AAT Kings is bringing back its ‘Bushfire Relief Giveback’ trips, supporting local communities. And first up, we have Victoria, kickstarting the #EmptyEsky series.
AAT Kings, in collaboration with the #EmptyEsky movement and regional tourism businesses, says that it’s pleased to announce the Bushfire Relief Giveback Experiences are back.
These trips are designed to help support communities directly affected by 2020’s devastating bushfires – and now doubly impacted by COVID-19.
#EmptyEsky
On May 28, AAT King’s Discover Gippsland trip will be the first to run since the pandemic and will re-launch the #EmptyEsky series.
The tour company says that its experiences have been developed in conjunction with local communities, with AAT Kings transporting guests and their empty esky, to visit local markets, cafes and stores; with free time to wander through the towns, spend with the local shopkeepers and fill their esky or reusable bag with locally made products.
Guests will also meet some of the locals who will tell stories of recovery and share firsthand how best to help these destinations.
Matt Fuller, CEO for AAT Kings Group, stated: “Having worked with Australian tourism operators for over 100 years, we live and breathe these communities – they have taken a hard hit and need us now more than ever.”
“We’ve worked with local businesses to bring much-needed tourism economy directly back to restaurants, cafes, farmers markets and local stores, to help start providing immediate support to the regions that need it the most.”
Matt Fuller, CEO, AAT Kings Group
Discover Gippsland
Keen to get on this AAT Kings tour? Here’s the rundown.
With a Friday pick-up in Melbourne, guests are driven into the Victorian landscape with a few stops along the way to explore small towns and #supportlocalbusiness.
Staying at The Esplanade Resort & Spa in Lakes Entrance, the 3-day weekend break gives live support to some of the region’s most beloved towns such as Bairnsdale, Paynesville and includes koala spotting on Raymond Island.
You’ll visit the largest cave system in Victoria at Buchan Caves, spectacular limestone formations from almost 400 million years ago; Meet husband and wife team David Lucke’s Fresh Food Market plus stock up on local produce; Enjoy a meal at the charming farm to plate café of Lindenow, The Long Paddock; and top off the trip with an indulgent wine tasting at Lightfoot & Sons winery, take in the sweeping views of the fertile valley…
Then return to Melbourne and spread the word that East Gippsland and all of regional Australia are open for business!
Prices are AUD $710pp twin share, includes accommodation and some meals.
Click here for more information.
AAT Kings has also said there are more trips to be announced throughout NSW and South Australia soon.