As Australia’s most compact and diverse mainland state, Victoria attracts over 2 million international visitors annually. With these visitation figures growing from key international markets, Victoria’s tourism sector continues to plan for the long term with investment commitments from both public and private sectors underway.
The City of Melbourne is developing long term structural plans to keep the city’s energetic and internationally renowned lifestyle flourishing.
The iconic Queen Victoria Market, for example, is a major attraction for international visitors and will benefit from new development while protecting its heritage status. At the same time, new investments have been announced to meet growing demand for visitor accommodation in the city centre.
QT Hotel Melbourne opens in 2016 with 200 new rooms and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has confirmed a luxury 250 room hotel for the city centre’s burgeoning west end, set to be Australia’s highest hotel building. Four Points by Sheraton arrives in January 2017 with 269 more rooms in the five star range.
Melbourne Skyline und Fed Square
MELBOURNE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT
Airport capacity is critical and Melbourne Airport is undertaking a A$10billion capital investment program over the next 20 years. A brand new domestic terminal opens in 2015, as well as new airline lounges, bus and transit facilities for international passengers. A new taxiway is also underway to expand capacity.
a 36,000 capacity. Renovations of regional, historic buildings offer character as well as event options, such as the Provincial Ballarat’s $5 million upgrade, offering 17 suites and extensive function facilities.
The largest Tower with a spectacular view
LEISURE TOURISM
Innovation in Victoria’s leisure tourism sector will deliver new experiences to the growing number of visitors. In 2015, Australia’s first World Wildlife Fund (WWF) branded attraction, Antarctic Journey, will open on Phillip Island in partnership with Phillip Island Nature Parks.
The Grampians Peaks Trail, a 144km hiking route through stunning wilderness and rock formations, launched stage one in 2015 with A$19million pledged towards further stages.
Wine related tourism continues to expand with the development of a new, cutting-edge wine, food and events complex by winemaker Chrismont at their Cheshunt vineyard estate in Victoria’s King Valley. In the Yarra Valley, the Levantine Hill Estate will open its doors later in 2015, sharing its design credentials with MONA and Eureka Tower (Fender Katsalidis Architects).
Healesville Sanctuary, in the Yarra Valley, will also be launching major redevelopment initiative in 2016. The project will provide visitors with world class, ‘up close and personal’ experiences with Australian native species. Koalas, kangaroo and wombats will be at the core of the experience, with plans for board walks, swing bridges and a special area for guests to see young marsupials being raised.
