STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR BAZ LUHRMANN HAS HIS HOME CELEBRATED IN NEW TOURIST TRAIL

Australia's famed director Baz Luhrmann is helping to put a NSW hidden gem on the tourist map in Greater Port Macquarie, with his childhood home part of a historic tourist trail through Herons Creek.

The self-drive trail celebrates the life and stories of Aboriginal and European settlers who lived in the area, including the home and roadside service station where the Luhrmann’s lived for 10 years.

Baz Luhrmann said he has vivid memories of growing up at Herons Creek: "Our little town was full of such rich stories and great characters. The adventures we had as kids trekking on a mission through the bush past those beautiful trees and gurgling creeks."

Featuring a series of signs at tourist sites, businesses and significant landmarks, visitors can learn about the region's unique heritage and creative origins.

Herons Creek was settled in the mid-1800s and became a significant area for the pioneer timber cutting industry. The Trail celebrates the former glory of the area such as where the paddle streamers picked up logs, where the railway station was located, places of worship, and the homes of the first settlers and their first offspring.

Tourism spots along the way include accommodation in rustic cabins at Cedar Creek Retreat, wine-tasting at Herons Creek Vineyard & Bago Winery and picnicking at Queens Lake picnic grounds. The area offers stunning natural scenery for bike riding, bird watching, bush walking, boating, fishing and swimming.

For more information go to www.heronscreek.com.au.

To plan your travel and book accommodation in the Greater Port Macquarie area go to visitnsw.com.