Despite Nelson Bay higher than average rainfall as well as record lows for mean daily temperature in December, Port tourism officials and operators did not notice a downward trend, and in some cases were benefiting from the unusually wet conditions. Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre's, Kim Latham, said while she was initially concerned with how the rain would impact on visitor numbers, she has found that it can often have the opposite effect.

"It gets them off the beaches where they aren't necessarily spending any money and in here (the visitor centre) looking for something to do," she said.

John Longworth from Tamboi Queen Cruises said the rain had not resulted in a noticeable downturn for his operation. "We've had a bit of damp weather which affected everyone [but] we're really happy and it's looking good for the rest of the summer," he said.

While days of heavy rain can impact on some businesses, others are able to benefit. David Graham's Golf Complex at Anna Bay is one such outfit and manager Rodney Stubbs noticed an upward trend in his business on overcast and wet days. "When it's 40 degrees and sunshine everyone goes to the beach, this kind of weather, overcast days, are ideal," he said.