Tourism opportunity at Cape Bruny Light Station
02/07/2012
The Tasmanian Government is seeking expressions of interest for new commercial operators to enhance the historic Cape Bruny Light Station site.
The Acting Minister for Environment, Parks, and Heritage, David O'Byrne, said the lighthouse site offers an exciting tourism and hospitality opportunity.
"Cape Bruny Light Station is a popular visitor destination, with spectacular coastal views," Mr O'Byrne said.
"The Tasmanian Government recognises the site's fascinating maritime heritage, and is committed to maintaining those values.
"The Parks and Wildlife Service is looking for private parties who are prepared to invest significantly in Cape Bruny's existing visitor facilities and services.
"Those attractions currently include accommodation and lighthouse tours, and there's great potential for enhancement," he said.
The Minister for Tourism, Scott Bacon, said the lighthouse site would be a great opportunity for a potential tourist operator keen to capitalise on the popularity of Bruny Island.
"We know that our coasts and our heritage experiences are prime drawcards for visitors heading to Tasmania for a holiday," Mr Bacon said.
"The appeal of Bruny Island remains strong, with more than 76,000 visitors heading to the island in the 12 months to March this year, and almost 24,000 of those visitors staying overnight.
"We're hoping to see a strong proposal from a private operator that will ensure a continuing focus on the exceptional heritage and tourism values of Cape Bruny, and to further improve the visitor experience at the site," he said.
The lighthouse is part of South Bruny National Park, about two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Hobart.
The entire precinct is an important historic heritage site. It's an iconic local landmark, and one of only four colonial-style, rubble stone lighthouses of its kind in Australia.
When it was first lit in March 1838, Cape Bruny was Tasmania's third lighthouse, and Australia's fourth. Until it was decommissioned in 1996, it was Australia's second oldest lighthouse, and the longest continually staffed one.
The site's management serves a dual role - providing a visitor experience, while protecting heritage and environmental values.
The site's previous leaseholders (and commercial operators) recently vacated the lease, in order to retire.
"We also appreciate the important community connections to the site, and the contribution made by Wildcare Inc. volunteers who help maintain and present the site to visitors," Mr O'Byrne said.
For more information, visit the Tasmanian Government tender website at www.tenders.tas.gov.au. Tenders close on August 1st, 2012.
There'll be an open day at Cape Bruny on July 11th, for interested parties (registration required).
For all enquiries, and to register for the inspection day, please contact Anne Tolhurst on (03) 6233 2623, or anne.tolhurst@parks.tas.gov.au.