The much anticipated new site – www.oberonaustralia.com – was launched this week at the joint Christmas function of the Oberon Plateau Tourism Association (OPTA) and the Oberon Business Association (OBA) at Caves House, Jenolan Caves.

Ben Curran, from Stralia Web, the designer, unveiled the new interactive site and gave the 50-plus group a tour of its features.

Mr Curran said the previous Oberon website attracted more than 52,000 visits over the past 12 months and forecast that the new website, with its user-friendly features, evocative photography and locally written content, should increase visitor numbers.

He said another exciting part of the website is the fact that when “Oberon” is entered into the search engine Google, the new website is the first link to appear on the list.

The new website is a joint venture between Stralia Web and OPTA, with valuable contributions from OPTA, OBA, local businesses, Oberon Council and the Oberon Visitor Information Centre, Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust and the Kanangra office of National Parks and Wildlife, in particular, ranger Jules Bros.

The website includes magnificent photographs from local photographers, including Lynne Causer, and a majority of the content was written by another local, Julia Wythes.

The website showcases the natural beauty, unique country living and opportunities within the region and has many user-friendly features, including upcoming business and community events and a display of current weather conditions and a seven-day forecast.

Other smart features built into the website include an automated language translation facility, integrated Google maps, accommodation availability, photo galleries, videos, social networking and a free media release service.

Easy to use navigation, aided by a powerful search feature, quickly locates required information. The site is fully content management driven with comprehensive statistics and reporting facilities. All features are accessible via current mobile devices with mobile specific websites coming in 2012.

Participation on the website is open to everyone – businesses, tourism operators, schools, churches and community groups.

Businesses wishing to be part of the new website can benefit from the various advertising services that offer a cost-effective marketing opportunity to reach the local community and visitors to the region.

Contact Stralia Web on 1300 550 212 for further information.