Creative locals featured in new Great Ocean Road tourism campaign

The stories of creative locals from along the Great Ocean Road will help to showcase the region as part of a new tourism campaign encouraging Victorians to explore their state.

The Stay Close, Go Further campaign is funded by the Victorian Government and will highlight the region’s rugged coastline, lush hinterland and rainforests with spectacular waterfalls, magnificent seafood, and the local makers and creators.

It includes Emma Bäcklund, a fashion designer from Torquay; Lowell Hunter an Aboriginal sand artist from Warrnambool and Jordan Lockett a musician from Port Fairy, who share their passion for and connection to this extraordinary part of the state.

The campaign promotes towns and attractions across the Great Ocean Road tourism region including Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Nelson, Torquay, Anglesea, Lake Elizabeth, Great Otway National Park, Tower Hill, and the 12 Apostles.

It will run across television, print, radio, digital and social media and aims to increase the number of visitors to the region in the off-peak seasons.

Since Stay Close, Go Further launched in 2020, it has reached millions, with one in two Victorians having seen the campaign. Visit Victoria is also working with regional tourism boards across the state to help spread the message.

The campaign complements the State Government’s commitment to regional Victoria’s tourism industry through the $20 million Regional Events Fund and the latest round of Victorian Travel Vouchers.

Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Mary-Anne Thomas notes “the latest Stay Close, Go Further campaign is helping to support Victorian tourism businesses in the beautiful Great Ocean Road region.

“We’re encouraging people to explore their own backyard and experience something new, right here in Victoria, to support tourism businesses and jobs across the state.”

Image: Lowell Hunter an Aboriginal sand artist from Warrnambool. Credit: Visit Victoria