Bundaberg Tourism was invited to send a regional representative to Tourism Australia’s agritourism activation at the Australian Tourism Exchange to meet with international trade partners to grow awareness of the regions where the region have depth in ag-aligned experiences.
Agritourism is a sector identified to have enormous growth potential for domestic and international tourism, and as a major food bowl and home to some of Australia’s most famous drink brands, Bundaberg is positioned to be a key player in this area.
Highlighting the top Australian regions for agricultural-aligned tourism experiences, the Bundaberg Tourism team met with buyers interested in opening new holiday opportunities to their markets to showcase the Region’s emerging culinary experiences across our food bowl.
Bundaberg Tourism chief executive officer Katherine Reid said, export events like ATE were an important part of expanding Bundaberg’s profile and desirability as a holiday destination across Australia and the world, and BT is proud to again lead a delegation of industry to the event.
“ATE is just one part of BT’s annual trade development program, which includes sales missions and events, partnerships, training and mentoring, in-region famils and marketing opportunities for our members.”
One of the local businesses featured in the Bundaberg Tourism agritourism display was Splitters Farm.
Owner Carly Clark said Splitters Farm was one of the only farm stays in Australia positioned so close to the coast so you can explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
“Rarely are visitors able to get a reef and beef experience in one location and be able to get up close to such a broad range of rescued animals,” she said.
“It was our plan from the beginning to create a farm that not only provided a forever home to so many animals but also one that worked in harmony with its natural wetlands and bushland surrounds.
“I feel like we’re able to offer such a unique agri-tourism experience in a bushland setting where you might see platypus, over 150 documented species of Australian birdlife and rare flora and fauna.”
Carly highlighted that our modern lifestyle was becoming one where our short attention span creates a thirst for rapid and disposable entertainment.
“Splitters Farm offers a range of activities and experiences such as damper making, go karts, kayaking and farm tours to keep people entertained during their stay however it’s much nicer to see kids finding their own fun such as fishing, climbing trees or to a quiet spot by the creek to just listen to the wind and birds in the trees.
“Billy and I are so proud to be featured on Bundaberg Tourism displays at the Australian Tourism Exchange alongside our other great Bundaberg agri-producers such as Gooburrum Grove, Tina Berries and many more.
“So many tourism attractions are invested in our regions agriculture as well such as Bundaberg Brewed Drinks who use the regions produce and botanicals in their drinks.
“Agriculture is at our core and in the veins of most products and experiences we produce as a region.”
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks chief executive officer John McLean said the Bundaberg Barrel was dedicated to showcasing the longstanding history of their brewed drinks range which was a key part of their storytelling.
“The self-guided tours and tastings provide us with the opportunity to showcase our regional roots,” he said.
“We really enjoy being part of the Bundaberg Tourism ecosystem, as it’s an integral part of our story.
“We attended the Australian Tourism Exchange and left with many valuable insights and learnings that we can apply to our operations here in Bundaberg.“
