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Hills high on visitors’ list

By Tania Martin

7th October 2008 02:02:54 AM

Puffing Billy has been voted as one of the most popular tourist attractions across Victoria.

THE Dandenongs have recorded a top scorecard in a tourism poll.

Two of the regions most favourite attractions Puffing Billy and SkyHigh Mt Dandenong were ranked in the top 25 of the state-wide poll.

Puffing Billy ranked number 14 in the RACV’s 101 campaign while Sky High came in at number 23.

The online campaign, which recorded more than 22,000 votes, called for people to vote on their favourite tourism experience.

Linden Gardens Rainforest Retreat in Mt Dandenong also scored high with position 18 and the Dandenong Ranges National Park just squeezed in at 97th.

RACV tourism and travel manager Neil James said although driving the Great Ocean Road took poll position at number one, it was the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley that attracted a large majority of votes.

“We started with 101 experiences and ended up with a list of 588 nominations and more than 8760 comments,” he said.

“We now have a fabulous resource for holiday ideas in Victoria that our members and web visitors will be able to go to for inspiration when planning holidays.”

Puffing Billy marketing manager Nadine Hutchins said the railway was delighted with its ranking.

“We are so happy that so many people supported us and voted for Puffing Billy,” she said.

Ms Hutchins said if another poll was done in the future, Puffing Billy would aim for the number one spot.

“We are working really hard to improve the experience for all tourists,” she said.