Businesses in the Grampians are compelling visitors to return to the Victorian tourist hotspot, after fierce bushfires shut down consecutive peak seasons.
Operators have lost up to a quarter of a million dollars since the bushfires raged through the Wimmera for 21 days over Christmas and New Years.
But now the heart of the Grampians, Halls Gap, is again opening its arms to out-of-towners, hoping to return the town to a hive of activity.
Josephina McDonald was forced to close Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park for almost three weeks when the fierce inferno came within a kilometre of her business.
“It took 738 cancellations out of my system which also meant that it affected 738 families,” McDonald said.
The park can accommodate up to 500 people, but is currently operating at less than 19 per cent capacity.
But McDonald says it’s still “business as usual” in the town renowned for its panoramic views, picturesque hikes and abundance of native flora and fauna.
“The kangaroos and emus are still sitting in exactly the same spot, the cockatoos will still wake you up at five o’clock,” she said.
“Coming to the Grampians is really a win win.
“This area is one of the most beautiful nature-based tourist destinations – and it’s an affordable holiday as well.”
Absolute Outdoors adventure tour operator Adrian Manikas said the blaze, which ripped through 76,000 hectares of land, cost his business more than $100,000.
“When there’s nothing coming in and a lot going out, it can be really challenging, for sure,” he said.
The re-opening of key roads in Halls Gap last week has left him hoping for a fresh start.
“We have the ability to operate at 100 per cent capacity,” Manikas said.
“We’ve got our staff here, our locations are open.
“We choose to live and work here for a purpose and that purpose is to share this place with people who come and visit, so it’s going to take more than that to scare us off.”
While Halls Gap locals are working hard to revive the town, several roads remain closed and there is still an active fire ground, meaning some spots are out of reach.
Anyone planning a trip to the region is encouraged to stay across the latest information on the Vic Emergency website.
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