Holiday makers are again visiting the Sapphire Coast in large numbers, in search of the perfect summer.
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According to Tourism Research Australia, visitors spent on average $382million in the Bega Valley each year from 2013 to 2016.
Melbourne visitors Maddi Fairthorne and Nathan Talbett passed through Tathra on their way north on Wednesday as they sought a break from their busy, stressful, “tap and go” city lifestyle.
It’s beautiful here, I’d love to come back.
- Tourist Nathan Talbett
“When you call for accommodation they say they are booked out, but when you rock up they find you somewhere to stay,” 27-year-old Ms Fairthorne said.
The Bermagui Visitor Information Centre’s Christine Bimson said the holiday period is busier than last year, with “every single bed taken”.
“We’ve been sending people to Bega and Cobargo for accommodation,” she said.
“Bermagui is absolutely crawling, and I heard Bega was also full for a few days during the last week.”
Ms Bimson said the majority of visitors are families travelling from Victoria and across NSW, looking to experience a range of walks and beaches.
Russell Henry from the Bega Visitor Information Centre said the majority of visitors are arriving from Victoria, the ACT and NSW, and seeking a nonexistent cheese factory tour.
“They don’t know that due to occupational health and safety they can’t tour the factory,” he said.
Over 3000 people had visited the centre in December.
Tathra Beachside’s Carmen Risby said the town experienced a busier week leading up to Christmas than 12 months ago, and new year accommodation is again at capacity.
“The biggest thing I’ve noticed is more families visiting,” the Tathra and District Chamber of Commerce secretary said.
“I’ve had customers notice there’s more and more little people around. It makes me think we are a very safe destination.”
Half the park’s bookings have been from Victoria, and almost a third from NSW.
ACT visitors have increased, and Queenslanders are booking far ahead for summer on the Far South Coast, Ms Risby said.
“I think there’s a little bit of hype around town, because there’s a few new businesses,” she said.
“There’s a new cafe and the pub is open again.
“The pig races also made it feel like there was a lot going on.”
The upcoming Tathra Wharf to Waves on January 20 and 21, and a Tathra and District Chamber of Commerce driven initiative for lifeguard patrols during February will see the high numbers of visitors continue throughout summer.
A recent Tourism Research Australia report found a new market of “millennials” may expand in regional NSW, as young, “social identity” driven travellers seek “peaceful and relaxing”, “authentic” and “insta-worthy” short trips.
Other travellers like Ms Fairthorne and Mr Talbett, are looking to disconnect from their technology driven city lives and enjoy nature.
“I work in sales, so I’m always on,” 27-year-old Mr Talbett said.
“Here I have no mobile reception, I love it.
“It’s beautiful here, I’d love to come back.”