All accommodation bookings were lost, firstly when COVID-19 restrictions kept people at home, and then when the NSW-Victoria border closure locked most Victorian tourists out.
Events manager Emilly Atkinson said of the 20 or so weddings marked into the calendar for the year – just two went ahead.
“2020 was really tough,” she said.
“As soon as COVID-19 hit we lost everything.
“A lot of people didn’t know they could travel here in NSW.”
Getting creative to try to make some light during those dark times, Ms Atkinson created an ‘elopement package’, for smaller events that could take place within gathering limits.
The staff also spent the down time getting around to some maintenance work, and even installed a new poolside bar.
Things were looking up for the summer holidays until chaos ensued on New Year’s Eve when the last-minute border closure announcement sent families packing.
“It was frantic. The ladies in the office had to stay late to try and help everyone check out,” Ms Atkinson said.
“It was a bit dangerous because we knew a lot of people had been drinking and were trying to get out onto Perricoota Rd which was hectic.
“One staff member had to walk home to Echuca because she couldn’t get out.”
Now, Ms Atkinson said they’re business was back to square one, with all their bookings for the peak period lost.
“We’ve had a lot of kids activities and music by the pool we’ve had to cancel, and other activities like Twisted Science and the Kyabram Fauna Park,” Ms Atkinson said.
However, some bookings are now being made for people from within the border bubble.
One group of Victorians even re-booked at Tindarra when they found out they could still cross the border, as long as they get tested and isolate when they return.
“We’re getting a couple of bookings coming through, but I think a lot of people are still just too scared to travel and not sure if they can go over and come back,” Ms Atkinson said.
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