Although some borders are now open again, many towns and regions that rely heavily on the grey nomad dollar say they are still going to struggle with traveller numbers still way down.
The ABC reports that there has been a small bump in the number of people visiting the South Australian Outback which given publicans and tourism operators a brief respite, but they’re facing a difficult battle in the months ahead.
Woomera Travellers Village and Caravan Park manager Shane Hoffmeier said, despite the boost, numbers were dramatically lower than usual.
“Our tourist season runs from April through to September every year; we normally see around 15,000 people through the park in that six-month period,” he told the ABC. “So far this year we’ve only had 757 people through the park in three months, compared with 7,700 this time last year.”
He said his busiest day in the park this year saw only 62 people there, whereas normally they would get 120 to 130 people a day, seven days a week.
Things are no better at Marree, which sits at the junction of the popular Oodnadatta and Birdsville tracks.
Marree Hotel publican Phil Turner told the ABC that a small bump in numbers was insignificant when the Victorian and New South Wales borders remained closed.
“As far as the start of the pandemic, business was just zero; we dropped 94% of our turnover in April, May and June,” he said. “Then it started to pick up again and we had bookings start to come in, but then with the latest restrictions all we’ve done is take cancellations again … now we’re back to square one.”
At the Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta, manager Hayley Nunn was a little bit more optimistic.
“Last week we had quite a few visitors; this week it’s been a bit slower, but it’s been consistent, so it’s not crazy like it normally would be, but there’s a steady flow of people coming through,” she said. “I think it will continue to be steady as long as the virus is held at bay, we’ve got some bookings right up until the end of October now.”
In WA the warmer northern regions are at full capacity over the school holidays and it is now, a week later, still hard to get in anywhere. I think SA just has to wait for a bit warmer weather and anyone who can will be out travelling again. Take the time to upgrade your facilities if you’re only getting 3 star ratings on WikiCamps or Trip Advisor or other social media groups is my suggestion. We are loving the station stays with things like freshly baked scones and pizza nights btw.