A dedicated Halls Gap business owner is getting on the front foot to help drive the use of public transport to the tourist town.
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Tim's Place operator Tim Walsh spent hours across the last few months cataloguing bus services in and out of Halls Gap, to what he refers as 'the world'.
In his notes, he outlined how to get to and from Halls Gap from some of the state's major centres including Melbourne, Warrnambool and throughout the Wimmera.
He said his documentation is testament to the many options now available to those who cannot drive into or out of Halls Gap.
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"People can come from Nhill or Melbourne in a day and go home on the same day if they wish," he said.
"It opens Pandora's box for employment as well as people who want to come in for activities for a few hours and go home."
The business owner has been a passionate proponent for increased public transport services to the Grampians in recent years.
His and other voices were heard earlier in the year, when two bus services between Stawell and Halls Gap commenced, increasing from the previous one.
"The morning and afternoon service between Stawell has really empowered the community," he said.
"In the past, with just the one service a day you would be stuck. One and zero were really the same.
"Now we have completely opened up the possibilities. We aspire to have three services a day and even one through Pomonal past Lake Fyans into Stawell.
"We have spoken with Ararat and Northern Grampians council CEOs and both are supportive."
Mr Walsh has talked with Grampians Tourism and Stawell bus company Sandlant's about continuing to improve services in the region.
"Transport is about providing a better visitor experience but also connecting younger employees in the region," Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said.
"For our region to continue to grow these transport options are vital."
Tourism continues to grow in the Grampians, with the region moving into second place in the state for growth in visitor numbers.
"We are seeing some very positive numbers and continuing to improve public transport options is something that will maintain that."
Mr Walsh said while the uptake of the increased services between Stawell and Halls Gap has been a slow one, he believes it will pave the way for the future.
"We just need little steps as part of a wider cultural shift," he said.
"There are so many people who can benefit. The elderly, young people, there are just so many advantages to it."
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