Steadily relaxing restrictions on travel within regional Victoria has led Accor to set November 1 as the opening date of The Sebel Yarrawonga – its sprawling new resort development around an hour from Albury and three hours from Melbourne.
Sitting in the picturesque Murray River region, the first stage of the resort features 63 guest rooms and apartments. A second stage comprised of 54 rooms will be opened in late 2022 or early 2023. Two of the property’s three food and beverage outlets – the casual Stock and Barrel Bar and the Sunset Pool Bar – will open next month, with the headline Elizabeth’s fine dining restaurant to join the fray before the end of this year.
Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said he was confident The Sebel Yarrawonga will deliver an exceptional service experience for guests.
“We are expecting to see a boom in this area, particularly in the current climate, as serviced apartments limit unnecessary contact with other guests and offer a safe and secure way to travel,” he said.
“Accor continues to expand its offerings in Australia. The Pacific is a strong region and the future of travel is bright.”
The Sebel Yarrawonga sits next door to Black Bull championship golf course – regarded as one of the best in the Murray River region. The resort is expected to generate 60 on-site jobs and contribute to 500 more jobs through local suppliers and contractors. It is anticipated the resort will contribute to an increase of nearly 100,000 visitors to the region and inject AUD$14 million into the local economy once the resort is open in full.
The resort will be led by experienced Accor General Manager, Rebecca Russell, who was identified as an emerging talent by the Accor leadership program in 2014 and has since worked her way through properties in North Queensland, Sydney, Alice Springs and regional NSW before making her way to The Sebel Yarrawonga.
“We can’t wait to welcome our first customers and guests through to experience The Sebel Yarrawonga,” Russell said.
“It has been a challenging year but we are finally ready to see the hotel buzzing with locals and regional travellers and eventually, guests from Melbourne and interstate.”