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To TOURISM?
Princes Highway West is the major inter-regional transport corridor that connects the communities of south-west of Victoria to ports, airports, road, rail and capital cities in the South-East of Australia.
Major upgrading of the highway is required to improve the efficiencies of transport access for industry to these major population and commercial centres and the ports of Melbourne, Geelong and Portland. 1.
The Princes Highway West is a principal tourist route for south western Victoria, providing access to tourist destinations on and near the route in Victoria, as well as further to Mount Gambier in South Australia.
Tourist features include:
- Warrnambool - the largest city in western Victoria, offers the recreational and scenic attractions focused on the region’s maritime history
- The Great Ocean Road - the scenic route linking the Princes Highway West near Warrnambool to coastal townships and beaches such as Port Campbell, Apollo Bay and Lorne, also provides access to the Port Campbell National park which attracts around 750,000 visitors (1998)
- Portland - the first permanent settlement in Victoria, offers similar attractions to Warrnambool plus the only deep sea port between Melbourne and Adelaide
- Port Fairy - one of Victoria’s earliest settlements, is popular for its existing and historical maritime focus
- The Otway Ranges - a scenic forest area popular for bush walking and camping between the highway and the Great Ocean Road
- Connections to Geelong and Mount Gambier - both centres with a strong tourism focus
Future growth in tourism is expected to have a significant impact on the use of the highway. In particular, developments at Port Campbell and Warrnambool are expected to increase visitor numbers to the region. 2.
“Headline” reasons why Princes Highway West needs duplication and upgrading now:
- Over 6.6 million people visit the Great Ocean Road Region each year and the completion of the Geelong Bypass will increase the number of people accessing our region and all it has to offer.
Many tourists use the circle route; one-way along the Great Ocean Road and one way on the Princes Highway, causing people who are not familiar with the road and Australian road conditions to mix with heave traffic in dangerous circumstances. 3.
- Position statement for Princes Highway West, PHW Alliance of local government
- Princes Highway West A1 Corridor Strategy VicRoads Publication number 00634
- Duplication and upgrading of Princes Highway West – Save lives, grow our economy PHW Alliance of local government
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