THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to the Riverland over the long weekend in a big boost for the local tourism industry as it recovers from the impacts of coronavirus restrictions.
Campsites, caravan parks and hotels across the region were booked out, as intrastate tourists looked to make up for cancelled Easter long-weekend holidays.
Berri visitor information centre co-ordinator Rebecca Kennedy said it had been a “great” weekend for the Riverland’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“We had numbers (of visitors) that were back to pre-COVID levels, and great sales of local products as well,” she said.
“There was a steady stream of caravans, and a lot of people wanting to know what businesses were open.
“Anecdotally, it did sound like the Berri Hotel and the caravan park were chock-a-block.
“Visitors were really keen to support local businesses and to try to help out the local economy.”
Campsites at national parks across the region were 100 per cent booked out in advance, with about 1500 campers and many more day visitors visiting the parks.
Riverland district ranger Benita Dillon said campers “seemed to be having a really good time”.
“It was fantastic to be able to open the parks and give people the opportunity to camp again,” she said.
“We had such fabulous weather during the days, so it was really great to see people out enjoying the parks.”
Ms Dillon said many campers had enjoyed their trips, despite sub-zero temperatures over the long weekend.
“There were extremely cold nights and mornings, but we were really lucky with the days because it wasn’t windy,” she said.
“If you packed enough warm clothes, I think you would’ve had a great time.”
Ms Kennedy said most visitors tried to observe COVID-related social distancing rules.
“Local businesses are obviously set up for maintaining social distancing, and most people were pretty good at observing that by the sounds of it as well,” she said.
“People were loving the walking trails and getting out in the fresh air while staying socially distanced.”
Ms Dillon said she had not heard of any incidents regarding social distancing restrictions, and campers were generally well-behaved.
“About 95 per cent of people were excellent,” she said.
“We had a few issues, mainly unregistered motorbikes doing off-road driving, rubbish left behind at some campsites, people collecting firewood from the park, speeding, a few reports of chainsaws in parks, and camping in undesignated sites, which I think is probably because sites were booked out.”
Ms Dillon said campsites were getting busier, particularly with school holidays coming up.
“The parks are getting busier, so get online and book for your next camping trip early so you don’t get disappointed,” she said.
“We have the July school holidays coming up, and people are obviously thinking about their holidays during that time.
“It’s a great way for people to unwind.”