For the month of October 2024, Engelbrecht Cave was the top clicked Limestone Coast attraction and second most clicked attraction in the state on the online tourism information portal the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
Council assumed operational responsibility for Engelbrecht Cave following the end of a long-term lease in July this year. It was the first site to be reopened as part of City of Mount Gambier’s new visitor servicing model.
“The activation of Engelbrecht Cave under the hub and spoke visitor servicing model builds on the foundation of its former management with insights such as this telling us that it is tracking very well,” City of Mount Gambier Strategic Development and Visitor Economy Coordinator Amanda Stevens said.
Engelbrecht Cave is a highly sought after storytelling and immersive experience. It makes Mount Gambier a more desirable destination, builds on our brand, the unique location of our city and has strong regional appeal.
“You can book a guided tour online and that means it is now part of the consideration process in the planning and dreaming phase of a traveller’s trip.”
The economic benefit returned to the community from visitor servicing on site at Engelbrecht Cave is estimated at just over $800,000 since reopening in late July.
“We know that when travellers speak to a visitor servicing team member, they then spend on average an extra, unplanned $124.00 within the local community. Most of this is a new economy for Mount Gambier and the State of South Australia,” Mrs Stevens said.
Council has received positive feedback about Engelbrecht Cave from travellers and will continue to use available data to implement business improvements to match the dynamic nature of tourism.
“Engelbrecht Cave’s number one status as the top attraction and overall product in Limestone Coast, and number two attraction in the State on ATDW demonstrates the appeal and demand for this unique experience.”
“We are currently looking at how we can market this world-class experience to an international audience where we know there is demand.”
Engelbrecht Cave was the first spoke site to be activated seven days a week under the new visitor servicing model, with Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul activated shortly after, both in line with the respective private operator’s retirement.
“This year having considerably scaled up our visitor servicing, we are in a fantastic position to welcome, curate the experience of and disperse travellers into our city and around our greater region.”
The Mount Gambier visitor servicing team will welcome an influx of travellers over Christmas and New Year with all visitor servicing sites open daily during the busiest period of the year.
“The Blue Lake Welcome Centre will be open from 10:00am to 3:00pm from 26 December 2024 to 5 January 2025. Engelbrecht Cave and Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul will be open seven days a week between 10:00am to 3:00pm, and the Lady Nelson will be open seven days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and from 10:00am to 4:00pm on weekends and public holidays.”
