Interstate travellers abuzz ahead of NT borders reopening

SWAGS of grey nomads, backpackers and families are at the Territory’s borders counting down the hours until they can freely cross over from midnight tonight.

Swags of grey nomads, backpackers and families are at the Territory’s borders counting down the hours until they can freely cross over from midnight tonight. Picture: Emma Murray

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SWAGS of grey nomads, backpackers and families are at the Territory’s borders counting down the hours until they can freely cross over from midnight tonight.

Caravan parks and roadhouses on the Queensland side are buzzing with travellers wanting to jump across the border to make the most of the last few months of the Dry.

Dawn and Ken Hoare have been camped at Mount Isa and are headed for Darwin to see their newest grandchild – born around the time the country went into lockdown.

The couple, who lived in the NT for 40 years, expect it will take hours to cross the border.

“We’re very excited to cross the border even if it takes two hours to cross it,” Ms Hoare said.

They have decided to stay in Mount Isa until Friday rather than head to the border town of Camooweal as they expect it to be full of travellers.

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Sunset Top Tourist Park in Mount Isa has seen a steady increase in bookings over the past week with 25 travellers booking on Tuesday night – double the bookings they had over the school holidays.

Camooweal Roadhouse Puma is almost at capacity with 20 groups booked in.

Hells Gate Roadhouse, which is the last fuel stop before Borroloola, is also experiencing an increase in travellers compared to the last few months with eight groups there and more on the way.

A young family intends to head to Lorella Springs on Friday while fishos are heading to King Ash Bay.

Things are a little bit quieter at the Western Australian border as travellers are not permitted to freely return to WA once they cross over.

However, there are a handful of travellers camped at Kununurra.

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Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort manager Sally Elliss-Cook said she had about 10 people at the park who she knew would cross into the NT come Friday – some have been there for more than a fortnight waiting.

“I think a lot of people are from Queensland and just want to get home,” she said.