You wont see it featured in any tourism commercials involving Paul Hogan, but Australias only operating nuclear reactor can claim the distinction of being one of Sydneys fastest growing tourism attractions.
With 2001 not yet over, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation has already seen a four-fold increase in visitor numbers to its Lucas Heights facility over the previous year.
While the major part of the boost to visitor numbers can be put down to unprecedented attendance of the Open Days held in August and September, figures up to November show that numbers of visitors taking regular tours throughout the year are also at an all time high, up nearly 40 per cent on the previous year.
With bookings still being taken, more than 4600 visitors are expected on regular tours for the 2001 calendar year, eclipsing the former record of 4,450 visitors who came to ANSTO in 1997 the year that the Replacement Research Reactor project was announced. In excess of 10,000 people also visited ANSTO during Open Days in August and September 2001.
ANSTOs team of guides show a wide variety of visitors around the Lucas Heights facility. Tour groups range from high school students and community groups to local residents and people who use nuclear medicine. Increasing interest can be put down to added awareness about the Organisation as it prepares to replace its ageing reactor HIFAR (the High Flux Australian Reactor) with the Replacement Research Reactor. (See Tours of ANSTO at Lucas Heights)
In 2001, more than 10,000 people attended Open Days, with a further 4,600 visitors expected to make up the final tally on regular tours. In 2000, ANSTO hosted 3,300 visitors on regular tours.