A SLOW start to summer has been attributed to lower than usual tourist numbers before Christmas, with visitor numbers expected to triple in Beachport from this week.
But as the mercury climbs, numbers are expected to swell in line with previous years, which sees around 1500 visitors descending on Beachport from Christmas to New Year’s Day.
Wattle Range Council tourism and events officer Tamara North said both Millicent and Beachport would see an increase in visitor numbers from now until late January.
“We expect Beachport to triple in visitors in town as of Boxing Day and with today’s hot weather, it is going to be a great place to cool down,” she said.
“Millicent is expecting an increase in visitors passing through and for the flow of people looking for accommodation on the coast.”
As holiday makers flock to the sea, they will be spoiled for choice with a number of events held throughout the peak season.
The Beachport Hotel’s annual “Boxing Day Bash” – held in the pub’s courtyard – saw a full house, with the ticketed event quickly selling out.
Popular band Any Other Sunday was joined by a range of DJs, including local Scott Agnew in keeping party-goers up until the early hours of the morning.
Revellers will flock to the town next week for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, with punters of all ages expected to fill the streets and licenced venues to see out 2018.
Beachport’s foreshore will be a hive of activity with the traditional fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.
The spectacle is presented by the Beachport and District Development Association.
The Beachport Rivoli Bay Lions Club will fire up the barbecue from 8am on new years day for early risers at the Southern Ocean Caravan Park, serving up their famed bacon and egg breakfasts.
Beachport will continue to heat up for the annual market day and Duck Race on January 5.
The township will remain busy for the rest of summer, including preparing for the annual Australia Day breakfast at the Lagoon Reserve on January 26.
The breakfast is hosted by the service club and includes eggs, toast, sausages and baked beans.
Over in Robe, the population will swell to 10 times its usual number as thousands of South Australian, interstate and international visitors spend their summer in the coastal town.
Robe’s New Year’s Eve fireworks will be held between 8.30pm to 9pm and will be followed by celebratory parties at the Robe Hotel and The Caledonian.
