The stats are in and a record-breaking crowd of more than 16,500 people filled Rutherglen over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, for the infamous Winery Walkabout.
It’s estimated more than $4 million dollars was spent in the local economy and attracted visitors from as far away as Switzerland and Belgium.
Winemakers of Rutherglen Executive Officer Natalie Ajay says the positive impact the event now has on regional tourism, as well as the economic return to businesses is recognised across Indigo Shire.
“With the hundreds of hours of detailed preparation and planning that goes into this one weekend, the return on investment is spectacular, not just for our wineries, but also for small businesses, the main street shops, the community and charity groups,” Natalie said.
Walkabout is an event that attracts more than 50% repeat visitation and this year 44% of attendees were from the local region (within 100km of Rutherglen) and just over 35% came from Melbourne.
“The sheer size, scale and full operation of Winery Walkabout places this event at the top of the tree amongst Australia’s most celebrated wine tourism events,” Natalie said.
“Winemakers of Rutherglen would like to thank all of our stakeholders, valued staff and volunteers, emergency services and of course the township and local Rutherglen community for continuing to make Winery Walkabout a memorable and fun event for thousands of people every year”.
Rutherglen Winery Walkabout will be back in 2020, make sure you mark 6th and 7th of June in your calendar!