Bushfire stricken regions bounce back as tourists start to return
Businesses hit by this summer’s blazes, who featured in the Herald Sun’s Go Country series over the past two weeks, have revealed how an increase in visitor numbers has given them a much-needed boost.
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Communities in Victoria’s bushfire affected regions are bouncing back as visitors return to show their support.
The businesses hit by this summer’s blazes, who featured in the Herald Sun’s Go Country series over the past two weeks, have revealed how an increase in visitor numbers has given them a much-needed boost.
In Mallacoota, Beachcomber Caravan Park owner Deb Preston said that while they’re not booked out, business is looking good for the coming months after a jump in reservations.
“The school holiday and Easter period is looking busy with the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival so things are looking good,” Ms Preston said.
“The town is positive. The smoke has disappeared which is a good sign. The sun is out and the fish are biting. Things are all good.”
Over in high country hideaway Bright, tourists are also beginning to return.
Jules Morris, who is the venue manager at the Bright Brewery, told of how events in recent weeks such as the Herald Sun Tour and the Adventure Film Festival helped to entice people back to the town.
“We were the main beer sponsor for the Herald Sun Tour and for the final day in Melbourne, it was very positive because a lot of the people we spoke to said they had booked accommodation in Bright and were coming up soon,” she said.
“I guess all the media attention we’ve had is paying off, which is really positive.”
Russell Osborne, who offers camel rides along Lakes Entrance’s stunning seaside with his company Camel Connections, said that while the signs of recovery are starting to show when it comes to tourism, the area still needs all the support it can get.
“The long weekend is looking interesting,” he said.
“There are a lot of groups making enquiries – it looks like one of the main pushers going forward is with conferences and things like that coming down this way.”
Visitors are making their way back to Alpine town Jamieson too, with local caravan park owner Franzi Weiss revealing that her business was completely booked out this weekend.
She said: “It was so good to see people back.
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“If you tell Melbourne people you’re from Jamieson, they all either say ‘I love it’ or ‘Where’s that?’. Anyone who actually comes loves it.”
In King Valley, Peter Corsini of La Cantina Winery said that visitors are starting to “trickle” back to the area.
“People have heard about the fires and they’ve come to support the area, which is really nice,” he said.