The National Forests Policy Statement of 1992 (NFPS) included important commitments regarding the development of forest tourism in Australia’s native forests.  In Victoria the tourism potential of the Central Highlands forests has been seriously compromised by irresponsible and unsustainable logging.

The RFPG has proposed a package of tourism initiatives directed to sharing the beauty and supporting the economies. The RFPG calls on the Murrindindi Shire Council working with the State Government to:

• create an Aboriginal cultural heritage trail including Naah Naah Djong (the Cathedral Range) and early forced re-settlement sites for the Daungurung/Taungurung  people;
• develop self-guided driving tours on the Plateau highlighting historic, ecological and geologically significant sites like the amazing Cerberean Cauldron;
• open up Royston Falls and Elephant Rock via a walk from the Power Station, and also open a track to Niagara falls below Snobs Creek falls;
• upgrade Tweed Spur track and Cathedral Lane/Chitty Ridge Track to 2WD standard to create a scenic drive connecting Cathedral Range State Park with the Rubicon State Forest;
• improve signposting and access to the Rubicon Historic Area;
• establish a mini historical display at the Rubicon Power Station;
• open the haulage line with a cog railway from Rubicon Power Station;
• establish mountain bike trails, incorporating aqueducts and trestle bridges; and
• upgrade Barnewall Plains Rd to 2WD standard to improve access to Mt Torbreck.

Watch this space for more detailed maps and photographs showing the potential of our proposed initiatives for encouraging visitors to the Rubicon and developing the local tourist industry.