Sleeping giant a pot of gold

By Paul Dunlop
A POT of gold sits at the end of the rainbow for thirsty travellers exploring the attractions of the hills around Pakenham.
Pine Grove hotel manager Andrew Castelli reckons an icy cold drink is the best way to say ‘cheers’ to a new tourism initiative promoting the delights of the district.
Businesses from several towns have grouped together to extol Cardinia Shire’s many attractions.
Tours of alpaca farms, horseback trail rides, golf, firstrate accommodation and trips to local vineyards or historic pubs are just some of the ways residents can ‘chill out in the hills’ this summer.
Cardinia Tourism chairman Ken Aldred said many residents were unaware of the diverse attractions on their doorstep.
As bushfires continue to be a threat in many popular Victorian tourist areas, people are being encouraged to take a holiday trip much closer to home.
“The Cardinia region really is an undiscovered treasure, it has got so much to offer,” Mr Aldred said.
“There are so many things to do and see, it is a very familyfriendly area.
“People are only just starting to become aware of it and we are certainly spreading the message that it is well worth having a look around.”
Cardinia Tourism officials will use a recent shire grant to develop and distribute brochures inviting residents in the CaseyCardinia growth corridor to come and explore.
“So many families with young children are moving to the area, particularly Pakenham, Berwick, Beaconsfield and Officer, but often they are not aware of what’s further up the slopes at Emerald, Gembrook or Pakenham Upper,” Mr Aldred said.
“Most people know of Puffing Billy, but we’re also the centre of the state’s horse industry, there are great restaurants, hotels, lavender farms, arts and crafts, wildlife parks and so many other things.
“It’s a real sleeping giant as far as tourism is concerned, and people don’t have to travel far to get here.”
Mr Castelli recently took over the Pine Grove, the iconic Upper Beaconsfield watering hole.
He said the warm weather was a perfect excuse to stop by and enjoy a cold drink or something tasty to eat.
A steadily increasing number of people — locals and visitors — were discovering the area had plenty to offer, Mr Castelli said.
Colleen Long of Pakenham’s Truleen Downs Alpaca Farm said there were “eight or nine things to do” along a 10kilometre stretch of Toomuc Valley Road alone.
“Alpacas, silk, glass, pottery, really good eateries and wineries, local art — there’s certainly no shortage of variety,” she said.
Glad Fish of The Grayn Restaurant in Pakenham is a member of both Cardinia Tourism and Pakenham Business Group.
“To take a drive through the hills is just a beautiful thing to do, or there are asparagus farms around Kooweerup, the murals at Nar Nar Goon, great bed and breakfasts — it’s a very dynamic area.
“If you just start looking around, Pakenham really is the gateway to Gippsland and that’s something I think we should be really promoting.
“Pack a picnic lunch and go for a bit of a drive. There’s a heap of stuff around.”