New shuttles make exploring easy

EXPLORE THE VALLEY TO THE MOUNTAINS – WITHOUT DRIVING

• NEW transport service offers regular shuttles between Mansfield and Mt Buller
• Explorer Shuttles commencing soon
• Shuttles are available every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from February-March
• Flexible pass options available including one-way, return and all day

A new transport service makes exploring around Mansfield, Mt Buller and Mt Stirling a whole lot easier this summer. “Locals’ Day Out” is a shuttle service linking Mansfield and the alpine resorts with local wineries, pubs, popular sightseeing destinations, hiking and bike trail heads designed to connect visitors and locals alike to the places they want to explore this summer.

What dates and times does the new shuttle service operate?

The service launches 8 February offering four trips per day between Mansfield and the mountains on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Explorer Shuttle is a comfortable mini-coach complete with a bike trailer.

• Mansfield services (towards Mt Buller) depart at 8am, 10.40am, 2.00pm and 4.40pm
• Mt Buller departures (towards Mansfield) depart at 9.20am, 11.45am, 3.25pm with a final return to Mansfield at 5.15pm from Mirimbah Store.

How does the Explorer Shuttle improve transport and access between Mt Buller and Mansfield?

Founder/Director of Locals’ Day Out Neil Geddes explains, “As locals and regulars in this special part of Victoria know, our region is chock-full of hidden gems and amazing experiences - but you need to know where to look and how to get there. Locals’ Day Out is filling a gap with a service that brings you back to your Mt Buller accommodation after a long lunch at Delatite Winery, connects you to experiences along the valley, safely ferries the kids to Mt Buler for a day on the gravity trails and offers a range of drop off and pick up options along the way.”

“We’ve worked closely with local business operators and the community to develop a timetable that supports gravel riders, mountain bikers, hikers, wine-tasters, adventurers, visitors and locals who need a one-way or return ride that fits their plans and allows them to leave the car behind,” Neil adds.

Where does the Explorer Shuttle Service pick up and drop off?

The service has been designed to offer plenty of flexibility with a choice of single trips, return or unlimited day passes for those wanting the freedom to hop-on hop-off and explore along the route. Stops between Mansfield and Mt Buller include Delatite Winery, the historic Hunt Club Hotel, Merrijig Motor Inn, Sebel Pinnacle Valley, Carters Road, BOMA restaurant, Mirimbah Store and Park and other stops on request. Bike riders are catered for and welcomed with the Locals’ Day Out shuttles and trailer service specifically designed to support the growing network of rail trails, gravel rides and alpine trails attracting riders to the region.

What if I want to head somewhere else or charter my own vehicle?

Locals’ Day Out has tailored options available for guests to customise their own adventure. Want to head out to Craig’s Hut for a picnic and have a knowledgeable local share some pointers along the drive? Book your own 4x4 charter for a group of friends or family and build your own trip. Suggested itineraries include special spots such as Bindaree Falls, local breweries and distilleries, a Ned Kelly tour and adventures over to the King Valley. Locals’ Day Out has a range of vehicles from 10 seater 4x4 minivans through to coaches to suit groups of all sizes. A team of experienced and informed locals serve as tour guide and driver to make each outing a trip to remember.

Look out for the Explorer Shuttles on the road this summer and speak to Neil and the friendly team about how they can take some of the driving out of your summer holiday plans leaving you more time to enjoy the trails, lazy picnics and long lunches.