The South Coast continues to thrive during the summer tourism season, with surging COVID cases doing little to deter those holidaying.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite climbing COVID-case numbers, Batemans Bay Hotel manager Kerry Watson said they had been booked out throughout the summer.
"We have had a lot of cancellations from Sydney because people are getting COVID, but there hasn't been a lot from Canberra or Melbourne," Ms Watson said. "But, in saying that, as fast as these cancellations come through I reckon I could have sold these rooms over and over and over. Everyone loves it down here which I think is wonderful."
In Ulladulla and Mollymook, owner and chef of The Greens Brasserie Ryan Smith said the place was packed with people.
"We're so booked up I can hardly stay on the phone for too long, we've got a function coming and we're completely busy in the coming weeks," Mr Smith said.
While restaurants and hotels appeared to be busy in the region, location supervisor of Moruya Swimming Pools Katie Stammers said they had been getting a moderate amount of people coming to the pools.
"It has still been busy but it sort of dropped off again a little this week since the public holidays are over now," Ms Stammers said.
"It's hard to say what's normal for us because the last few years have been so weird.
"A few years ago it probably would have been a lot busier here."
Manager of tourism events at Eurobodalla Shire Council Tim Booth said the increasing visitor numbers had been really positive to see.
"Things are still looking really strong for the remainders of January as well. So it looks like it's going to be a really great summer holiday season," Mr Booth said.
"It's just really great to see so many people out and about after a pretty tough finish to 2021.
"The vibrancy around all of the towns and villages throughout the entire shire is good to see."
Further up the coast in the Jervis Bay region, crowds are also significant according to cafe owner of the Cooked Goose on Hyams Madison Behringer.
"I know some people are concerned about this stuff, like not having enough staff because they'll have to isolate, but generally we haven't noticed much change," Ms Behringer said.
"It's still very busy down here at all times, often the council will close the road when the little villages are full so we've noticed it's still busy enough for them to do that."
Shoalhaven City Council tourism manager Kristy Mayhew said the community was extremely happy the tourism season was still doing well despite COVID.
The Illawarra Mercury newsroom is funded by our readers. You can subscribe to support our journalism here.