Dairy Destinations launched to encourage regional Australian holidays

A new tourism intiative is encouraging Australians to discover where their favourite ice cream and cheese is made.

Dairy Australia ambassador Jonathan Brown at the launch of Dairy Destinations in Melbourne last week.

DAIRY leaders and tourism operators have told Australians the whey to go this winter — to the nation’s many lactose-linked locations.

Launched by media personality Jonathan Brown last week, Dairy Destinations will encourage tourists to take a road trip to discover the story behind the dairy industry.

The initiative is a collaboration between online accommodation giant Airbnb and Dairy Australia and features 12 dairy regions — Margaret River in WA; Barossa Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Hills in SA; Murray, Great Ocean Road and Gippsland in Victoria; southern and northern Tasmania; the south and central NSW coasts as well as Queensland’s

Sunshine Coast.

Dairy Australia spokeswoman Emily Coulson said the dairy-themed itineraries gives plenty of food for thought.

“With international flights currently grounded, it couldn’t be a better time to holiday in Australia this year,” she said.

“Dairy Destinations takes the guesswork out of planning memorable road trips throughout our incredible dairy regions. You don’t have to go far for great dairy and Dairy Destinations is a testament to that.”

Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon said many farmers were already involved in hosting visitors through the online booking website.

“From Bruny Island in Tasmania, to Maleny in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, this collection of itineraries showcases some of Australia’s finest dairy producers as well as an incredible range of Airbnb listings,” she said.

Our hosts are very passionate about showing off the patch they call home and are always sure to point guests in the direction of the best hidden gems and local businesses to support.”

As part of last week’s launch, a pop-up shop called The Milk Bar was set up in the Melbourne suburb of Windsor.

Visitors to the temporary Melbourne shop sampled treats from Apollo Bay-based Dooley’s Ice Creamery as well as a selection of cheese from regions across the country.

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