Rob White from Tathra Beach House Apartments said his business had experienced the strongest pre-Christmas in years. 

“It’s been good in Tathra, and our two weeks before Christmas were much better than previous years,” he said. 

“The weather outlook for January is looking positive and that always lends itself to a good season.

“The trend of people staying for shorter periods is still ongoing here as it has been for a few years.

“There are lulls so if people are keen for a booking they might still be lucky.”

Mr White said the local mobile phone coverage issues have not been solved by the recent upgrade to 4G in Tathra and other spots in the Bega Valley (BDN, 24/12).

“Everyone got excited when we heard the engineers were in town working on the tower, we thought it would alleviate the coverage blackspots.

“But it was all about the installation of 4G.

“That’s all well and good, but if you can’t even get 3G you aren’t going to 4G - a blackspot is a blackspot.

“Until this is sorted out, lack of coverage will keep some people away,” he said. 

Anthony Little of Fat Tony’s also said it had been a great pre-season and he’s positive about the rest of the summer. 

“I think it’s going to be awesome, people have arrived early and the town was already half full before Christmas.

“It pretty much exploded Boxing Day, so I think the season will be great.

“We’ve got a big New Year’s Eve here at Fat Tony’s so it’s all very busy, but that’s the best way to be!”

Christine Bimson at the Bermagui Tourist Information Centre said it was “fantastic in Bermagui”.

“The weather is gorgeous, we’ve got stacks of people here,” she said. 

Ms Bimson said there was plenty on for visitors and locals alike this New Year’s Eve, with Bermagui Country Club and Bermagui Beach Hotel hosting live bands.

“And who knows, there may even be fireworks!” she said.