By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
JUST a short drive from the city, the Casey-Cardinia region can feel a world away from the buzz of the city – making it an ideal tourist destination.
Congratulations to the finalists in the tourism category of the Casey-Cardinia business awards.
Spread over 10 hectares of Pearcedale bushland, the aim of Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park is twofold: to protect native Australian species, and to educate guests on native plants and animals and the importance of conservation.
Visitors to the park will meet endangered species, feed kangaroos, pet koalas and encounter Australian natives such as dingoes, wombats and various reptiles. Living up to its name, the sanctuary comes alive at night with guests spotting beautiful night birds on a lantern-lit tour.
The park has a strong focus on conservation, running a breeding program, and has implemented several water and energy saving measures. They also focus on education, with schools regularly visiting the sanctuary to learn about its animals and practices.
Racing comes to life at Pakenham Racing Club. Backed by over 100 years of history, the brand new Tynong facility boasts two hospitality and entertainment venues as well as a 2400-metre turf track and a 2000-metre Polytrack. The events centre can cater for up to 1000 people and features stunning floor to ceiling windows for optimum race viewing.
Over 40 meets per season are held at Pakenham, drawing crowds from around the state. With a 16,000 capacity on racedays, the Pakenham Racing Club brings the elegance and excitement of racing to Casey-Cardinia, in turn providing business opportunities for other tourism operators in the area.
Guests to the region will find themselves comfortable and well-accommodated at Quest Narre Warren.
Quest’s one, two or three bedroom apartments will cater to groups of any size, whatever the reason for their stay may be. Quest offers all the conveniences of top serviced accommodation, including on-site reception, internet access, breakfast options, housekeeping and 24 hour on-site management.
There are also conference facilities, barbecues, car parking and a swimming pool onsite. Located conveniently on Princes Highway, Quests offers a modern and welcoming feel to all its guests.
The winner of the Tourism Award will be announced at a gala dinner on 22 October.
