Mr Abbott is set to take on a new role in the tourism industry in South Australia. He finishes at Bendigo Heritage Attractions mid-January.

He has been chief executive officer of Bendigo Heritage Attractions for about three years, having moved from Warrnambool for the opportunity.

"Bendigo has been great," Mr Abbott said.

He said it had been a wonderful place to meet new people, make new friends, and take on new opportunities.

"Bendigo's got a great love for the things Bendigo Heritage Attractions does," Mr Abbott said.

Overseeing the management of Bendigo Tramways, Central Deborah Gold Mine and Bendigo Joss House Temple is part of his role.

Mr Abbott believed Bendigo Heritage Attractions had an exciting future ahead, with visitor numbers tracking well and an $11.7 million expansion of the Bendigo Tramways Depot and Workshop on the horizon.

Central Deborah Gold Mine's educational offerings are also set for a revamp, thanks to a partnership with Kirkland Lake Gold's Fosterville Gold Mine.

Work on the project is underway and is expected to be finished by June.

Bendigo Heritage Attractions chair Rod Hanson said Mr Abbott had led the organisation through some of its most successful years.

Bendigo Tramways recently won the Cultural Tourism Award at the Victorian Tourism Awards.

"We acknowledge Peter's achievements and important contribution to Bendigo tourism," Mr Hanson said.

"We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."

Mr Abbott's position in South Australia is set to be announced in the coming weeks.

He said it would be difficult to leave Bendigo, but there were new opportunities in store for him.

"I have some links to South Australia," Mr Abbott said.

Recruitment for his role at Bendigo Heritage Attractions is underway.

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