No Tourists? High Country Goes to the City

King River Brewing in the King Valley. Photo: TruPics

With bushfires putting a dent into visitor numbers to the region, around 100 local producers and makers will come to them, with a High Country Comeback in Melbourne on Sunday.

The event will offer Melburnians the chance to support regional businesses which have been hit hard by the recent bushfires as well as encourage visitors to return to the High Country.

Celebrating Feast High Country Festival during May.

High Country Comeback ​will showcase the produce, wine, beer, gifts, experiences and a range of Made in Victoria’s High Country products as well as talented homegrown musicians at the iconic Port Melbourne venue, ​The Timber Yard​, which has donated the site for the day in support of the event.

Event spokesperson, Janelle Marsden-Boynton from Feathertop Wines, (which has also been severely impacted by the tourism downturn this Summer), said the idea of the event  immediately gained momentum among a growing number of regional growers and producers who have banded together in support of High Country Comeback.

“We all rely on the Summer trade with many businesses normally taking over 75 percent of their annual income during this period,” Janelle said.

Artisan Mill. Photo: Jason Robins Photography

“So we thought we could create a family friendly day for people in Melbourne to come and show their support by buying some products from our region and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the High Country Comeback.

“We have a strong region and watching everyone come together to deliver this in the past few days has been incredibly rewarding. High Country businesses need the funds right now to stay afloat so we’re hoping Melburnians turn out in droves to help them through this very difficult time”

The High Country Comeback is at The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne on Sunday 2 February from 11am-2pm.