A BIG cloud hanging over the summer holiday season hasn’t stopped the myriad of holiday makers coming to Tea Gardens Hawks Nest.
With various local businesses commenting on the growing number of people choosing to take a break in the area each year, wet weather during the Christmas New Year period may have changed the dynamics of usual beach activities, with Hawks Newsagent predicting one of its largest weeks ever in magazine sales.
“The rain hasn’t stopped the people, it’s just changed what they are doing,” owner Hugo Elsterman said.
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving Club captain Graeme Webb said the wet weather and overcast days haven’t deterred people, with bumper crowds still making their way to the beach.
One thing the rain has done is encouraged holiday makers to look beyond the beach, according to Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce special events manager Melinda McMahon.
“I have just entertained a group of overseas guests who introduced me to many activities that I had not yet experienced, despite being a local resident,” Mrs McMahon said.
Embarking on a tour with Lazy Paddles, Mrs McMahon took part in a kayaking tour of the Myall River.
“This well-run tour explored parts of the river not otherwise seen and we were also able to catch some excellent photography while drifting through the mangroves,” she said.
Visiting from Singapore, George Horsington said he was very impressed.
“Having travelled to the Easter Islands, the Myall River was certainly up there with one of the most picturesque spots that I have ever seen. Paddling through the mangroves was also a first for me,” Mr Horsington said.
Lazy Paddle’s Larry Tofler said the rain had not been a problem for him.
“The wind is more difficult than the rain, but it has been a good season,” Mr Tofler said.
Owner and operator of Nelson Bay Ferries Ray Horsfield said his services had been full, with many people escaping the rain on a ferry ride.
Activity in the area had been enormous, according to Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce president Ivy Stevenson.
“Everywhere is pretty much booked out, unless there has been a cancellation,” Mrs Stevenson said.
“There are a lot more people than past years, and they seem to know the area better, families aren’t driving as far as say Port Macquarie or even Forster. For businesses it has been a good year.”
Mrs Stevenson said the rain has just given people the chance to discover other interesting things to do and concentrate on family time.
Alternative activities suggested include a walk up to Yacaaba Heads for the breathtaking view, windsurfing, hiring a tinny, golf, bird-watching, bush walking, and there are still whale and dolphin watching cruises to investigate.
“The Myall Coast is just far enough to enjoy all year long. For activities scheduled later in the year, visit our tourism website www.myallcoast.org.au and don’t forget to pick up the What’s On calendar of events in every local business,” Mrs MacMahon said.
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