Travel Writers convention visit O’Keefe Rail Trail

A very successful Australian Society of Travel Writers Annual Convention was held in Bendigo from 30th October to the 2nd November. It was presented in collaboration with Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, Business Events Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo. Some 90 writers, publishers, editors, photographers and public relation members attended from across Australia and New Zealand.
Organised by Council’s Destination Development Team, delegates interested in Nature Tourism visited sites on the east side of Bendigo on the Sunday of the convention. The O’Keefe Rail Trail was recognised as an excellent site to visit. Delegates were met at the Platypus Compass on the river at Axedale by Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail President Adrian and members Neil and Margie. They provided an informal discussion of the important contribution of the rail trail and its facilities for safe use by cyclists, runners and walkers either from local communities or visitors to the area. Mention was also made of the rail trail being a major Biodiversity link in the municipality.
Delegates and Council’s team leader Glenn Harvey then proceeded to viewing and discussing the O’Keefe underpass mural followed by a walk onto the trail bridge over the Campaspe River.