of what South Australia has to see and do, so when they've got friends and visitors coming to their place from interstate, or even internationally, they can grab the Must See, Must Do book and say, 'okay, we can get out of the house and go and do this'," she said.