WHILE many Sunraysia residents are accustomed to spending the holiday season beside the Murray River, it is a novelty for the hundreds of tourists who travel from across the country to celebrate Christmas and the new year.
This year, visitor numbers and accommodation bookings are at capacity, according to Mildura’s Big 4 Golden River Holiday Park operator Brad Williams.
Mr Williams said Christmas bookings were becoming more popular each year, and it was not just tourists enjoying a riverside escape.
“Particularly, in the last three to four years, Christmas is slowly getting busier and busier,” he said.
“You’d be surprised at how many local residents actually come down and stay for a weekend, too. Ever since we built our new indoor playground and the water slide, we’ve been advertising specials for the locals to have a bit of a holiday too.”
He said an unusually scorching December forecast, mixed with blue-green algae concerns, had not slowed business.
“New Year’s Eve is fully booked though … we had 45 check-ins yesterday and we’ve got another 35 today,” Mr Williams said.
“Last year, when the blue-green algae warnings came in, we got on the front foot and warned them off, which resulted in cancellations.
“This year, we’re still acknowledging the warnings and have told people there is blue-green algae, but are letting people make their own judgment about whether to swim in the river or not.
“Our guests know the locals are still swimming and skiing as normal and we’re not saying it’s safe … but we’re just saying it’s at their own risk.”
Tourism councillor Mark Eckel was encouraged to see a cross-section of visiting demographics and local residents holiday in Sunraysia at this time of year.
“Mildura is always a great destination, particularly for those who live in Southern Australia, because it’s not too far from home,” Cr Eckel said.
“But I also think people like to holiday in their own town and that’s becoming more of a trend.
“And sure, it’s not nice to have a blue-green algae warnings, but there are always risks associated with swimming in the river and there are some fantastic swimming pools in our municipality to enjoy on those hotter days.”
