February 5, 2016
The Kingaroy-Murgon Rail Trail has produced its first new tourism offering … or will, once liquor licensing requirements are met.
Wondai Regional Art Gallery curator Elaine Madill told guests at February’s exhibition opening on Friday night the gallery will soon be adding a cellar door to its offerings.
It will stock wines from Moffatdale Ridge, Cranes Winery, Clovely Estates and Kingsley Grove Estate.
Elaine said these four wineries had supported the gallery’s monthly openings for many years, and added an extra attraction to opening night festivities that was irreplaceable.
When the Rail Trail opens later this year, she is convinced it will draw many new visitors to Wondai.
And she is certain that there will be enough tourists in search of South Burnett wines to make the new venture a success.
“We will only be selling bottles, not providing wine tastings. We don’t have the facilities for that,” Elaine said.
“And we will be doing it on a non-profit basis, because we think it’s important we support our region’s wine industry.”
The Gallery, which is located immediately next to the Rail Trail, will also be installing bike racks for the convenience of passing cyclists to encourage them to linger in the town rather than simply cycle through.
Elaine said the gallery would be putting up signs to advertise what it offered, and she was sure the extra people who would pass through the doors would help exhibiting artists and craftspeople garner more sales too.
Later, Elaine told southburnett.com.au she is convinced the Rail Trail will give regional tourism a boost and help revitalise towns and villages along the route.
“If you go to the Barossa or the Hunter you expect to be offered local wines – in fact, that’s probably the main reason most people go there,” she said.
So she wants to make sure that when tourists come to Wondai, they can get South Burnett wines just as easily.
