Published on
December 1, 2025
Located in the center of Victoria is a small town named Colbinabbin. For the holidays, the Colbinabbin Hotel has created a new form of celebration. For tourists and locals alike, this makes it easy to enjoy the holidays and promotes travel to the area. Christmas QR Code Trail is a new festive attraction.
Every year is different in the town of Colbinabbin, in the wonderful Shire of Campaspe, due to their community driven project. However, this Year the Christmas Celebration is Extrordinary. The Colbinabbin QR Code Trail has created a strong bond in the community and has drawn in many to experience the holidays in Colbinabbin.
A Musical Wonderland
In an effort to create an immersive holiday experience, the Colbinabbin Hotel has transformed the streets of the town into a winter wonderland. The hotel’s weekly pub choir sessions, a popular local tradition, now form the centrepiece of the event. The choir’s Christmas carols are accessible through a trail of strategically placed QR codes, allowing visitors to enjoy festive music as they walk through the town. The initiative has proven to be an innovative method of spreading holiday cheer and enhancing the town’s appeal as a Christmas destination.
The QR codes are attached to repurposed barrels, which have been converted into candle decorations and placed along the streets of Colbinabbin. These barrels, once used to hold stewed apples, are lightweight compared to traditional barrels, making them easy to move and set up by the local football club. As visitors stroll through the streets, they can simply scan the QR codes on the barrels to hear the joyful sounds of Christmas carols performed by the local pub choir.
This project not only adds a festive touch to the town but also enhances its visibility as a tourist destination. Visitors from across the region, and even from further afield, are drawn to Colbinabbin to experience the charm of the carol trail. The integration of technology through QR codes makes the experience accessible and convenient, offering a modern twist on a traditional Christmas activity.
Enhancing the Local Tourism Experience
The QR code carol trail is just one example of how Colbinabbin is embracing innovative methods to boost its tourism sector. The project has been designed to make the town a must-visit destination during the holiday season, drawing attention to its quaint streets and unique holiday displays.
In addition to the QR code carol trail, visitors can enjoy the town’s big metal Christmas trees, which feature cutouts for photo opportunities. These photo spots, set against the backdrop of Colbinabbin’s iconic silos, provide a perfect setting for tourists to capture memories of their visit. The interactive nature of the Christmas displays ensures that tourists not only enjoy the music but also have the chance to engage with the festive elements in a fun and memorable way.
As the town continues to develop its tourism offerings, projects like these highlight Colbinabbin’s potential to become a regional Christmas destination. By combining technology with traditional holiday charm, the town is attracting more visitors each year, contributing to the local economy and enhancing its cultural appeal.
Community Involvement and Support
Colbinabbin’s tourism growth can also be attributed to the strong sense of community that underpins many of the town’s initiatives. Local residents, businesses, and organisations have worked together to create a welcoming environment for visitors. The Colbinabbin Hotel’s pub choir is a prime example of this collaborative effort. The choir, which meets every Tuesday evening, is open to everyone, making it an inclusive and engaging activity for locals and tourists alike. The pub choir offers a diverse range of music throughout the year, with special performances for various occasions, including Father’s Day, Bob Dylan tributes, and a Neil Young tribute scheduled for November.
By supporting local music, businesses, and events, Colbinabbin has fostered an atmosphere that encourages both tourism and community engagement. Tourists who visit the town for the Christmas celebrations often return throughout the year to experience other seasonal events and enjoy the town’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The Future of Colbinabbin’s Tourism
Colbinabbin is primed to enhance its tourism capacity even more. With innovative undertakings such as the QR code carol trail gaining popularity, the town will continue to garner the attention of those who appreciate the rural/remote Hidden Gems and Destinations of Victoria. Colbinabbin will continue to draw tourists to the area, who will partake in the festive tourism activities and will enjoy the integration of contemporary technology with traditional tourism offerings.
With Colbinabbin celebrating its charm and creativity, increased visitation will continue to support the community tourism initiatives and enhance the region’s hospitality, culture, and rural beauty.
