The equipment has been thoroughly cleaned, the safety signs are in place, the sanitiser is within easy reach and the COVID marshals are at the ready as Port Stephens operators put out the school holiday welcome mat to visitors.
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Following a bleak autumn-winter period, there is strong expectation from tourism, accommodation and retail owners that the September school and October long weekend holiday period would provide a much-needed stimulus for the ailing Port Stephens economy.
Plagued over the past 12 months by drought, bushfires and the pandemic, Port operators are relying on a bumper two-week school holiday period starting on Monday, September 28. However, they warn against complacency and urge everyone to remain COVID vigilant.
New data from Wotif.com shows that Port Stephens is a top trending destination with interest surging over 150 per cent and ranks the sixth most popular NSW holiday destination for the upcoming school holidays.
Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said that NSW residents were opting to holiday closer to home.
"As Aussies chase the sun these school holidays, a trip to Port Stephens is a fantastic way to enjoy the sun and sand... it's the perfect road trip destination with endless activities on offer and something for everyone to enjoy. And with ongoing border closures, its clear many NSW families are embracing a local coastal getaway."
Destination Port Stephens was equally optimistic, citing a ban on Queensland and international travel as the catalyst for a big boost in booking numbers in the lead up to the school and October long weekend holidays.
"It's encouraging for the local economy to see such strong demand for our incredible nature and outdoor experiences to be found at Port Stephens, within a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney," DPS CEO Eileen Gilliland said.
"This boost in visitors to Port Stephens will be welcomed by our tourism industry and local businesses as we work together to rebuild the visitor economy that our local community thrives on."
Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson said the influx of visitors would be a welcome sight for Port Stephens businesses, while stressing the importance of not becoming too complacent regarding COVID-19 health warnings.
"We have already seen an influx of visitors with the warmer weather we have been enjoying, but we do of course need to remain vigilant with the safety of our community by following all government and health authority regulations regarding COVID-19," Ms Anderson said.
"We certainly look forward to seeing local businesses benefit from the increased volume of visitors."
Toboggan Hill Park manager Hayley Bell said there was much to look forward to over the spring break after a six month downturn, which including the park shutting its doors for a short period.
"We were forced to close in the early stages of coronavirus and reopened as restriction eased in late June. Since that time the number of people allowed to enter at any one time has slowly increased to 250."
Ms Bell said that the large size of the site, located between Tomaree Sports Complex and the aquatic centre, provided visitors with plenty of space to ensure social distancing protocols were maintained. She said that two new attractions - a roller skating area and a kids caterpillar ride - would be unveiled for the holidays.
Mel Turner, business development manager at Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, said that bookings were coming through steadily, particular over the long weekend.
"Holiday makers are planning their activities ahead to avoid disappointment when they arrive here. We are expecting a high volume intake over the holiday period, a welcome injection," she said.
"We traditionally see a lull between the end of October and the beginning of December so these holidays will play an integral part in our business. Once the whale season ceases we will be working hard to reintroduce dolphin sightseeing tours, the Sunday Sessions and the recently launched Fingal Island Historical Lighthouse Tour.
"There is no denying that COVID-19 continues to affect our business, but it has provided an invaluable opportunity for locals and visitors to try something different and truly unique."
Will Creedon, owner of Alloggio, which looks after hundreds of rental properties and hotel beds in Port Stephens, said that leisure-based destinations were "going gang-busters". He said holiday stay bookings were up 68 per cent.
"We are finding that tourist towns within a couple of hours from a metropolitan city which are both accessible and inspirational are doing well. Holidaymakers are looking for fresh air and a perception of safety."
To keep these holidays hassle-free, the Port's tour, accommodation and restaurant operators encourage all visitors to book in advance and to maintain good hygiene, observe social distancing and stay home if feeling unwell.
