The trail received a major boost as part of the new Victorian budget in November with more than $10 million to be invested by the state government to upgrade walking and cycling tracks and river infrastructure along the trail.
Loop and spur trails will separate from the main route to provide additional adventures. The works are expected to attract 55,000 extra visitors each year to cities and towns along the trail, which extends for more than 1000km from Lake Hume to Mildura.
The state funding will add to the already committed funds for a trail from Yarrawonga to Bundalong and the NSW state funded trail from Mulwala to Corowa both set to have works beginning in 2021.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism executive officer Noel Wright said further funding for the trail is great news.
“It’s an opportunity to develop more experiences and attract visitation along the river,” he said.
“It makes the communities like ours along the river even more attractive to a new market. Visitors are becoming more sophisticated in terms of what they want.”
Mr Wright said outdoor activity, even through the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been a focus for people and this is a growing market.
“You need to offer and add to the tourism product of the area to keep attracting visitation and help drive tourism through the region,” he said.
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council welcomed the announcement of the tourism, trail funding.
“VTIC has worked closely with industry to identify critical infrastructure projects that could help to support recovery of the sector and drive improved tourism outcomes across the state,” VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said.
Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes said bringing tourists back through the region — particularly in light of the COVID pandemic — was essential.
“Tourism is so important along the Murray, attracting visitors back to these regions will be crucial to help businesses and towns recover.”
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said he expected the funding to make a major difference to the tourism market.
“This funding will make these trails even more popular — bringing visitors to towns in northern Victoria to spend money and support local businesses,” he said.
“We’re investing in local tourism projects across the state to support jobs and help communities rebuild.”
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