focus_tourism
Janette Hyde from Port Macquarie Tourism Association
tourism UPDATE
TOURISM IN SEPTEMBER
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FANTASTIC NEWS FOR OUR REGION - DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MELBOURNE.
ETGO’s Managing Director Paul Bredereck said: “We’ve chosen Port Macquarie as our next destination, because it is one of the fastest growing markets in New South Wales, with strong links to Melbourne. We can save travellers around two hours on flights to Melbourne, because our jets are 50 to 60 per cent faster than the turboprop aircraft that currently service Port Macquarie.” All of our locals and tourism operators welcome this new initiative as a wonderful opportunity. We welcome three new members to Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association: Port City Bowling Club, The Westport Club, and Frankie’s Travel (mini bus winery tours). The tourism industry had a fantastic North Coast Network Regional Tourism Awards Night at Cassegrain Winery. We had five finalists for the North Coast Network Regional Tourism Awards. The winners from our region were Sea Acres Visitor Information Centre and Port Macquarie Museum, with Gold Awards. Silver Awards to Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Hello Koalas Sculpture, and Vacation Village, and The Cruise Terminal a very worthy Encouragement Award. A special local business, Telegraph Luxury Retreat, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Well done to everyone. The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Night was held recently, and many of our Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association Members were winners and finalists. They were: Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, Rydges Port Macquarie, Dragonfly Marketing, Settlers Inn Port Macquarie, Black Duck Brewery, Port Macquarie Taxis, Beach House Holiday Apartments, Sails Resort Port Macquarie , Panthers Port Macquarie, Port Fresh Seafoods, Billabong Zoo, and The Cruise Terminal. It is with deep sadness that we advise that one of our members, Kate Owen from Black Duck Brewery, has passed away. Kate was a vibrant, enthusiastic and passionate member of our Association. Our deepest sympathies go to Al and his family and friends. School holidays are happening this month, and our area will be the chosen destination for many to relax. There is so much to do in our region, with our fabulous, restaurants, attractions, hospitality outlets, and retail experiences, ably supported by a wide variety of accommodation.
Any wonder our overnight visitation is growing stronger by the month! We are very fortunate to have two very enterprising mini bus tour operators offering tours to our fabulous wineries - Frankie’s Travel and Eclectic Tasty Art Tours. If you are interested in art, photography, food or wines, why not join one of these operators on a tour? They offer a very relaxing way to experience our region. One of our new members, Bills Fishhouse and Bar, located in Clarence House, will be opening its doors early September, and we dare say it will have you hook, line and sinker. Chris and Leasa Harris recently opened Salty Crew Kiosk - Town Beach, and that has been a real hit. Many locals and visitors have already discovered this great kiosk. Some of the Activities Happening this Month 1 - 2 September - Flora Papier by Patricia Philp www.sunsetgallery.com 3 September - Camden Haven Country Music Fundraiser for Legacy www.laurietonclub.com.au 4 September - Taste of Spring Buffet www.cassegrainwines.com.au 9 - 11 September - Trans Tasman Indoor Cricket Championships www.indoor.cricket.com.au 10 September - Fundraiser - Fashion Parade for Bravehearts www.blueillusion.com.au 10 - 11 September - Port Motor Mania www.portmotormania.net 11 September - Jazz in the Vineyards With the Shuffle Boys www.bagovineyards.com.au 17 - 18 September - Kendall National Violin Competition www.kendallviolin.org.au 17 - 18 September - Ekam Yoga Festival www.ekamyogafestival.org.au 18 September - Walk to d’Feet MND Port Macquarie 2016 email:kymn@mndnsw.asn.au 24 September - Port Macquarie Beer & Cider Festival www.portmacbeerandciderfestival.com 25 September - Beach to Brother www.beachtobrother.com.au 25 September to 8th October - Port Macquarie Cup Carnival www.portmacquarieraceclub.com.au
BILLABONG ZOO AMBASSADORS FOR WILDLIFE At the award-winning Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie, NSW, you can get up-close and personal to Australian and exotic animals. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 60 species. We care for over 280 animals in this friendly 10 acre Koala and Wildlife Park. Be informed with our much loved Zoo Talks: 13 keeper presentations every day, plus a Reptile Show at the weekends. All free. Our two cheetah brothers - Warrior and Vongani from Cheetah Outreach in Cape Town, South Africa, have settled in well. Don't miss their presentation at 3pm every day. You can also book one-on-one Up-Close animal encounters with koalas, red pandas, snakes, meerkats, penguins and leopards. NSW RememberPORT to bringMACQUARIE, your camera or video - and
share this unique experience with friends and family. Visit our website for details. Especially popular for children and adults alike is the kangaroo and wallaby hand feeding area - free and open all day. Kids can enjoy the playground, and the whole family have access to picnic areas set in beautiful shaded gardens with Koi Carp ponds. Delicious hot food (breakfast and lunch), snacks, ice-cream, coffee and drinks at our great Zoo Food Café. Souvenirs, gifts and retail therapy in our popular Zoo Shop. Billabong Zoo. Fun for the kids, Education for everyone. Open every day - 9am - 5pm. Rain or shine. Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie - it’s more than a great day out. It’s the best value zoo in Australia. www.billabongzoo.com.au
KOALA & WILDLIFE PARK
PORT MACQUARIE, NSW
KOALA & WILDLIFE PARK
PORT MACQUARIE, NSW
KOALA & WILDLIFE PARK
PORT MACQUARIE, NSW BZ004_SEPT_Focus_Qtr_Aug16_v4.indd 1
19/08/2016 10:50 AM
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