Koondrook Retreat – Victoria’s newest nature based tourism destination
Published on 03 December 2020
Celebrations will be held on Tuesday, 15 December to mark the opening of the Gannawarra’s newest tourist attraction – Koondrook Retreat – and to recognise the Gannawarra as Victoria’s newest Nature Based Tourism destination.
The Gannawarra Shire Council-hosted festivities will be the community’s first chance to explore the retreat’s six safari-style tents and learn about how this project, which incorporates the new Gunbower Creek footbridge, will change the municipality’s tourism landscape.
“During the past four years Council has undertaken progressive developments to showcase Koondrook’s natural assets and its linkages to Gunbower Forest and the Murray River, with Koondrook Retreat to attract visitors from across Australia and, when our international borders re-open, overseas,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“Koondrook Retreat also forms part of the Murray River Adventure Trail, which links nature based tourism attractions and accommodation options on both sides of the Murray River.”
Festivities will begin early on the day, with ACE Radio’s The Morning Rush breakfast radio program to broadcast live on-site between 6am and 8.30am.
“People who take their morning walk or run on the Gunbower Creek bridge adjacent to Koondrook Retreat are encouraged to come past and wave hello to program presenters Sean Cullen and Kate Meade,” Mayor Gillingham said.
Celebrations will resume at 10.30am with various activities on-site, including site tours, indigenous painting and cultural lessons.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp will officially open Koondrook Retreat at 11.30am, with a free lunch to be available following official proceedings.
“All who attend will have the chance to win a free two-night stay for two people at Koondrook Retreat, so head along and help us celebrate what we already know; that the Gannawarra is a great place to get close to nature,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“Please note that COVIDsafe measures will be in place on the day, with attendees requested to sign in upon arrival, wear a mask when entering any of the tents and, where possible, encouraged to maintain 1.5 metres between each other.”
The development of Koondrook Retreat was supported by $800,000 from the State Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.