01 OCTOBER 2025 | ISSUE 582 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
NAGAMBIE SHINES ON SUNRISE Sam Mac Broadcasts Live from Discovery Parks Nagambie shone in the national spotlight on the morning of Monday September 22, as Sunrise weather presenter Sam Mac delivered his live weather crosses from Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes beautifully located on the banks of the stunning Goulburn River.
the river in pristine condition, Sam Mac took to the water much to the delight (and amusement) of onlookers. Lee spoke passionately about the opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and guided river tours, all designed to help visitors experience Nagambie’s natural charm firsthand. “The live cross was over before I knew it but seeing The Goulburn River on national TV like this is just fantastic ” Lee said.
In true Nagambie fashion, the weather played its part perfectly. The sun rose gently over the glistening water, not a single breath of wind disturbed the scene, and the Goulburn shimmered like glass. It was the kind of morning locals know well, calm, bright, and beautiful and one that proudly represented everything this vibrant regional town has to offer.
Many familiar faces had their moment on screen, and the sense of pride was palpable. From business owners promoting local produce and tourism experiences, to school children in fishing boats, to community members standing proudly in support, the broadcast captured the essence of Nagambie: warm, welcoming, and tightly knit.
From the very first live cross around 5:30am, the energy was electric. Locals and visitors gathered in force families, business owners, tourists, and early risers alike forming a cheerful crowd that brought life and colour to every segment. Children waved excitedly behind the camera, while familiar faces popped up throughout the morning, giving shout-outs, cracking jokes with Sam, or simply soaking in the moment.
“But it’s also no surprise that people across the country are falling in love with this place. We live here for a reason, and now everyone else gets to see why.”
The event was a celebration of Nagambie’s community spirit, its natural beauty, and the region’s growing profile as a destination for tourism, adventure, and relaxation. The team at Discovery Parks Nagambie pulled out all the stops, warmly welcoming the Sunrise crew and creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. The picturesque grounds, with their riverfront views and spacious parkland, proved the ideal backdrop for the morning’s segments showcasing both the serenity and activity Nagambie is known for. Among the highlights of the broadcast was the live demonstration by Lee Rowland from Go Adventure Nagambie, who had his stand-up paddle boards ready for action. With
“It’s not every day you get to see your town on national television,” said Lee Rowland.
The camera swept across the river, over paddle boarders, and through Discovery Parks, capturing the early morning light on the water and the rolling hills beyond. These images were beamed to thousands of viewers across Australia, many of whom were left wondering where exactly this hidden gem of a town was and how soon they could visit. For tourism operators and businesses in Nagambie and surrounding areas, the exposure comes at a perfect time. As regional travel continues to gain popularity, towns like Nagambie are seeing increased interest from day-trippers, weekenders, and holidaymakers looking for a blend of relaxation and activity. “This kind of coverage is invaluable,” said Mark Washington from Go Nagambie. “You can’t buy the kind of reach that Sunrise has, and having someone like Sam Mac here really
helps humanise the experience. He’s funny, relatable, and he clearly enjoyed himself and that resonates with viewers. “A huge thanks to Discovery Park Lake Nagambie for bringing the whole community together for such a fantastic day - we loved being part of it. Sunrise has a national audience of hundreds of thousands each morning, and segments featuring regional towns often result in a noticeable uptick in tourism inquiries. Locals are hopeful that this feature will lead to increased visitation over the coming months, giving a well-deserved boost to local cafés, wineries, accommodation providers, and adventure operators. For those who were there on the day, it was a proud and joyful moment. For those watching from home, it was a reminder or perhaps a revelation of what lies just a short drive north of Melbourne: a community full of heart, surrounded by nature, and shining as brightly as ever.