Trek to the footy in Hobart has hotels bursting on AFL weekends

TASMANIANS who live far from Hobart are among those filling hotels during AFL weekends.

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TASMANIANS who live far from Hobart are among those filling hotels to bursting during AFL weekends.

A trip to the footy has brought many people to the capital for the first time in years.

Among those boosting the intrastate tourism figures last weekend were two Burnie families.

North Melbourne supporters James and Lynnelle Miller and daughter Kaitlyn said they had only come to the Hobart for the football, and they would do the four-hour drive again if North Melbourne played next year.

“We haven’t been to Hobart for five years, we’ve only come for the football and we’ve stayed overnight and spent more money unfortunately,’’ Mr Miller laughed.

Many restaurants had been booked out, so on Saturday night they enjoyed pizza.

“We tried to come for the Saints game but the game and accommodation was booked out. If the Kangaroos are playing next year we’ll definitely come again,’’ he said.

Kangaroos member Adrian Bryan and his family have been indulging in eating and shopping.

They would like a family membership if the Kangaroos play in Hobart next year.

“It’s a pity they [the Kangaroos] can’t get around the Coast as well,’’ Mr Bryan said.

Businesses have been enjoying a lift.

Hobart’s TrikeMania Adventure Tours owner Dave Glazebrook said many people took a short tour instead of waiting for the water taxi.

He and other business operators helped each other by handing out leaflets.