Rising fuel costs hitting tourism

By Shannon Twomey
BUSINESS owners in the Upper Yarra are concerned about the lack of tourism in the area due to rising petrol prices.
Yarra Junction businesses have reported a steady decline for tourism in the area.
Local business owner of Duck In Bed and Breakfast, Bert Sanders said his business was attracting less tourists from the city.
“I think the rise in petrol is definitely affecting businesses. This time last year we had a lot more guests from the city,” Mr Sanders said.
“Now they just aren’t turning up.”
Despite the reports of the decline in tourism in Yarra Junction, a new bed and breakfast is set to open next month.
Brian Westlake and Julie Upton are in the process of setting up three bed and breakfast units on their main road property.
“We started this project in August last and just about every Sunday people going past on the main road come up our driveway and ask us what sort of development is taking place,” Mr Westlake said.
There is yet to be any five star accommodation in Yarra Junction and Mr Westlake said he thought his five star units were something the town needed.
“We have already had people inquire about staying for a few nights,” Mr Westlake said.
Despite petrol prices continuing to rise, Mr Westlake and Ms Upton are hoping that attractions such as the Lilydale – Warburton rail trail, which is located opposite their bed and breakfast units, will attract tourists interested in walking and cycling.
“We are hoping to purchase a few mountain bikes and organise a deal with them for people who stay with us.”
While a mixture of responses was evident in Yarra Junction, Warburton businesses say they are yet to notice a decline in tourists to the area.
“We have noticed the opposite,” president of Warburton Tourism Barry Baden said.
“We have just recently had visitor figures to visitor information centre which shows in the previous two years down but in this last 12 months showing a significant uptrend.”
Mr Baden said he recognised that the rise of petrol is certainly an issue for tourism throughout Australia.
But, he said the reason for the increase in Warburton may be related to other tourism destinations being further away.
“It is much easier to get to Warburton, Healesville or Yarra Valley than places like Echuca and Albury which are a greater distance,” Mr Baden said.