The natural beauty of the Dungog Shire has attracted huge numbers of visitors over the holiday period.
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Dungog Shire Council’s economic development and tourism co-ordinator Ivan Skaines said visitors remained important to maintaining a vibrant local economy.
Dungog Shire Visitor Centre had an increase in visitors inquiring about accommodation over the Christmas and New Year period, particularly about camping spots.
“People are looking at cost-effective family holidays which camping offers and there’s a very good reason why Dungog Shire plays such a major part in this, it’s because of our natural attractions.
“The ability to swim in the river is something that you just don’t get in the city and we have many, including the Williams, the Allyn and the Paterson.”
The beauty of the Barrington Tops and the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area continue to be drawcards.
Mr Skaines said most of the visitors came from the traditional catchment areas of the Lower Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney with many Queensland families escaping the heat to camp in the shire.
Mr Skaines said some people chose not to stay at Clarence Town because of the blue green algae outbreak (which has since cleared), but they still stayed in the shire.
“People came to camp by the river at Gresford Showground which is run by the showground trust who report it has been packed over the Christmas and New Year holiday period,” he said.
One of the observations from people working at the Visitor Information Centre has been the feedback about the shire being so welcoming.
“We have had a lot of feedback, particularity from our international visitors, that they have felt very welcome in the shire, that everyone says hello,” said Tourist Officer Wendy Farrow.
Dungog Shire Mayor Tracy Norman said the Dungog Shire Regional Tourism Board is to be congratulated for the work they have put in to promoting the area.
The council is still working on plans for the Frank Robinson Reserve to become a rest area for self-contained mobile homes.