PLANNING a holiday to the Limestone Coast and south west Victoria is now possible at the touch of a button, following the launch of a new map-based tourism website.
The Mixed Dozen Wine Trails Project was officially unveiled at the recent Coonawarra Vignerons Cup.
The website – www.limestone coast.org.au – connects and builds on the tourism offerings across seven local wine regions, acting as a digital itinerary planning tool that links multiple wine and tourism attractions.
Mixed Dozen project manager Toni Duka said the site’s map-based functionality allowed visitors to discover the region’s vast array of experiences quickly and easily, with the added ability to “build your own adventure” exploring attractions specific to the user’s interests.
“The site is user-centred, encouraging self-guided discovery with suggested and personally tailored itineraries,” she said.
“We often hear that visitors ‘did not realise there was so much to do’ once they got here and this new website gives a digital snapshot of what is on offer, inviting visitors to unearth the treasures of the region and explore the road less travelled.”
Click-on categories include Drink, Eat, Stay, See and Do, Events and Trails, with the site providing an overview of each attraction, opening hours, contact details and booking links.
Limestone Coast business operators control their own listing information through the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, with the ability for the region to upload general content and new itineraries to keep the site fresh and engaging.
Limestone Coast tourism industry development manager Biddie Shearing said the website was an important tool for attracting more domestic and international visitors and giving them the best possible experience.
“A ‘getting here’ section links to popular Adelaide and Melbourne touring routes as well as the Grampians Tourism and the Great Ocean Road,” she said.
“The user-friendly technology will enable visitors to research, plan and connect with tourism operators right across the region.
“Ultimately, the site is about encouraging visitors to venture further and increase the length of time they spend in the region, therefore boosting economic return.”