Riders have another reason to take a trip on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail this summer – art commissioned especially for them.
During this year, artists have been busy creating a series of installations across the region to provide an enriched experience for tourists.
Backed by an $8.5 million investment from the state government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the installations, along with a series of infrastructure upgrades, are expected to draw even more visitors to the iconic trail and surrounding connections.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, this week announced the completion of several projects delivered across Rutherglen, Bright, Porepunkah, Yackandandah, Beechworth, Eurobin, Everton, Oxley,
Milawa and Wangaratta.
The project delivered a series of new art installations, landscaping, improved public amenities, signage and tourist information, supporting pop-up food vendors, trail tours and bike hire.
The Beechworth to Yackandandah section now features Mindful Tunnel, created by Drez Studios, while True Horizons at Eurobin Station by Kent Morris offers a powerful First Peoples’ perspective on the region’s landscape and history.
Another highlight is the transformation of the Roberts Creek bridge in Porepunkah into the Colour Bridge, an immersive installation created by Skunk Control.
New silo art in Rutherglen and Magpie Family sculptures between Bowser and Tarrawingee and Bright further enhance the visitor experience, supported by additional installations in Beechworth, Oxley and Milawa.
The project was delivered by Tourism North-East in partnership with local councils.
The project aims to:
- make the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail the pre-eminent rail trail in the Southern Hemisphere;
- drive repeat visitation and advocacy for the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail through enhancing the visitor experience;
- and inspire, delight, encourage talkability and social shareability to position the Murray to Mountains Trail as a ‘must do’ accessible cycling experience to domestic and international audiences.
New visitation from the initiative is expected to generate 17,500+ additional visitors and $12.3 million in output per annum. The project is also expected to support the creation of 65 ongoing jobs.
Last year the trail was extended by 32 kilometres and this year there has been an additional $2.5 million support to strengthen the visitor economy in Porepunkah, Bright and the Alpine region, which suffered a negative impact during the search for the killer of two Victorian police officers.
Minister Dimopoulos said: “The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is bringing more visitors to the Hume region, supporting businesses and the local economy. These new artworks add a unique cultural experience that makes the journey even more memorable.”
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, added: “This investment is backing local jobs and helping Porepunkah and surrounding communities rebuild stronger than ever, with tourism playing a vital role in the region’s recovery.”
The Murray to Mountain Trail is on the bucket list of every Australian bike rider and this year, following the spring rain, is looming fresher than ever.
More information here.
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