Volunteers point tourists in the right direction Bulahdelah, Wootton, Nerong FEATURED by News Of The Area - Modern Media - July 15, 2017 Volunteers Kevin Carter and Geoff Turner provide tourist information to hundreds of travellers each week. IT may be the middle of winter, but the region continues to be a hotspot for tourism. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE The pristine beaches are a major drawcard despite the chill in the air, with fishing and spectacular coastal walks proving to be popular activities. But away from the coastline, there is an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Magical rainforests, an old trestle bridge and Wootton’s railway walk are just a few of the many jewels on offer. Bulahdelah Visitors Information Centre (VIC) Coordinator, Kevin Carter, said Alum Mountain is a popular walk for visitors. “We are also central to the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest circuit taking in the Myall Lakes National Park,” he said. “The Gloucester circuit and Stroud, from a historical building point of view, are also popular and Seal Rocks is another iconic area that we send tourists to.” A wealth of information for travellers is available at the well-stocked centre, including walls of pamphlets devoted to attractions, accommodation and local events, in addition to the extensive knowledge of the volunteers. “We are most commonly asked for maps and brochures,” Kevin said. “As we are still a gateway to the north coast, we get people in and kit them out with maps up all the way to Byron Bay and Brisbane.” But the Visitors Centre is much more than just a map and brochure dispensing service, with “a country fair arrangement” showcasing local craft and artwork, Aboriginal artefacts and local produce including jams and honey. The centre also sells beach and fishing permits, a range of souvenirs and offers a photocopying service. Kevin said Bulahdelah’s well-presented main street and clean parks, along with the majestic Myall River, give the town a “quaint country atmosphere” which is appealing to tourists. “We were once a place where you only stopped en-route to somewhere else, but there are a lot more caravans that now come and stay up to three days and spend money in the Bulahdelah economy,” he said. The VIC is 100 percent self-funded and is staffed entirely by a band of volunteers. By Daniel SAHYOUN Volunteers Kevin Carter and Geoff Turner provide tourist information to hundreds of travellers each week. The Bulahdelah Visitors Information Centre is entirely self-funded.
A great result for the VIC post the bypass. I’ve spent many years at the centre but have moved on to another adventure. I certainly take my hat off to all of the loyal volunteers and Bulahdelah wouldn’t be the same without them. Well done and keep flying the flag. Reply
