Visitor numbers to some of Bendigo’s most popular tourism attractions are booming during the school holidays.
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Central Deborah Gold Mine and Bendigo Tramways are reporting a 50 per cent increase in traffic through the doors compared with last year, with visitor information centres and Bendigo Pottery also having solid patronage.
“We are having a fantastic school holidays. We are up 50 per cent on last year, so far, and the holidays are still going,” Bendigo Trust marketing manager Evonne Oxenham said. “It doesn’t look like we are slowing, yet.”
Visitor numbers to the Discovery Centre are up 70 per cent, Ms Oxenham said, with people keen to explore its activities before its slated closure on July 12.
Ms Oxenham said the boom visitation numbers were continuing “an excellent year” in tourism for the mine and talking trams.
“We like getting the locals in, it is great that they are looking at local attractions and bringing their families to visit, also.”
The sunny winter weather was favourable for tourism, she said, despite some cold days.
“While it has been so good, it has been a little cold, but it is winter so we will take what we have been having,” she said.
City of Greater Bendigo Tourism manager Kathryn Mackenzie agreed the sunny weather added to the city’s “positive vibe” as it encouraged people to be outdoors and to walk between attractions.
“While we don’t have actual figures at the moment, anecdotally there are lots of people in our cafes, there’s good activity in the city, our tourism places are having a good year and people are enjoying our parks,” Ms Mackenzie said. “And our accommodation places are doing quite well, too.”
Ms Oxenham said having a tram linking the Bendigo Trust attractions gave “a knock on effect” to each offering when it came to tourism numbers.
“Whatever is linked by the tram does well, especially when the weather is good. The Joss House (Temple) is traditionally a lower volume place but it has been busy, too. The Discovery Centre has been flat-chat and absolutely solid, which is heartening and encouraging for staff. In terms of visitors it is more locals visiting there than those coming to the trams and mines.”
Ms Mackenzie said it was positive the Discovery Centre was attracting visitors in good numbers despite its uncertain future. She was optimistic the good year would continue for tourism.
“It’s great to see the city humming along, it’s great to see that what we offer in terms of tourism, parks and eateries people want to visit and enjoy them.”