Open for business Tourism in the and Riverland

The Murraylands and Riverland tourism industry provides rich nature-based eco-tourism experiences and close-up wildlife encounters, while also offering up superb food and wine experiences along the length of the and globally renowned Coorong.

Just a few of its iconic (and award-winning) The Murray River, Lakes and The Riverland has always been well- destinations, include Monarto Zoo, the Murray Coorong tourism region includes known as the fruit bowl of Australia, River Walk, The Frames Luxury Accommodation, a range of geographies, from but it’s now emerging as a food and The Bend Motorsport Park, Coorong National the majestic river landscape, to wine destination as well, not to mention Park, the Wooshed Brewery and Banrock the internationally recognised its recent growth in breweries and Station. There’s also strong growth and Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and distilleries. It’s even launched the River expansion opportunities in both the Riverland . With Tastes Food and Beverage Trail which and Langhorne Creek wine regions. its wild beaches and extensive maps out over 30 gourmet experiences ecosystems, the Coorong (many with River views). The Riverland It’s home to all matter of Murray River environment has once again, is also a South Australian icon for cruising activity, with Australia’s biggest been made the star of the 2019 houseboat holidays, watersports and fleet of recreational houseboats and Storm Boy film remake. its growing event calendar. historic paddlesteamers.

During 2018 there were an estimated 408,000 international visitor nights in the Murraylands and Riverland region combined, accounting for 17.8% of the total visitor nights. Tourism expenditure in the region was also shown to have grown considerably from previous years, with an estimated $324 million spent during overnight stays and day trips. Image courtesy South Australian Tourism Commission Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

I.I93M $I48M $65M $83M TOURISTS GROSS VALUE DAY TRIPS OVERNIGHT STAYS I8% FIGURE 1: INTERNATIONAL Murray River, Lakes and Coorong VISITORS

1,000,000 Visitors $6M 800,000 GENERATED

600,000 Visitors

400,000 Value Value $,000 200,000 $,000

Image courtesy South Australian Tourism Commission 0 Day Trips Overnight

At less than an hour’s drive from all-season climate lends itself to year- Opportunities for investment include: , the region’s two priorities round activity for all ages and abilities. Accommodation to service increasing are to: The Murray River flows more than demand for events and short stays a) grow visitor spend from day trips; 2500 kilometres from the Snowy Developing the 450km Murray and Mountains to the Southern Ocean in Coorong Tail (walking and cycling) . This region is at the b) increase overnight visits from the end of the system, passing through Developing new Aboriginal and domestic and global market. some of the most spectacular cliff on-water experiences As the region is predominantly a faces you can see. It connects the Leveraging the region’s new and self-drive visitor market, the key will fresh water River to the Lower Lakes, iconic products (including The be leveraging existing touring routes Coorong lagoons and spectacular Bend Motorsport Park and Monarto and Murray River cruising options, Murray Mouth at the ocean along Zoo) as platforms for developing plus promoting and developing Goolwa beach. One key touring route, complementary experiences events and hero experiences which the Mighty Murray Way, is a self-drive Creating new hero experiences reflect the region’s unique nature- touring route which allows visitors to along the Lower Lakes, Coorong based environment. The length of take all of this in, and promotes ways and northern end of the region walking and cycling trails is increasing to enjoy both water and land-based dramatically in the region too, as its experiences. Riverland

794K $I76M $40M $I36M TOURISTS GROSS VALUE DAY TRIPS OVERNIGHT STAYS I8% FIGURE 2: INTERNATIONAL Riverland VISITORS 1,000,000 $8M 800,000 GENERATED Visitors 600,000 Visitors

400,000 Value $,000 Value 200,000 $,000

0 Day Trips Overnight

The Riverland possesses a unique The Riverland’s two priorities are to: Opportunities for investment include: natural environment, which is rich in a) increase visitation and length of Leveraging opportunities from the many things and takes in some of stay from all visitors through better Mighty Murray Way touring route the most spectacular views of the marketing of experiences and High-profile events, such as the Murray River and Lake Bonney. It has targeting key demographics; and an exceptional mix of accommodation Riverland Wine and Food Festival b) identifying gaps in the market for options, with everything from luxury Upgrading existing accommodation potential new tourism opportunities stays on top of the Murray River cliffs, and developing new experiential and investment which will create through to award-winning family accommodation such as houseboats, economic growth. holiday parks and houseboats. caravan parks and luxury offerings A focus on all parts of the visitor The Riverland tourism economy is Improving Murray River infrastructure growing and open to innovation, mix are required, including attracting Expansion of on-site ‘glamping’ with new and diverse experiences new events and creating unique experiences and boutique-style focussing on premium stays for visitor experiences. accommodation at Riverland people from across the world. wineries such as Banrock Station, Caudo Vineyard and Byrne Vineyard We are open for business There are significant opportunities within the Murraylands and Riverland region. Our products and services are some of the best in the world, and there is no doubt there is substantial demand for them in expanding international markets.

We offer a supportive business environment, Our team works with investors to connect with advice and assistance on the development them with investment-ready businesses, and investment processes, government grants to assess potential development locations and tax incentives, workforce planning and and opportunities, and to coordinate development and industry networks. government approvals.

If you are considering importing product from our region or investing, contact us to maximise benefits to your business and to the region.

To find out more, contact us today! Phone +61 8 8535 7170 | Email [email protected] | rdamr.com.au