A MOUNT Gambier caravan park has been flooded with new enquiries and requests to reinstate bookings following South Australian Premier Steven Marshall’s declaration that non-essential regional travel could resume within the state.
While border checkpoints remain in place and strict quarantine measures apply for non-essential interstate visitors, South Australia’s health advice regarding regional travel has been relaxed and marketed as a great way to support regional communities and economies.
Under the changes, which came into effect Monday, caravan parks and camping sites can provide accommodation to non-essential travellers but must adhere to social distancing and other heath recommendations.
Blue Lake Holiday Park manager Julie Cowley said the site – nestled on the edge of the Blue Lake – had been flooded with enquiries since the relaxation of restrictions was announced.
“We have already had one customer who previously cancelled their June long weekend booking due to sport being cancelled call up asking if they can rebook their time here because they are just looking to come down for a bit of a weekend away,” she said.
While the caravan park is prepared to cater for an increase of patrons, it will continue to focus on measures to mitigate any potential risk of COVID-19.
Visitors will be able to use the communal kitchen, which has extra sanitation measures in place, but will not be able to dine in the area and staff will check guests in and out through a window at reception to minimise contact.
On-site swimming pools and play equipment can also be opened at caravan parks, however Ms Cowley said the facility’s unheated pool would remain closed.
People using camp sites have also been urged to practice social distancing and good hygiene given some facilities are not frequently cleaned and disinfected based on location.
Tourism Mount Gambier chairperson Ben Deering said it was completely understandable why bookings to the Limestone Coast had spiked so suddenly after the weekend announcement.
“People will look to travel somewhere where there has not been a case in a while and there is plenty of space to ensure they are safe while also feeling like they are going on a holiday,” Mr Deering said.
“The Limestone Coast ticks a lot of boxes for travellers at the moment because they are able to move around safely and still take in the sights we have here.
“There is a lot of space at our natural attractions, unlike a city’s shopping centre where you feel as if you are in with everyone else.”
Mr Deering said while the tourism sector was encouraging visitors from within South Australia to the region, he urged anyone travelling to conduct themselves with public safety in mind.
“We want to get travel up and going again but not at the expense of public safety and that is what a lot of people need to remember,” he said.
