Rodney Stevens

Businesses across the Clarence Valley are reporting a welcome increase in holiday trade over the Christmas New Year period, but feelings are mixed about whether patronage has returned to pre-Covid levels.

As the warm summer weather draws locals and tourists to the coast, Brooms Head, Yamba and Iluka businesses have enjoyed increased visitor numbers compared to the past few pandemic years.

Phil from Yamba Kayaks said great weather had helped business return to pre-Covid levels.

“The weather has been fairly good which is a big factor for my business, so I have been pretty busy,” he said.

“Every day we have had kayak tours.

“I think it’s at least as busy as before covid, for sure.” 

Anthea from The Saraton Theatre in Grafton said they had been very busy over the school holidays with a lot of new release movies drawing in the crowds.

“We are very busy with blockbusters and lots of kids movies during the school holidays,” she said.

“Traditionally it’s the busiest time of year for us with kids on school holidays and people wanting to see new releases on Boxing Day.

“Avatar is and extremely popular movie at the moment.”

The owner of BP Bait Place Yamba said the holiday period was more successful than in recent years.

“We’ve had a good Christmas period and it has certainly been better than last year,” they said.

“Everyone that has been coming in has been happy and there has been a great vibe this year.”

Tamara from Maclean Bowling Club said trade had been steady during a time that sees some patrons on holidays on the coast.

“The holiday period hasn’t been exceptional for us here in Maclean,” she said.

“Most of the people are in Yamba or Brooms Head.

“Trade has definitely picked-up post Covid, but this time of the year isn’t traditionally busy for us.

“Ticket sales are going well for Joe Camelliri and The Black Sorrows on Thursday night.”

Beau from Marina Boat and Tackle Yamba said holiday trade was good, but still not back to pre-Covid levels.

“The Christmas break itself was great as far as the BBQ boats go, we had them pretty much booked out,” he said.

“But I don’t think things have returned to normal since Covid.

“It just hasn’t taken off yet outside of the holiday periods.”