Discover Victoria’s volcanic past in Penshurst
11/07/2022The Victorian Government is backing the small town of Penshurst to capitalise on its tourism potential as the third largest volcanic plain on earth, with works starting on an upgrade to Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre.
Works are underway at the centre thanks a $290,000 grant from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
The centre lies at the foot of Mount Rouse, a dormant volcano. Surrounding the centre is a volcanic field spanning 15,000 square kilometres with more than 400 small volcanoes and volcanic vents - including the historic Budj Bim site.
Visitors to the centre can learn how these volcanoes formed and their role in shaping the current landscape.
The project will also support volunteers to be better equipped to deliver tours to local school groups and visitors through enhanced signage. Picnic tables will be installed to cater for groups and enable them to enjoy learning about the area’s geology while surrounded by views of Mount Rouse.
The Victorian Government is encouraging more visitors to this unique region, with more than $19 million invested in the Budj Bim Cultural landscape, a UNESCO world-heritage site led by the Gunditjmara Traditional Owners.
The Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping to entice more visitors to Victoria’s regions, driving private investment and accelerating sector recovery.
The Fund is key to the Government’s almost $36 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015. For more information, visit Regional Tourism and Investment Fund.