“Be bold […] Adopt cathedral thinking. What do we want in a hundred years’ time? And of course, we want vibrant, sustainable, happy, healthy communities.” — Susannah Doyle

How can destinations transform extractive heritage into regenerative tourism foundations? In Indigo Shire, located in Victoria, Australia, this transformation is happening through a bold vision and community commitment to sustainability.

Susannah Doyle, Manager of Tourism for Indigo Shire, reveals how this small regional council is leveraging Gold Rush history to build a regenerative tourism future. The area has evolved from 1850s gold mining settlements into thriving destinations for heritage tourism, world-class wine, cycling adventures, and sustainable living experiences. With over 50,000 annual users generating more than $21 million through their extensive rail trail network alone, Indigo Shire demonstrates that heritage and sustainability create powerful economic drivers.

“I think we are lucky that we have a foundation of Gold Rush, which is by definition extractive, and therefore we can show that we are flipping from extraction to regeneration. And it’s quite a persuasive story.” 

The region encompasses four distinctive townships, including Yackandandah, which is leading the way in community-owned renewable energy with plans to be entirely renewable by 2030.

In the long term, Susannah envisions that Indigo Shire will expand its already impressive active transportation network and strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners as two critical pieces of the regenerative future. Through “cathedral thinking” that considers the hundred-year impacts, Indigo Shire demonstrates how destinations can commit to regeneration holistically, moving forward in reconciliation, heritage preservation, environmental sustainability, economic development, and more.

On Travel Beyond, you’ll learn:

• How Yackandandah achieved community-owned renewable energy leadership, inspiring artisan communities and demonstrating sustainable living practices that attract values-aligned tourists.
• How Indigo Shire’s 30+ Gold Rush sites create walking, cycling, and driving experiences that connect heritage storytelling with contemporary sustainable tourism practices.
• How innovative transport solutions could transform visitor dispersal across the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and Epic Mountain Bike Trail networks, connecting all four townships
• How strong relationships with Traditional Owners can bring cultural conservation and truth-telling into destination management planning.

Show notes

Indigo Shire Council Visitor Information — Official tourism information for the four destination towns within Indigo Shire, including events, destinations, and industry resources.

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail — Victoria’s premier 137km sealed rail trail connecting Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Beechworth, and Yackandandah through mountains, valleys and gourmet regions.

Totally Renewable Rackandandah — A 100% volunteer-run community group with the goal of powering this small Victorian town with 100% renewable energy.

Victorian Goldfields World Heritage — Background on Indigo Shire’s Gold Rush heritage sites and the upcoming World Heritage listing bid centred on Beechworth’s heritage precinct.

Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation — The traditional custodians of much of Indigo Shire’s country, working in partnership with council on cultural conservation, knowledge sharing and tourism development.