Friday, March 14, 2025
In a move that promises to elevate southwest Victoria’s tourism landscape, the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre has recently undergone a major upgrade, backed by a $290,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government. The refurbished facility, located at the foot of Mount Rose, a dormant volcano, is set to attract more visitors and enhance the region’s educational tourism appeal. This upgrade not only strengthens the visitor experience but also supports local businesses and job creation, ensuring a more vibrant future for the region’s tourism sector.
The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre is located in Penshurst, within the Newer Volcanics Province, the third-largest volcanic plain on Earth. This area, covering over 15,000 square kilometers and home to more than 400 small volcanoes and volcanic vents, offers visitors a chance to explore the unique geological and cultural history of the region.
A Landmark Upgrade to Foster Learning and Exploration
The center’s upgrades are designed to create a richer, more immersive experience for visitors, particularly school groups and tourists interested in geology and natural history. The revamped facilities include a revitalized education space, new outdoor geological interpretation areas, and enhanced learning spaces that will provide a deeper understanding of volcanic activity, the region’s geological significance, and the ancient cultural interactions between the land and the region’s First Peoples.
The upgraded center offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about how the Greater Hamilton area was shaped by volcanic forces and explore its significance in the broader context of Victoria’s natural history. The center’s educational offerings will support tourism operators and school groups looking to add a valuable educational component to their visit, further enhancing the overall experience for those exploring the region.
The Economic Impact of the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre Upgrade
This $290,000 investment into the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre is not only about enriching the visitor experience but also about benefiting the local economy. Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos emphasized the importance of the center’s upgrades in drawing more visitors to southwest Victoria, helping local businesses and supporting tourism jobs. This development aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting regional tourism through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
The upgrade will also have a significant economic impact on the surrounding areas, driving visitors to the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural and geological significance. Visitors to the Volcanoes Discovery Centre will be encouraged to explore Budj Bim and other nearby attractions, contributing to the overall economic activity in the Southern Grampians Shire.
The local economy is expected to see benefits across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation, as the region prepares to welcome an increased flow of tourists. Additionally, the center’s educational offerings will generate interest in sustainable tourism and raise awareness of the importance of geological preservation and cultural heritage.
A Boost for Local Businesses
The investment in the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre provides a significant boost to local businesses, which will benefit from the increased number of tourists visiting the area. The Southern Grampians Shire, which includes Penshurst, is known for its natural wonders, including Tower Hill, Grampians National Park, and the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. These attractions, coupled with the improved facilities at the Volcanoes Discovery Centre, are expected to draw more visitors seeking authentic, nature-based experiences.
Local businesses, including restaurants, cafes, accommodation providers, and tour operators, will see increased demand during the tourism season, leading to job creation and economic growth. As the regional tourism sector rebounds, the Southern Grampians can position itself as a prominent destination for geological tourism in Victoria.
Sustainability and Cultural Significance
A key element of the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre’s upgrade is the integration of sustainability into its offerings. The center will not only educate visitors on the region’s volcanic past but also highlight the importance of environmental conservation. The revitalized center will provide a platform for discussing how the First Peoples of the region interacted with the landscape, adding an indigenous cultural dimension to the visitor experience.
The center’s new outdoor geological interpretation areas will allow visitors to experience the landscape firsthand, deepening their appreciation for the environment and fostering a sense of responsibility towards preserving it for future generations.
The Future of Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre and Regional Tourism
The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre is poised to become a cornerstone of regional tourism in Victoria, offering a unique combination of education, culture, and geological exploration. With the upgrades completed, the center will play a central role in attracting both domestic and international visitors to the Southern Grampians Shire, contributing to the broader growth of Victoria’s tourism industry.
This investment is part of a larger strategy to diversify Victoria’s tourism offerings, ensuring that the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage is accessible to a global audience. As part of the government’s broader commitment to supporting regional tourism, the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre will help position southwest Victoria as a premier destination for those interested in exploring the geological marvels of the region.
Conclusion: Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre’s Bright Future
The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre’s $290,000 upgrade marks an exciting new chapter for the region’s tourism sector. With its enhanced educational facilities, outdoor geological interpretation areas, and new learning spaces, the center is set to become a top-tier attraction for tourists interested in geology, cultural heritage, and nature-based tourism.
This investment will not only attract more visitors to southwest Victoria but also provide a much-needed boost to local businesses and create new job opportunities. As the tourism sector continues to recover, the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Victoria’s regional tourism industry, supporting local economies and creating sustainable tourism experiences for years to come.
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