New England High Country - Motorcycle Mecca

Launch of dedicated motorcycle map in partnership with Hema Maps & BMW Motorrad

NEHC to host BMW Motorrad 2019 Safari on some of best rides in Australia

The Hon. Adam Marshall, MP, Member for the Northern Tablelands, launched a dedicated motorcycle touring map as part of a smart partnership between the six local Councils of New England High Country, Hema Maps and BMW Motorrad at NSW Parliament on the 14 November 2018.

The launch of the ground-breaking map is at the centre of the ‘My Favourite Corner’ campaign designed to entice riders to the region which boasts some of the best rides in Australia across Walcha, Uralla, Inverell, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Armidale.

Catering for a wide variety of riders, the map features the region’s top 8 rides, covering Thunderbolts Way, Waterfall Way, Old Glen Innes Road, Gwydir Highway, Oxley Highway, Tourist Drive 19, Bruxner Highway and Mount Mackenzie Drive.

"I'm excited to have this opportunity to promote a region that I love through a pastime that I'm passionate about," said Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray.

"This is a perfect way to showcase New England High Country.

"As someone who rides an enduro bike, I know first-hand that this is a world-class region when it comes to riding. It's a Mecca for motorcyclists in Australia. From the winding roads to the plethora of dirt tracks cutting through incredible scenery, we have it all.

"And following a day on the bike nothing beats the region's local hospitality to enjoy locally-grown produce and a glass of something locally brewed, distilled or fermented.

"I'd like to acknowledge the partnership that has brought us to stage three of our motorcycling campaign. Working with two class-leading companies in Hema Maps and BMW Motorrad, we've achieved something special."

Rob Gallagher, CEO of Hema Maps, added: "Hema is really proud to have worked together in this partnership between the six local government areas, BMW Motorrad and Hema Maps to put the New England High Country region literally on the map for motorcyclists.

"The Hema New England High Country motorcycle map we have produced is just one of a number of marketing initiatives we have developed in collaboration with the region to help drive the visitor economy. We are excited to see more amazing content being produced in the coming days as the touring group of riders head off to the region."

To celebrate the launch of the New England High Country map, BMW Motorrad has chosen the region as the host of the 25th anniversary edition of the popular BMW Safari programme in 2019.

The Safari will kick off in Windsor, New South Wales, before trekking through the New England High Country on what will be an unmissable adventure.

"This is an incredibly exciting partnership for us," said BMW Motorrad General Manager Andreas Lundgren.

"Not only have we created an Australian-first with the New England High Country map, thanks to Hema Maps and the Armidale Regional Council, but to be able to properly delve into the region with the 2019 BMW Safari is a wonderful opportunity for us and our customers.

"We're so proud to make the region more accessible to more riders through the map, and we can't wait to welcome our customers to the beautiful roads and tracks during the Safari next year."

First launched in 1994, the BMW Safari provides riders with a number of pre-marked routes of varying levels of difficulty. With the confidence of full BMW Motorrad support, participants can soak in some of the best motorcycle trips Australia has to offer over the course of an unforgettable week.

Copies of the New England High Country motorcycle touring map will be available at  here and via participating regional outlets including the Armidale Visitor Information Centre

Published on 15 Nov 2018