Visitors welcomed back after flooding

Bindaree Holiday Park was pleased to welcome back regular and new visitors to their park just before Christmas, however booking numbers were significantly down.

“We were really happy to see people in our park having a great time, but we were down 50 percent on previous years,” Bindaree front office receptionist Mel told the Free Press.

“It was great to be busy after weeks of flooding, but it was nothing like years before. There was so much uncertainty in the lead up to Christmas leading to a number of cancellations. There was also confusion with boating and recreational activities along the Murray. It certainly made it difficult for people to plan their stay.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t have our usual New Years celebration because the foreshore was too soft following the flooding.

“We just hope the messaging becomes clearer. We’re open and looking to see good numbers for the remainder of the summer season.”

Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Managing Director Dean Druce said numbers were steady at the distillery and cafe over the festive period but said the messaging from council and other government bodies following the floods was “inconsistent”.

“We had good numbers, but we could have easily welcomed more people to our premises,” Mr Druce said.

“People weren’t sure what was going on in the region and whether it was safe to come back to the area. Thankfully we were well supported by locals and those who regular visitors who were keen to get back to the region. We also had a Christmas market in December with plenty of stores and a great atmosphere. It gave people another excuse to get out and have fun.

“Now we just hope the numbers continue to pick up for the remainder of summer.”

Corowa RSL Club saw great numbers through the doors over the last fortnight with plenty of summer entertainment on offer.

“We had an extremely successful week and over the course of five days,” Corowa RSL CEO Peter Norris said.

“We served almost 3000 meals, the new indoor and outdoor playgrounds were a massive hit, and it was really nice to see so many people enjoying themselves after a couple of tough years. We have been completely booked out every night since Christmas Eve and we hope everyone in town is also having a successful period.”

Similarly, Lake Moodemere Estate on the banks of the Murray River in Rutherglen also saw great numbers in the last week.

“Our restaurant was booked out every night from Boxing Day onwards,” the Estate’s Belinda Chambers said.

“December was definitely quieter than usual which was a result of the flooding. Thankfully it picked up as people in the area visiting families were looking for things to do.

“It was very pleasing after a very worrying November and December. Comparing the figures from last year, there has definitely been a dramatic drop in visitation for those two months.

“We are remaining positive about the rest of the summer season and hopefully everyone in the area can bounce back from the recent challenges. We have plenty of exciting events coming up including our Summer Night Series with the next one on January 28 where people can relax, enjoy our beautiful produce and live music.”

The Rutherglen township enjoyed a boom in tourism numbers with plenty to see in do in the main street for tourists. Rutherglen Caravan and Tourist Park owner Lisa Liddell said it was great to see the park full and the town swarming with tourists.

“We have been really, really busy,” she said.

“I know a lot of people were unsure about the river and flooding situation, so it’s been a great relief for us.”

Ball Park Caravan Park Corowa similarly saw a last-minute surge in bookings following the park’s reopening in the week before Christmas.

Park operator Sonia Palmer said many of the usuals returned, but also some new faces from Melbourne, Deniliquin even Yarrawonga.

“The weather was sensational. It was good to be busy again after being closed for so long,” she said.

“Hopefully it continues through to Australia Day.”