Koondrook has taken out bronze in the 2024 Victoria Tourism Industry Council Top Tourism Town Awards.
Our idyllic Murray locality was one of nine towns recognised across three categories in the awards; Koondrook competing for the Top Tiny Town award against five finalists, with Timboon taking out the win.
As part of the nomination process, Gannawarra Shire Council’s tourism team developed an editorial, promotional video and suggested a two-day, one night itinerary for tourists, highlighted by visits to Koondrook Wharf and waterfront, a paddle on Gunbower Creek, eating at local businesses and an overnight stay at Koondrook Retreat.
“Council congratulates Koondrook and the efforts put in by its business owners, community groups and residents to achieve this accolade,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
“By entering these awards and ultimately becoming a finalist, Koondrook has received significant additional exposure, which will increase tourism numbers and provide positive flow-on benefits to the municipality.
“For Koondrook and the Gannawarra to be recognised in the same awards as Arthurs Seat, Ballarat, Bendigo, Daylesford, Heathcote, Sorrento and Warrnambool is an honour,” Mr Rollinson said.
“This accolade also highlights Council’s strategic focus on improving tourism opportunities throughout Koondrook, driven by the award-winning Koondrook Wharf and Koondrook Retreat. These sites have been an attraction for local, national and international visitors since their respective openings, and Council envisages that visitor numbers to these sites will increase thanks to Koondrook receiving the Top Tiny Tourism Town Bronze Award.”
Visitors to Koondrook will be able to view the award as it tours local businesses in the coming months.
“By sharing the award across our various businesses, it recognises the work they do to support Koondrook and thank our wider community for their efforts,” Koondrook Development Committee chairperson, Thomas Chick said.
“Being recognised for this award places Koondrook on the map of potential visitors. It will also add credibility to future tourism strategies such as the Murray River Adventure Trail and will put focus on future development.
“Koondrook values its visitors. Many feel so welcome that they come back again and often have moved here permanently as a tree change.”
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 1 August 2024.
