Flamin’ Galah Tours: Home And Away tour changes due to COVID
A northern beaches Home And Away tour company — which has relied on “diehard” viewers travelling from across the world — has reopened after business took a downturn at the height of COVID-19. But the attraction has undergone a couple of major changes, including a ‘special access’ feature sure to delight fans.
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A once thriving Home And Away tour business which was forced to close down for several months after being hit hard by COVID-19 has returned with a twist.
Instead of full-day day tours starting from The Rocks and heading to Palm Beach to explore iconic film locations, northern beaches locals can cut straight to meeting cast members face-to-face in Mona Vale.
Meanwhile, “diehard fans” from overseas will also be able to have one-on-one video chats with Home And Away actors from the comfort of their own home.
Flamin’ Galah Tours owner Al Wilson said it was time to reinvent the business after a “catastrophic” few months in a bid to survive and appeal to a local market.
“Ive been running the tour company for 10 years now on the northern beaches. We went from a recognised tour company from around the world and were rated as the number one Home And Away tour, to having no sales and being shut down for seven months,” Mr Wilson said.
“We’re just trying to make he best of a bad situation. Business is slow, we’ve only just starting to turn the lights on and are creeping back to life but we want people to know we’ve returned and are now offering experiences for locals.
“Northern beaches locals are already familiar with what’s on their door step. Now you can do a shortened version of the Home And Away tours which bypasses the Palm Beach part and gives you special access to actors.”
Mr Wilson said while the business lost its fans from Ireland and the UK, it also lost its interstate clients due to the border closures.
He said when borders open, he’s expecting business to pick up again, but for now he’s hoping locals can get behind them.
“The show is on in 100 countries around the world so it’s incredibly famous. Over the years I’ve built good contacts and I’m in close communication with the actors.
“It’s been one of the hardest things to do, to build a good reputation but we’re really in it to give fans the best experience.
“We’re working with names like Emily Weir, Jake Ryan, Tim Franklin, Dan Ewing and Ethan Browne, who are past and present Home And Away actors.”
Prices for live videos with actors range from $80 to $150, while face-to-face meet and greets with actors cost $50.