COHUNA has been inundated with visitors this holiday season, with multiple attractions drawing visitors in from across the State.
Cohuna Waterfront Holiday Park experienced record numbers of patrons, with the facility’s manager, Jennah Martin describing it as the biggest season they have had in four years.
“It’s huge. It’s gone really well, run really smoothly – we’ve had some really cool events in the park as well,” she said.
“The park ran an event on December 30 which had live music, free face painting and fairy floss, and a local restaurant did a roast dinner for everyone – it was just a really cool atmosphere.”
The following evening saw Cohuna’s Garden Park full with revelers to celebrate New Year’s Eve, which attracted an estimated 1000 people for the midnight fireworks.
Meanwhile, many of the tourists in the area have taken advantage of the opportunity to stand-up paddle and kayak on Gunbower Creek at Apex Park.
Murray River Adventures owner and director, Shannon O’Brien said that he is excited to tap into the potential of Gunbower Creek.
“We’re completely committed. I honestly don’t think people really understand what they have here,” he said.
“I’ve paddled every inch of the Gunbower up to Koondrook, and I’ve never been in a more beautiful waterway.
Mr O’Brien said that while setting up the business, he had spoken to residents who had never even been out on the creek, but that it was an opportunity for tourism that just needed a push.
“You can paddle through the forest and you’re going to have an unbelievable experience because you’re paddling through flooded forest with birds and wildlife,” he said.
“But they’re talking about bike paths and how can they get the money for them – you’ve got [what you need] right here – the creek.”
Mr O’Brien said his ultimate goal for the area was to find Indigenous tour guides to conduct stand-up paddle board tours through the Gunbower Creek, but for the time being he would settle on finding some local staff, which had been proving a challenge.
“We’d love to employ three or four young people, or semi-retired people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the holiday park is still booked almost to capacity for the rest of January, with event for park guests occurring throughout the month.
“The cabins are full but we still have a few unpowered camp sites. I think the guests have enjoyed themselves,” Ms Martin said.
