‘Welcome relief’: Granite Belt tourism bounces back

IF YOU’RE thinking about booking a holiday on the Granite Belt for these cooler months, you had better get in quick.

IF YOU'RE thinking about booking a holiday on the Granite Belt for these cooler months, you had better get in quick.

Accommodation providers in the region have placed up no vacancy signs for the first time in months, as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease.

Diamondvale Cottages owner Stephen Michalski said it wasn't just the boutique operators that were booked out, but also classic motels and pubs.

"It's a welcome relief," Mr Michalski said.

"Everything (in the region) is kind of open in some capacity as far as we know, but restaurants and wineries are having to adapt to different COVID restrictions."

Maric Park Cottages owner Marion McCulloch said it was important visitors planned what they wanted to do in the region.

"Visitors are finding they can't get into places (like wineries and restaurants) unless they pre-book," she said.

"If they want to eat out for breakfast, lunch or dinner or go to a winery for wine tasting, it's best to pre-book."

For Mr Michalski, there was something special about visiting the region in winter.

"It's the crisp nights, the beautiful winter days, exploring the national parks, visiting the wineries, sitting around the fire drinking wine," he said.