The Premier was spotted at the Moruya Cup alongside outgoing Bega MP Andrew Constance, Liberal candidate for the Bega by-election Fiona Kotvojs, Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party Stuart Ayres, and Liberal Senator Marise Payne.

However, Mr Perrottet's appearance was not without critics, as some accused him of 'running away' from COVID-19 issues in Sydney.

"Glad you're enjoying yourself," Trasi Evans said on Facebook. "Meanwhile, hospitals are beginning to feel the strain, staff are under the pump, and testing stations and pathologies are overwhelmed and closing."

"How ironic," said Jessie Peng. "While healthcare workers are under enormous strain, you're having a great time here."

"I think a pandemic is more important than a horse race," said Jo Fickel. "That should be your priority, fixing our health system."

"Does NSW have a Premier to lead us in a crisis? Or a leader who prefers going to the races?" asked Grahame Marks. "Sydney and NSW are in crisis, and we have absolutely not leadership."

Labor candidate for the upcoming Bega by-election, Dr Michael Holland, didn't comment on the Premier's "personal decision" to visit the Moruya Cup, but did say he understood the community's "anxiety" over the current wave of COVID-19.

"We have concerns over the capacity of our local health system to cope with the spread, and people are anxious about access to testing and booster shots," he said.

"I've already heard of patients who have been transferred to Canberra because they can't receive the necessary care here.

"I believe the Premier and his government were unprepared for this wave, and the needs for extra testing and booster shots, and I don't believe they really understand the concerns of our community."

Dr Holland also criticised recent changes to the definition of a close contact, particularly in relation to health-care workers.

"I think it's counter intuitive to believe that it's only more than four hours that makes you a close contact, it just doesn't make sense to stretch the time out like that," he said.

"Health care workers are already stressed enough, and I'd hate to think what it's like in the cities.

"I've had midwives approach me saying they're ready to leave because of this - there's no sense of guidance or direction (about the disease).

"People want to have confidence to visit their friends and family, but all this chopping and changing of information leaves people confused."

Ms Kotvojs, defended the Premier's appearance in Moruya, describing it as "really positive".

"(They) were coming down to support the local community after a particularly difficult year," she said.

"The Premier is keen to get the feedback from people and talk to them about local issues and how things are tracking down here.

"Both Dom and Stuart spent quite a lot of time with the people talking to them about how things are going for them."

Ms Kotvojs also rejected claims the Premier had gone "missing" during the current COVID-19 crisis.

"He's very present at all times," she said.

"He's done a presser this morning (Wednesday, January 5), he's been in a national cabinet, and he's been all over the state even during his own holiday period.

"From my perspective, I see it as a positive to have a Premier who is interested in people's experiences, and takes the time to talk to people."

Peter Atkinson, chairman of the Moruya Jockey Club board, said he believed Mr Perrottet was the first Premier to attend the Moruya Jockey Club.

"I went back through some records, and I don't believe a Premier has ever visited our race track," he said.

"We had members of three levels of government on the day, and I don't believe there was any animosity from the crowd.

"I've received messages that indicate they all had a really good day at a country race track, and we were delighted to have them there."

Mr Ayres said he was in Moruya because he "enjoys a country race meeting".

"I commend the Moruya Race Club for putting on a wonderful event, and it was great to see such a great crowd in attendance," he said.

"As Tourism Minister, I think the South Coast is one of the jewels in NSW's tourism crown, and I was pleased to see so many people enjoying the wonderful destination while exercising COVID-safe practices."

Premier Dominic Perrottet was contacted for comment.