Cycle tourism in Victoria’s High Country has received a massive vote of confidence with a State Government commitment of $12 million during 2017/18 to extend, enhance and market the iconic Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

The funding boost was announced by Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, with the project forming part of a broader cycling master plan, currently being developed for the North East, which looks to optimise cycle tourism opportunities across the region’s rail trail, road cycling and mountain bike offering.

Tourism North East CEO Amber Gardner says the funding is a major acknowledgement  of the High Country’s world-class cycle tourism assets.

She said the High Country had long been recognised as having the strongest cycle tourism credentials in the State, and the announcement acknowledged the region’s competitive strengths in this space and will assist the High Country in achieving its vision of becoming  the premier cycle tourism destination in Victoria.

“Within the regional cycle tourism offering, the Murray to Mountains is considered a signature cycle tourism product. This significant funding opportunity will further enhance this iconic visitor drawcard through extensions to the core trail, artistic and interpretive enhancements along the trail, the stimulation of new private sector opportunities and marketing to drive visitation associated with this cycle tourism experience.”

As long-time advocates for the growth of cycle tourism in the High Country, Amber Gardner said Tourism North East was delighted to see investment in cycling infrastructure highlighted as a priority project in the 2017-18 State budget. Earlier this year, TNE launched a new cycle tourism marketing strategy which unified the region’s cycle tourism offerings under a new Ride High Country brand and ridehighcountry.com.au site to support efforts in this space.