By Andy Young
The Bundaberg Distilling Company (BDC) has announced plans to invest $7.5 million in upgrading its visitor centre experience at its distillery.
The upgrade will see the introduction of a new interactive self-guided tour as well as an alfresco-dining area and function facilities to cater for private and corporate events. The changes are expected to be completed by July 2016 and the company hopes the investment will bring an increase in the number of visitors to the distillery.
Diageo Australia’s managing director, David Smith, said the $7.5 million investment in the visitors’ centre was just one of many ways the distillery contributes to the local Bundaberg community.
"The Bundaberg Distilling Company has been an integral part of the local Bundaberg region for more than 125 years and we intend to be here for many years to come," said Smith.
"Through this investment we’re able to ensure the success of the distillery, while at the same time ensuring the success of the region by strengthening tourism and local employment."
According to Bundaberg's senior brand manager Duncan Littler, BDC has invested around $5m in improving the distillery as a tourist attraction over the last 10 years.
“We’ve modelled the new visitor centre off our state-of-the-art Barrel House, as it offers visitors the chance to get a first-hand view of how our premium rums are crafted,” Littler said.
“The centre will be housed in two of the BDC’s repurposed bond stores, which have housed millions of litres of Bundaberg Rum over the years, so you really couldn’t hope to get any closer to the real experience.”
The museum-style experience will showcase the world’s largest display of historical Bundaberg Rum bottles, as well as an expanded retail experience where consumers will be able to purchase the full range of Bundaberg Rum products, including products that are exclusive to the distillery.
The new tour will culminate with a unique experience, where visitors will be invited to learn about the art of blending by creating their own premium rum blend to take home.