December 28th, 2021New heights to attract tourists

The State Government is transforming Bacchus Marsh into a bigger, better and more accessible location for visitors with the development of a destination park and new trail.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the 1000+ Steps Trail in Darley, Bacchus Marsh to announce a $1.6 million injection to support the project’s expansion.
The funding will enable the development of a second trail – the 1001 Steps All Accessibility and Sculpture Trail – and will take the total investment in the landmark initiative to $2.1 million.
The Labor Government has backed this project through the Regional Infrastructure Fund and the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – a critical component of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.
The Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps Trail and the 1001 Steps All Accessibility and Sculpture Trail form part of the Bald Hill Activation Plan, creating a destination park and increasing visitation to Moorabool Shire.
Work has begun on the existing track which will reconstruct the Lerderberg walking trail, with 1000 steps leading to the Bald Hill lookout, promoting exercise and recreation as well as art spaces.
The 1001 Steps trail will build on this attraction, with an accessible trail linking Telford Park to the Bald Hill lookout with impressive views of the Moorabool Valley. Works will also include additional carparking and the installation of sculptures at the beginning of the trail.
Once complete, the destination park and trail will drive new jobs and investment to the region and is forecast to attract up to 83,000 visitors to Darley each year, contributing $2 million to the local economy.
The Labor Government has invested almost $30 billion in regional and rural Victoria since 2015. For more information on the Regional Infrastructure Fund – part of the Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund – go to rdv.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“The 1001 steps trail and destination park will provide a terrific boost for local businesses and jobs. We know visitors will flock to the Steps trails in large numbers.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said:
“These trails will further expand regional Victoria’s famed tourism offering – it’s another fantastic attraction that will have flow-on benefits for many businesses in the region.”
Member for Melton Steve McGhie said:
“We are excited to support this project, that will bring more people to our region, while promoting exercise, recreation and artwork.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This is great news for Darley, for the Moorabool community and beyond. This project will support local jobs, provide a boost for local businesses and drive more visitors to the area.”