PODS UNCORKED: Mt Duneed Estate reveals boutique accommodation

MT DUNEED Estate has uncorked a new experience for visitors to the Geelong region, opening eight boutique accommodation pods with funding support from the state government.

The one-bedroom pods enjoy impressive views over the vineyard and the rolling green hills of the estate and surrounding farmland.

Each luxury pod has its own balcony with freestanding bath and sleeps two adults in a king-size bed, and also includes a kitchenette, television, mini-lounge area, and sleek modern bathroom.

Mt Duneed Estate is already a popular winery and event centre in the region and has been hosting up to 20,000 music fans at A Day On The Green concerts for more than a decade.

General manager Bec Hanegraaf said the winery was thrilled to have completed the pods, which are now available for booking.

“It’s been a great boost not only for our business here, but post-COVID, it’s obviously been a big challenge getting back thriving again, so we’re really excited to have the pods on site and open for people to visit the region.”

The state government contributed a $259,000 grant from its Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund towards the pods, and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos and South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman visited Mt Duneed Estate on Friday last week to formally open the accommodation.

“Victoria has 21 wine regions, 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors – it is a fantastic industry, but it’s one that’s not just economically important but it actually showcases the best parts of Victoria in many respects,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“The fund was designed to basically add more accommodation and other attractions to the Victorian tourism landscape for the very puprose of increasing visitation, ensuring people have all-year-round options, and also to encourage people to stay longer, because when people stay longer, they spend in the local economy.

“As far as Geelong goes, this is I think sometimes an overlooked wine region – it’s just fantastic – so I’d get in the car or on the cheap V/Line fares, come down and experience some of the best wine in Victoria here in Geelong and at Mt Duneed Estate.”

Mr Cheeseman said tourism was an important part of the local economy.

“We have world-class wineries right here in the Geelong region, Mt Duneed Estate is of course a key part of that, and having luxury accommodation on site will really add to the tourism experience in the region; it’s a wonderful thing.”

The state government says the new facilities at Mt Duneed Estate aligns with its recently released Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan, which aims to grow Victoria’s tourism industry and create jobs over the next 10 years.

The plan aims to strengthen Victoria’s tourism offering by leveraging the state’s competitive advantages, and focuses on five growth pillars: First Peoples-led experiences, food and drink, wellness, nature, and arts and culture.

Mr Dimopoulos said his government was continuing to back regional tourism through the $150 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund, and a further $20 million for regional tourism marketing.