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Pat a koala these school holidays  - December 2011

Pat a koala, hand feed an albino kangaroo, walk with the dingoes, talk to the parrots and get all wrapped up in the three meter python snake, it’s all possible at Maru Koala and Animal Park these school holidays. Winner of five awards in 2011, come see wombats, Tasmanian Devils, the miniature donkey, pony, emus and more. Then go a challenging adventure as you putt your way around the Princess Caribbean Pirate Ship and play 18 holes at Pirate Pete’s mini-golf.

Designed with the budget conscious family in mind, you can enjoy both attractions for low discount price all day long. There are talks in the animal park between 11am and 3pm and guided entry inside the koala enclosure at the start of every hour from 10am to 5pm daily. Bring your camera to take advantage of the ample photo opportunities, or purchase a professional photo of you with one of the animals as a special souvenir to take home.

‘Close Encounters’ are unique experiences that allow you a more personal interaction with the animal and are available with a koala, dingo, golden possum or snake. Encounters are available throughout the day between 10am and 5pm. Bring your own food to enjoy in the alfresco area or purchase from our licensed café and dining area.

A family owned and operated business, bring your family to meets ours at our multi-award winning attraction, including winner of the Gippsland Tourism Award and Victorian Tourism Award Finalist in 2011. Visit our website or Facebook page for more details, including ‘Keeper for a Day’ programs and ‘Twilight Tour’ bookings. Open every day from 9:30am until at least 5:30pm, last animal talks and encounters are at 5pm.

KEEPER TALKS:

10am to 5pm	KOALAS	Enclosure entry and talk. On the hour every hour from 10am to 5pm.
11:15am	POSSUM	Meet Honey, our golden Brush-tail possum.
12:15pm	SNAKES	Snake talk and interaction.
1:00pm	KOALAS	Feature Koala Presentation.
2:15pm	TASMANIAN DEVILS	Keeper talk and feeding on some days.
3:15pm	DINGOES	Join the keeper on the Dingo walk around the Park.
4:15pm	STICK INSECTS	Talk and handling.

Contact:
Neroli Heffer
03 5678 8548
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www.marukoalapark.com.au

Acclaim for Phillip Island at the 2011 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards - December 2011

Phillip Island has been recognized among the state’s leading tourism destinations, winning two awards and named a finalist in five categories at the 2011 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards, announced in Melbourne on Monday.

At the gala awards ceremony, held at Crown Palladium in Melbourne, the region’s Tourism Manager, Mr. Ken Hore was presented the Qantas Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, while Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm received the Herald Sun Award for best Tourist Attraction.

Ken Hore was acknowledged for his leadership skills, passion and commitment to developing strategic partnerships during his tourism career which commenced in the early 90’s when he became CEO of Country Victoria Tourism Council. He moved to the position of Tourism Manager of the Bass Coast Shire in 2000.

Kim Storey and the board of Destination Phillip Island applauded the deserved recognition of our Tourism Manager and regional operators.

“The success and recognition of our Tourism Manager Ken Hore, Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm and our finalists is a true testament to the island and the experiences the region provides visitors,” said Ms Storey.

Tourism Attraction award recipient, Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm received the Silver Merit Award in the same category last year, the farm’s owner and operator, Paul Mannix was thrilled with the success this year.

Phillip Island businesses named as finalists at Monday’s awards were first time entrant The Island Accommodation in the Metlink Award category for Backpacker Accommodations; Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and Maru Koala and Animal Park in the Herald Sun Award category for Tourist Attractions; Phillip Island & Bass Coast Information Centre in the City of Melbourne Award for Visitor Information and Services; and Silverwater Resort in the Deluxe Accommodation category. To achieve finalist is a great achievement, many entries do not obtain this status.

Ms Storey said that for Phillip Island to have their own Tourism Manager and six individual operators celebrated is a significant achievement for the region.

“Phillip Island tourism operators continue to do us proud as representatives of the Island and all it has to offer.

“It is such an honour for our region to be represented by such a high standard of tourism businesses, reflecting the island’s reputation as one of the state’s premier holiday and tourism destinations,” said Ms Storey.

The RACV Victorian Tourism Awards has fostered a culture of excellence and innovation for 28 years by providing a means of recognition amongst peers and encouraging consistent business development. Each year the awards bring together more than 1,000 stakeholders including key industry associations, operators, suppliers and state government stakeholders.

Mr. Ken Hore and Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm will now go on to compete in the 2011 Qantas Australia Tourism Awards which be held in Cairns in March 2012.

If you are interested in participating in the awards in 2012, now is the time to start your work, please contact me about the work you need to start now to participate in this prestigious event.

Yours sincerely,
Kim Storey

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