Hidden stories across Moyne Shire and Portland have been captured in new podcasts.
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Storytowns' founder Jarrod Pickford partnered with Moyne Shire to deliver 'The Country to Coast Trail' podcast to connect travellers with 13 small communities in the shire from Kirkstall to Port Fairy and Mortlake to Peterborough.
"This is my home turf, it's where I grew up," Mr Pickford said.
"Creating this tour has been incredibly fun because the region is diverse and has such a lively, spirited atmosphere wherever you venture to.
"The locals have been so warm and friendly, and their stories are certainly memorable.
"The landscape setting is also phenomenal - you get to be by the ocean one minute, then in a paddock by a dormant volcano the next. It's breath-taking when you really stop and soak up the surroundings."
The Country to Coast Trail meets the familiar faces in each community who share stories as ocean fishermen, dairy industry experts and publicans.
Storytowns will release geo-location technology in January where travellers will be able to drive and the geo-located podcasts will automatically play as listeners enter each town, providing a revolutionary travel experience.
Moyne Shire mayor Daniel Meade said the podcast trail was a progressive digital approach to showcasing the region.
"Now that regional travel has resumed, it is the perfect time for trips to and around Moyne," he said.
"The podcasts are designed to encourage visitor dispersal, promote local businesses and help boost the local economy.
"Storytowns provides an opportunity to build community pride in our local towns and for locals to become visitors in their own backyard, guided by the podcast."
Encapsulating a tourism experience through audio, interactive maps and an app, Storytowns have produced 'Portland Pub and Laneways Tour' alongside the Committee of Portland.
Listeners press play on the podcast, follow the map and go on a journey of exploration through the rustic settings with Portland's bartenders, baristas and artists to gain an insider knowledge of the beachside town.
Mr Pickford said the podcast took listeners to the prominent pubs of The Gordon, Macs Hotel, Henty Hotel and The Royal and is an experience for tourists and locals alike.
"Storytowns is having huge success, people are loving the idea of discovering new things that they never would have known before," he said.
"It's also so rewarding to increase awareness about small towns. Most of the locals we have met are just full of so much passion and love for their community, it's nice to be able to help promote their local businesses and encourage tourism in the area."
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