LITTLE Koondrook is kicking big goals in the tourism world with a nomination in the annual Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Awards, joining 17 (many well-known) tourist destinations around Victoria in contention for the prestigious title.
Although nominated in the Tiny Town category by Gannawarra Shire Council, Koondrook is the fastest-growing hamlet in the shire, with many visitors deciding to return to make the village their new home and either building or buying a house.
The awards have been running for 37 years, showcasing the state’s leaders in tourism excellence.
Finalists are voted on by a public online ballot to determine the most popular destination.
Koondrook is well situated, with a wide range of activities and accommodation appealing to many types of tourists.
Campsites, B and Bs, caravan parks, a first-class motel and even a glamping option ensure visitors are well catered for as they explore not just Koondrook but some of the surrounding areas as well.
Koondrook Development Committee member Tom Chick said Koondrook was really punching above its weight when it came to offering visitors great experiences that catered to those looking for either an active or a relaxing alternative to their getaway, and just being selected as a finalist was a great achievement.
“We are really proud of our little town and get a lot of positive feedback – our visitors are very important to us,” Mr Chick said.
“I think we have the right mix of attractions such as boating, swimming, canoeing and tennis, with lawn bowls and golf across the river at Barham.
“You can go hunting, you can go fishing and you can go camping.
“Gunbower Island offers free camping and there is a boat ramp about a kilometre in; there are toilets which help attract the campers.”
Businesses in Koondrook are well set up to cater for visitors, with several dining options available.
One feature of the town that residents are particularly proud of is the all-abilities children’s playground.
Koondrook is well known for its redgum statue walk featuring more than 16 statues honouring many significant characters from the town’s history, with new statues being added each year.
Each statue has a QR code that viewers can use to find out more about the statue, its history and its significance to the surrounding area.
Mr Chick said Koondrook was ideally situated for visiting other townships as well, being very central to areas such as Kerang, Cohuna and Quamatook.
“There is accommodation here and there are meals here,” he said.
“Our pub, Mates Royal Hotel, has one of the best pub meals you will find anywhere in northern Victoria – maybe even the whole of Victoria.
“Our general store is now offering lunches and pizzas and of course there is the very well-known Long Paddock Food Store.
“The old railway turntable near the wharf has been converted to an Indigenous sculpture which really signifies the map of the Murray River and the Gunbower Creek through the eyes of first Australians.
“I think it is a very important piece of art and an important piece of cultural history.
“Many people don’t realise it’s there.”
Koondrook has big plans for the future, with concepts for murals around town to add to the artworks and to tell the story of the culture and history of the town.
