Ross River Resort owner Grollo Group says closure to general public due to collapsed visits

A special Red Centre spot that has delighted locals and tourists alike for six decades has begun its new life as a functions and festivals venue closed off to the general public. We now know why its owner made the tough call.

Ross River Resort in the East MacDonnell Ranges has closed to the general public, but remains available for functions, festivals and group bookings. Picture: Facebook/ Ross River Resort

The interstate owner of Ross River Resort, a popular spot along the Central Australian tourist trail, closed the holiday spot to the general public earlier this week because of a “huge decline in numbers”.

The historic resort, which can trace its past to 1898 and is located at the foot of the East MacDonnell Ranges, announced last month that commencing October 1, the venue would be available only for group bookings, festivals, and functions.

The news led to an outpouring of grief and nostalgia, as recollections of weddings, road trips and romantic getaways stretching right back to the 1960s flooded forth online.

Some observers were less wistful than angry, accusing the resort’s owner, Victorian tourism development company Grollo Group, of putting profit over people.

On social media, a representative of the resort shed more light on why the decision to refocus the business was made.

Ross River Resort began operating as a tourism venture in the mid-1960s. Picture: File

“We’ve had a huge decline in numbers out here so come October our only viable option is to take bookings for groups and events,” the representative said in response to a Facebook comment questioning why the decision had been taken.

Last month, ABC Alice Springs reported Grollo Group had written to Alice Spring Mayor Matt Paterson and Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro where they expanded further, citing the “alarming rise” in youth crime afflicting the region.

The widespread national publication of the township’s crime and social unrest was having a “detrimental impact on local businesses and the tourism sector,” the group reportedly wrote.

This masthead requested a copy of the letter from Grollo Group, but did not receive a response.

The resort has been operational since the mid-1960s, after its purchase by Adelaide’s Green brothers, Doug and Gil. Picture: File

On Thursday, Ross River Resort again took to social media to spruik its “new chapter”.

“Times have been challenging for many, especially here in the Northern Territory, and we’ve felt it deeply in the tourism sector,” a business representative said.

“Ross River Resort is evolving into a dedicated event venue as we move forward.

“This means (as you might’ve seen in on here and in the news) we can only welcome groups, schools, events, and functions to help keep this beautiful property running.

“It’s not easy to limit visitors to this stunning part of Central Australia, but we hope you’ll help us spread the word so we can continue providing the outback hospitality we’re renowned for.”