Storm Boy remake brings a wave of extra tourists to Coorong region

The remake of Storm Boy put the extraordinary Coorong scenery and wildlife back on the big screen — and now tourist operators are seeing a big rise in interest as people head back to the region.

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The Goolwa community is expecting a windfall in extra tourist dollars spent in the region, as Storm Boy highlights the area’s unique scenery and wildlife on big screens across the globe.

While some tourism operators are already enjoying the spoils of extra publicity, others are counting on a boost as interstate and international visitors plan future holidays.

Canoe the Coorong owner Brenton Carle said customer numbers were up about 15 per cent on this time last year, which he attributed in large part to hype around the film.

“The general vibe down here is fantastic,” Mr Carle said.

A scene from the remake of Storm Boy, released this month. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve always thought the Coorong is one of those tucked-away secrets in SA — it’s flown under the radar for quite some time.

“(But) seeing it on the big screen will bring out the best in the region.”

Michael Veenstra, director of Spirit of the Coorong, said interest in his cruises was also taking off.

“Our numbers before Storm Boy were in decline because when people start mentioning drought, it affects our numbers,” Mr Veenstra said.

“But we’re starting to see that it’s increasing again. Last week our inquiries went through the roof.”

A scene from the remake of Storm Boy.

Many interstate tourists wanted to visit locations shown during the film, not realising that the Coorong was a real, internationally-recognised area.

“A lot of people interstate don’t know whether the Coorong exists or whether it’s a mythical thing,” Mr Veenstra said.

He did much of the location scouting for the film and organised transport for its cast and crew.

His company was also working with schools keen for their students to study the area as part of the curriculum, delving into the animal species that call the Ramsar-listed wetlands home.

Canoe the Coorong owner Brenton Carle says his customers are up about 15 per cent this year following the release of Storm Boy. Picture: Tom Huntley

In Goolwa, Wharf Barrel Shed owner Steve Ramsey said local businesses were counting on the film providing “a big boom” for the area’s economy.

“Once people start to see the beauty of the Lower Murray, they’ll be coming down from interstate, I’m sure,” Mr Ramsey said.

“Even some of the locals don’t understand how beautiful this part of the world is. The wildlife is sensational too.”

The late South Australian author Colin Thiele wrote the novel Storm Boy in 1964, centring on a young boy’s relationship with pelican Mr Percival and outcast Aboriginal man Fingerbone.

It was turned into a film in 1976, before being remade and released this month, starring Geoffrey Rush.

Thiele wrote more than 100 books, often showcasing life in rural areas, including the Coorong, Eudunda and Barossa Valley. He died in 2006, aged 85.

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