Tasmanians are taking advantage of being stuck in the state during the coronavirus pandemic by exploring the West Coast, with tourism operators in the region reaping the benefits.
At Corinna on Tasmania's ruggedly beautiful West Coast the only way to get across the Pieman River in a car is to drive on to the bold yellow barge and be ferried to the other side.Tasmanians who would normally travel interstate and overseas are exploring their own stateSome operators are doing better than last year, with one reporting bookings up 300 per cent
The isolated spot has been a drawcard for Tasmanians who have been heading there in larger numbers than normal while the state's borders remain closed until December."I think on average we're 300-400 per cent up," he said.September was usually a quiet month for the barge, averaging just two to six passengers a day."If it's happening around Tassie it's going to stimulate the economy, which is what we badly need at the moment.
The operators had planned to run on their winter timetable of three days a week but increased to six days to meet demand.Staff member Kristy Bonney said the train would have reduced capacity to allow for social distancing."Tasmanians have really taken the opportunity to travel and just jumped onboard. It's been amazing."
Gordon River Cruises general manager Geoff Eyers said Tasmanians were taking advantage of being stuck in the state while borders were closed."Obviously at the moment they can't do that so they're travelling in Tasmania.The border closure was making it difficult for some operators to find staff ahead of the peak season as they usually rely on backpackers."If we get busier then we'll definitely recruit.
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