SCHOOL holidays are on the horizon and our local camping supply stores have experienced a spike in sales as families take advantage of eased restrictions.
Swan Hill Disposals owner Claire Billing said in town there has already been an influx of caravan travellers.
“There are so many people up from Melbourne in the caravan parks, taking advantage of the weather and scenery in northern Victoria, it’s great to see,” she said.
“They’re just loving it – the other day we were just packed, there’s grey nomads but also families looking to go fishing together.”
Ms Billings said many customers had been amazed at the range of camping and fishing stock they could get in Swan Hill.
“They can get things here that they can’t in the city, really substantial things which are ideal for people living besides the river.
“It’s more accessible for families to fish here than in the ocean, and every year we get parents coming in to get supplies to teach their children fishing.
“It’s really lovely, I think it’s less about fishing itself and more about families finding ways to spend time together.”
Luke Kelly, owner of Blue Sky Swan Hill, said that the September school holidays had seen an increase of foot traffic to the store, so he was hopeful for the end of year holidays.
“We’re seeing a lot of metro travellers, but even travellers from across regional Victoria come in,” Mr Kelly said.
“There are plenty of people coming up in caravans, they want to experience our weather and way of life in the warmer months, especially around Christmas.”
According to The Canberra Times one of the key reasons why camping sites and camping stores have had a sudden rise in popularity is that post-pandemic, there is a huge appeal in wide open spaces.
Coupled with international travel still being held off, more and more people are choosing nights in a tent rather than a ten hour flight.
“Tourism through camping, it’s really a win for the whole town,” Ms Billing said.
“Having the Murray River as a drawcard is massive for Swan Hill, and the economy that tourism generates is vital.
“These people don’t just go fishing, they go to the local pubs, buy clothes, buy groceries – it snowballs.”
