Untapped nature-based potential
A perfect location for eco-tourism innovation. Natural assets include national parks, rivers, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries and culturally significant sites. Many are distinct and unspoilt – areas like Gunbower Forest described as the Kakadu of the south; the mesmerising scenery of Lake Tyrrell; or the legendary Murray river, which is the defining feature of so many Loddon Mallee destinations.
Connected to indigenous culture
A connection to authentic Indigenous culture is vital to the Loddon Mallee identity. Visitors increasingly seek to engage with Aboriginal culture, and providing opportunities is foundational to the region’s vision for growing its tourism industry. Empowering First Nations-led enterprise is a priority.
Agritourism opportunities
As a notable food and wine destination, the region can capitalise on the growing number of visitors embracing experience-based tourism. Be it a cooking class, a cheese-making class, a self-picking experience, a farm stay, a food and wine festival, or a brewery tour, the potential for innovation in agritourism is as vast as the imagination.
Gold rush heritage
The legacy of Victoria’s gold rush – its extraordinary stories and exquisite architecture – is visible across the centre of the region in towns including Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maldon, Dunnolly and Maryborough. With it comes established tourism infrastructure and facilities creating investment opportunities for accommodation and tourism services.
Airport Connectivity
Bendigo Airport and Mildura Airport ensure great connectivity within the region and to major cities in Australia, while also providing employment and emergency services.
Bendigo Airport is only six kilometres or nine minutes by car to the Bendigo CBD. Car parking is affordable and located with a short walk to the terminal and has convenient drop-off and pick up bays for private drivers and taxi services to use.
Mildura Airport is the busiest regional airport in Victoria and second only to Melbourne International Airport when measured by Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) Movements. Mildura Airport processed more than 225,000 passenger movements for the calendar year 2017.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Established in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the largest regional galleries in Australia.
Visit to see its restored 19th century rooms and new gallery spaces for its permanent collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century art, with a particular emphasis on contemporary Australian art.
Proudly owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo, the Gallery’s reputation has grown significantly in recent years through its temporary exhibition programming which includes loans from various international collections.
Loddon Mallee Tourism Boards
The Daylesford Macedon Ranges region is one of the best-loved and most popular tourism regions in Australia. There is a huge amount to do, packed into a small region, and it’s only an hour or so from Melbourne.
In the food and drink space, the region punches well above their weight, with more awards per capita than any other region, whether they be chef’s hats or wine gold medals. The rich soil and pure mineral water allow the farmers to grow some extraordinary produce that is available in local restaurants and farmers’ markets. Find out more at Daylesford Macedon Life.
Bendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Find out what the region has on offer at Bendigo Tourism.
Murray Regional Tourism (MRT) unites the Murray region’s tourism industry, ensuring memorable and complementary visitor experiences throughout this beautiful river destination. Providing an overarching tourism strategy, a clear developmental direction, focused product development and support for infrastructure, MRT has set about bringing to fruition its goals of making the Murray a must-visit destination for local and international visitors alike.
Case Studies
Tourism in Loddon Mallee
Tourism across the Loddon Mallee generates an estimated output of $1.5B per year. A unique and diverse combination of natural and built assets, alongside a culture of creativity and innovation sets the scene for an exciting period of growth.
Wind down in a tranquil bush setting in the historic town of Koondrook.
Koondrook Retreat – a hidden gem
Wind down in a tranquil bush setting in the historic town of Koondrook.
Echuca Distillery – Pure ingredients, pure spirits
“Crafted and bottled in the legendary river port town of Echuca Moama, our craft spirits are 100% pure thanks to a combination of naturally derived botanicals, the best ingredients we can source and the ancient craft of distilling.” – David De Vries, Founder/Creative Director
Bendigo – The City of Gastronomy
One of the strengths of our region is the great diversity of what we produce here. The ‘gastronomy region’ we referred to in our UNESCO Creative Cities application spans from the Murray River to the Macedon ranges, and comprises the North Central Catchment area, the Loddon Campaspe region, as well as the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and other Traditional Owner Groups. In recent years our City and region have transformed into a foodie and creative hub, with art, food, music and innovation inspiring the community and attracting visitors and new residents. We are home to award-winning produce and restaurants, as well as many successful grass-roots initiatives to reduce food poverty, adapt to climate change and champion creativity. Find out more at City of Gastronomy.
Gallery
Tourism highlights
View all locations in the Loddon Mallee region
Explore each of the 10 Local Government Areas that make up our region.
Resources
Learn more about Tourism in Loddon Mallee. These industry-specific resources provide further information to support your business.
Visit the Murray
SourceMurray Regional Tourism
Showcasing the attractions, events and destinations along the legendary Murray river.
