Wednesday 30 January 2013

Hunter Heat Draws Visitation


The warmer temperatures are drawing visitors to the Hunter coast as the region saw positive occupancy rates over the Christmas and New Year period and the Australia Day long weekend.

Tourism Hunter Executive Manager, Sheridan Ferrier said that areas along the coast and riverbanks saw the biggest surge over the Christmas and New Yea.

"The warmer weather offers a perfect opportunity to experience everything the Hunter has to offer including an expansive selection of water sports and vast accommodation choices from camping and caravanning to hotels and bed and breakfasts," said Mrs Ferrier. "Visitors are realising this and taking full advantage."

In Newcastle, occupancy rates rose by 8% over the holiday period from last year as accommodation operators were almost at capacity and restaurants were full. Bookings were heavy from Sydney and regional NSW for local activities such as tours, eating out at restaurants and the Australia Day National Maritime Festival. For more information on events in Newcastle, visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au

The summer school holiday marks the busiest time for Lake Macquarie who reached almost full capacity over Christmas and New Year. The area remained busy in the lead up to Australia Day when visitors hit the surf and the sand as they hired boats and visited beaches. This year, Lake Macquarie welcomed a new Australia Day cruise, which offered patrons an Aussie BBQ whilst sailing upon the Solar Sailor. For more  events in Lake Macquarie visit www.visitlakemac.com.au

Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre has seen a lot of activity as visitors flock to this area to beat the heat. Port Stephens reported an almost 100% occupancy rate as predicted over the holidays. Activities on the water such as dolphin cruises and parasailing are most popular. Port Stephens hosted many community Australia Day celebrations. For further information, visit www.portstephens.org.au.

Since the holidays, Barrington Tops has seen a boom in camping visitation as families spend more time with one another. Areas along the rivers are popular and the Visitor Information Centre is receiving high enquiries regarding National Parks. Though a popular destination for camping, Barrington Tops offers a range of accommodation genres from hotels to bed and breakfasts, accommodating for the visitors over these popular holidays. The area holds programs of special activities For more on Barrington Tops, visit www.visitbarringtontops.com.au

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