TOURISM operators across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are enjoying one of their busiest summers on record, with new figures showing expenditure across the Local Government Area reached $225 million in December alone.
According to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the December result was up two percent on the same month in 2024 and six percent higher than December 2023, underlining steady year-on-year growth.
The surge has been reflected on the ground at major attractions including Timbertown, which recorded its busiest day in its 50-year history just days before closing its gates for good.
For Timbertown owners David and Alison Waite, the strong summer trade has delivered a remarkable final chapter for one of the Mid North Coast’s most iconic tourist attractions, which is set to wind up operations on January 28.
David Waite said trade at Timbertown was up about 400 per cent this summer, with demand peaking well beyond expectations.
“Saturday just gone was our busiest recorded day ever at Timbertown,” he told News Of The Area this week.
“We’ve probably had 10 days since Christmas where we’ve had to recommend to people not to come in because we’re just at more than capacity.”
While the strong finish had been rewarding, Waite said it was also an emotional time for the small team behind the attraction.
“To be honest, the small group of us here, we’re all thoroughly exhausted, and no one’s really stopped to consider next week,” he said.
“But I’m sure it will hit us all pretty hard.”
He said no buyer had been found yet to continue operating the attraction.
“Plenty of interest, but nobody wants to take Timbertown on,” he said.
“They’re only interested in the land.
“It’s a real big commitment and a real lot of work, and I just don’t think we live in that world anymore.”
Another major beneficiary of the strong summer trade has been Billabong Zoo, with operations manager Blake Stone describing the past two months of trade as “huge”.
“The school holidays have been huge for us here at Billabong Zoo, with busy days right across the break and visitors coming from all over Australia and overseas,” Stone said.
“It’s been great to see so many families choosing the zoo as a must-do while they’re in the area, which really shows how important Billabong Zoo is as a tourism drawcard to the region.”
He said new animal arrivals at the zoo had also generated significant excitement.
“The biggest stars have definitely been Basil and Josie, our Asian small-clawed otters who arrived mid-2025 and have absolutely stolen hearts,” he said.
“There’s also been a lot of excitement from guests hoping to spot our brand new puggle baby echidna, which has created a real buzz.
“It’s been one of those holiday periods that reminds us why we love what we do.”
With local beaches packed and “no vacancy” signs common across town during the peak holiday period, Greater Port Macquarie Tourism president Kerry Fox said the strong season had been felt across the entire tourism sector.
“Some of our larger attractions have had amazing attendances, and some of our restaurants and accommodation have been very busy,” she said.
“I think all around it’s been a very good tourism season.”
Business Port Macquarie executive officer Kylie Morris said the strong visitor numbers had flowed through to local retailers and events.
“We had a record crowd along the foreshore for the New Year’s Eve fireworks,” she said.
“Many local businesses had a great season leading up to Christmas, with a late rush as people did their last-minute shopping.
“People are still clearly favouring Port Macquarie as a summer holiday destination.”
By Matt TAYLOR
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