ABOVE: Woodburn’s train carriage stay. Photo: Contributed
Susanna Freymark
The visitors are coming. But are they coming here?
Sydney siders can visit our region from tomorrow as travel restrictions are lifted.
Transport for NSW’s Pete Allaway said they expected people to hit the roads in droves on Monday.
Because of the large volumes of traffic, delays were anticipated on the Pacific Highway.
Mr Allaway said Transport for NSW had been planning for the reopening of regional areas for months and this unique situation of post covid lockdowns could see traffic volumes reach those traditionally seen during Easter and Christmas holidays.
While there were no new covid cases reported in the Northern Rivers today, the health district is urging residents to continue with covid safety measures such as wearing masks and social distancing as visitors arrive.
We checked out accommodation in the area to see what was booked.
As expected, Byron Bay was chokkas.
Beaumont House on Belongil Beach at $770 a night was fully booked.
Woodburn’s cute train carriage stay still had plenty of nights available for booking.
Only 7km to Evans Head, the train carriage is on a 65ha farm and has access to a boat ramp.
At 95 Ocean Drive in Evans Head, the view is spectacular looking out across the breakwater to Main Beach and the curve of shoreline stretching to Ballina.
This $259 a night house right next to Razorback Lookout was booked for only one weekend in November. December though was nearly all booked out.
Reflections Holiday Park in Evans Head still had cabins available for November.
At East Coraki, a new Air BnB branded itself as an hour from Byron Bay. The ‘Koalas and Resort style farm’ is $220 a night for up to five people.
There is a steam bath with views of the Richmond River.
Views of the river at East Coraki. Photo: Contributed
In Kyogle, the Commercial Hotel had rooms available for $130 a night with availability all through November and December.
After looking at accommodation numbers, all these visitors leaving the city don’t seem to be flocking to Richmond Valley or Kyogle, not yet. The lead-up to the Christmas holidays could change all that.
For those concerned about the spread of covid, less visitors are a good thing.
For businesses though, tourists trade brings tourists dollars.
From tomorrow, fully vaccinated international travellers can also come to Australia without having to go into quarantine.
