By JESSE GRAHAM
THE Yarra Valley had an unexpected visitor last week as a Formula One car took to TarraWarra Estate’s vineyards at sunrise before traversing the Dandenong Ranges.
The car was driven at TarraWarra Estate at sunrise on Wednesday 5 February with Cameron McConville behind the wheel and Australian Grand Prix Ambassador Georgia Geminder riding shotgun.
The Formula One visit was a publicity stunt to bring attention to the Formula One Rolex Australian Grand Prix, which will begin in about five weeks.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott said the Grant Prix was the cornerstone of Victoria’s major events calendar and that he was pleased to promote the event and the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs at the same time.
“Formula One showcases this state on the world stage and we strongly believe that this activity will attract more international visitors to Puffing Billy and the Yarra Valley region in future,” he said.
Tourism Victoria and VicRoads worked in conjunction with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to ensure that safety was paramount – road closures were undertaken for the safety of drivers.
Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said she was pleased with how last week’s event promoted Melbourne and regional Victoria in exciting ways on an international level.
For more information on the Grand Prix, visit www.grandprix.com.au.
