Martin Ferguson
Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Tourism
Gavin Marshall
Senator for Victoria
Audience members from the Oprah Winfrey Show are discovering the iconic sights, sounds and tastes of Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP said that Tourism Australia, in partnership with Tourism Victoria and industry partners, has put together a truly exciting program of activities to showcase the world class tourism experiences on offer in Victoria.
“Audience members have the opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery, blend of cultures and first class food and wine that Victoria has to offer,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Activities will offer our American visitors a taste of Australian life with everything from museum visits to shopping, browsing Melbourne’s myriad lanes and arcades to scenic coastal flights and encounters with our stunning wildlife.
“Melbourne is the food and wine capital of Australia and, along with Victoria’s stunning coastal icons, will now be on display again as part of this important visit.”
Gavin Marshall, Senator for Victoria, extended a very warm welcome to the audience members and invited them to make the most of Victoria’s genuine hospitality.
“Oprah’s audience members are in for an absolute treat during their visit here in Victoria,” Senator Marshall said.
“Yesterday audience members enjoyed lunch at Albert Park and dinner at the Melbourne Museum.
“Over the next two days groups will have the opportunity to discover the charm of Melbourne’s lanes and arcades, experience Indigenous cooking, and see the iconic penguin parade, fur seals and natural beauty of Phillip Island.
“They will also be treated to a scenic helicopter flight along the magnificent Great Ocean Road, have the opportunity to take off on a bike ride along the Yarra River and go hot air ballooning with even more surprises planned for tomorrow.
“Tourism generates $8.6 billion dollars for Victoria’s economy. With the strong economy and high Australian dollar more Australians are choosing to holiday overseas at the same time that more international visitors are coming to Australia.
“Oprah’s Ultimate Australia Adventure will encourage more visitors to Australia but it will also remind Australians that some of the best holiday destinations in the world can be found right here in our own back yard.
“I encourage more Australians to head to Victoria for their holidays and follow in the footsteps of Oprah’s audience.”