It’s Australia’s oldest wine growing region, but could soon become our newest destination for world-class bike riding if a campaign goes to plan.
The Shiraz to Shore campaign, imagined as a scenic bike trail through the pretty vineyards of the Hunter Valley and the magnificent coastline around Newcastle, NSW, would offer 100km of relaxed off-road riding, and tourism opportunities.
The journey, made up of existing and proposed trails, follows old rail line and will take riders through the renowned wine country, idyllic bushlands, wetlands and historic country towns, with options to explore a shoreline route to Lake Macquarie.
The trail would link five local government areas, but all 10 in the region are behind the project and hope to enhance connectivity for active transport and give the local tourism economy a boost.
A business case, funded by $387,500 from the NSW Government for the Hunter Joint Organisation, forecasts a benefit-cost ratio of 1.4 and predicts an injection $119 million into the local economy, courtesy of the 237,000 visitors expected to use the trail each year.
“The trail would offer a unique and picturesque route from the vibrant shores of Newcastle to the world-renowned vineyards of the Hunter Valley,” says federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi.
“By promoting eco-friendly transportation and supporting local businesses, the cycle trail will be a catalyst for economic growth and a healthier, more active lifestyle for our residents.”
The project also enjoys support from local businesses, says to the Hunter Joint Organisation, which is seeking state and federal government funding to move to the detailed design phase.
Should the Shiraz to Shore plan come to life, it would rival some of Australia’s other world-class bike tourism destinations, such as Victoria’s Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and the expanding Northern Rivers Rail Trail in NSW.
The first section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in Tweed Shire was projected to attract 27,000 people in its first year. But in keeping with the rising popularity of bike-packing and adventure bike riding, the project proved a smash hit and drew 70,000 people in the first four months.
“Shiraz to Shore will take in some of the best scenic landscapes and trails the Hunter has to offer,” says Yasmin Catley, state Minister for the Hunter.
“It’s a great example of bringing together our region’s natural beauty and existing infrastructure to create a sustainable tourism destination “People come a long way to enjoy the Hunter – Shiraz to Shore will be yet another reason to make the trip!”