Plans for Lake Eildon to offer more as a tourist destination

As one of Victoria’s most recognisable and popular recreational lakes, Lake Eildon has been identified as having the potential to be taken to the next level as a tourist destination with a possible Great Lake Touring Route, walking trails, fine dining and more accommodation options.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas recently joined representatives from Mansfield and Murrindindi shire councils, Goulburn Murray Water and Tourism North East to launch the Lake Eildon Masterplan.

Minister Thomas notes “Lake Eildon will soon be known for much more than its serenity – this plan is an opportunity to implement an exciting shared vision, creating thousands of new jobs.”

The plan, supported by $150,000 from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, has identified four “game-changers” for Lake Eildon that have the potential to unlock significant investment in tourism and enable Lake Eildon to become one of Victoria’s premier destinations.

The four key areas of focus are resort-style accommodation, the development of various nature-based precincts, a skyline touring route, and investment in sewage infrastructure to increase the region’s appeal for investors and improve the local environmental.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula adds “the projects in this masterplan have the potential to unlock significant tourism investment at Lake Eildon, attracting a wide range of visitors from across Australia.”

The projects identified in the masterplan have potential to increase the region’s visitor economy by $470 million over the next 10 years, creating an additional 2,500 jobs in the region.

A further six priority projects and 23 secondary projects have been identified that could have significant impacts on Lake Eildon’s economy.

The State Government is already taking steps to realise the benefits of the masterplan, recently announcing $1.77 million towards the Blue Gums to Eildon Rail Trail through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round.

The Government is working with representatives from a range of organisations responsible for Lake Eildon to provide leadership for the region and drive long-term delivery of the plan, which is part of the Goulburn Regional Partnership Outcomes Roadmap.

Image: Lake Eildon National Park Kayaking. Credit Parks Victoria