Far North tourism bolstered by Father’s Day and Targa weekend

It was a double boost for the Far North’s tourism operators as the industry battles to deal with COVID-19 border closures.

IT was a double boost for Far North tourism this weekend as the Targa Great Barrier Reef and Father’s Day this weekend bolstered operators toughing it  out through COVID-19 ­border closures.

Among those to benefit was Thala Beach Nature Reserve, which had a boost of business for Father’s Day as locals supported the operator. The resort also had visitors from southeast Queensland this weekend but reported that it was “not a big influx”. Usually, a large portion of its visitors are from NSW and Victoria.

Cairns Tourism Industry Association president Kevin Byrne said while there might have been a slight uptick for some businesses, it was “not about to get better anytime soon with interminable squabbling among premiers and the Commonwealth government on borders”. Among those ­celebrating the occasion and helping the region get back on its feet were Caravonica resident David Wood and his three children.

David Wood celebrates Father's Day with his children Geordie, 14, Charlie, 12, and Amelia, 10, at the Palm Cove markets. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

The family spent Sunday at Palm Cove Markets and had breakfast at Nu Nu Restaurant.

“It was fantastic, the kids gave me a few gifts,” Mr Wood said. “Amelia had made a noughts and crosses game and the boys gave me some clothes.”

Asked about the atmosphere at the markets, the 48-year-old said there were plenty of people.

“It was a good, enjoyable morning,” he said.

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Queensland Tourism Industry Council president Daniel Gschwind said there had been strong bookings in the lead-up to Father’s Day.

The Palm Cove markets were held on Father's Day along Williams Esplanade. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“There are definitely indications that people are looking to get out and explore their own region a bit more,” he said.

“We have a strong incentive to do that because we can’t go interstate or international.

“Certainly in the southeast corner, this has been a good weekend.

“It’s more difficult the farther you go away from the major population centres to the regions that rely more heavily on international tourism.”

He warned the tourism ­industry was in a “deep hole” and every little bit helped on the long road to recovery.

Originally published as Far North tourism bolstered by Father’s Day and Targa weekend