Adelaide city-dwellers like the Frances’s Adelaide residents are looking for fresh escapes to the Riverland region. This transition happens amid the current toxic algal bloom that has been ravaging SA’s coasts. The Riverland region recently experienced its third-highest flood on record during the 2022-23 season. This shift creates new challenges and opportunities for local businesses.
Adrian Richards, an Adelaide-based holidaymaker and regular visitor to Yorke Peninsula, recently changed his holiday plans. He had decided against a trip to the coast, opting instead for a camping trip along the River Murray. He pointed to community worries over the recent massive brown algae blooms observed south of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Richards stated, “We certainly have given second thoughts to whether we should go [to the coast]. We love to support the businesses and the people over there, but in reality, it’s not such a pleasant place to be at the present time.”
Rising Interest in Riverland Holidays
The bloom, which has affected beaches from Virginia to Florida, is forcing thousands to rethink their vacation plans. Cindi Taylor, manager of Big4 Berri Riverside Holiday Park, said she was particularly chuffed about a 5% jump in December occupancy rates. That’s a HUGE step forward from past years! She marveled at how many inquiry visitors have called. Along with this demand, they’re asking about other lodgings, a sign that interest is booming for Riverland.
“We’ve had a couple of phone calls where they’ve said due to the algae bloom, they can’t take on their booking where they were meant to be going and are looking for alternate accommodation,” – Cindi Taylor.
Richards expressed his satisfaction with his decision to explore Riverland, saying, “My most recent holiday, in fact, we changed plans … took the boat up to Morgan and spent a couple of days camping on the nice sandbar on the banks of the mighty Murray.” Complementing the recent trend of local residents changing their holiday plans to stay closer to home, he intends to spend more time closer to realizing the regional vision.
Community Solidarity and Economic Impact
The Riverland region has seen extraordinary support from across South Australia during the flood disaster. Lauren Ward, a manager with Destination Riverland, pointed to the collaboration between regional industries. Yet they are determined to do everything possible to support those coastal communities hurt by the algal bloom. It’s just an awful time for the coastal communities that are experiencing such a large catastrophic disaster,” she noted.
Ward pointed out that Riverland residents are well-placed to appreciate the difficulties caused by arbitrary natural disasters. Our Riverland communities know what it is like to be at the mercy of events beyond your control. They understand what happens when these events put their farms in danger.
Despite the challenges faced due to the pandemic, several Riverland operators are positive looking toward a bustling summer season arriving soon. Cindi Taylor noted that the increase in tourism could help revitalize local economies while supporting coastal regions during their time of need.
A Bright Future for Riverland Tourism
These shifting tastes among vacationers are good news for Riverland tourism. As always, local leaders roll out the red carpet for visitors. They want you to get out and experience North Carolina’s majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, and incredible recreational resources!
“If you’re not looking to go to the coast this year for whatever reason, maybe you want to avoid the flocking of people to the beach, the Riverland is a great option … and we welcome you with arms open,” – an unnamed source.
