Slow going: WA’s intrastate border relaxation yet to bring Geraldton tourist influx

Caravan park and campground bosses across Geraldton didn’t see much of the promised influx of people after the intrastate borders came down on May 29. But some operators are hopeful of seeing visitor numbers increase, now restrictions are easing. Double Beach Caravan Park manager Lee-Anne Galati said she had hoped the WA Day long weekend and fall of the intrastate borders would see Perth residents head north for warmer weather. “Unfortunately it didn’t really happen, there was not much traffic over the long weekend,” she said of the accommodation site at the Greenough River mouth. “We received only five inquiries over the weekend. Most of the phone orders are saying they will head this way over the school holidays.” At Geraldton Caravan Park, manager Jason Khaw said the facility had reopened but business remained slow. “It’s better than it was during the lockdown but WA residents tend to use Geraldton as an overnight stop,” he said. “Our best business is from Eastern States travellers who stay a few days and explore.” Sunset Beach Holiday Park general manager Mike Triplett said during the lockdown it was looking dire for caravan park operators. “Now the Premier has lifted the borders we’re getting more and more bookings,” he said. “The WA Day long weekend was a slow start but it’s looking better. This time of year it’s usually the grey nomads migrating north, and our book-ings are starting to reflect that.” S Bend Caravan Park owner Maxine Miles said the park reopened as regional borders relaxed and had been really busy since. “It’s going to be difficult for a lot of businesses but I think things are looking up,” she said. “Over the long weekend it was mostly young people but now the majority of our visitors are the grey nomads. “I think everyone wants to get out of Perth after the lockdown.”