By Jed Lanyon
As Covid-19 restrictions eased across Victoria, Yarra Valley tourism operators are allowed to open their doors to entertainment starved Melbournians who are looking to make the most of their freedom to leave home.
Zoos Victoria reopened Healesville Sanctuary on Thursday 29 October with tickets in high demand as patrons waited hours online to snap up the opportunity to visit their favourite animals again.
Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray said the warmer spring weather and daylight savings makes for a perfect time of year to explore the outdoors and meet the new animals that are part of a zoo-wide baby boom.
“We’ve had an absolute boom of babies at all of our properties,” Dr Gray said.
Dr Gray said Healesville Sanctuary’s new koala joey, Wirra, has just begun venturing out of mum’s pouch. The baby koala was recently named by Star Mail readers as it translates to ‘climb’ in Woiwurrung language.
“We know immersing yourself in nature is one of the best ways to rebuild your resilience and your wellness, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back again. Our Zoo grounds are looking spectacular, with flowers in bloom everywhere and big lawn areas for relaxing. It’s a perfect time of year to reconnect with nature.”
The sanctuary will have a cap on daily visitor numbers at 1500 to allow plenty of room for physical distancing.
Locals keen to take a ride on Puffing Billy have to wait a little while longer as the popular tourist attraction is set to open later this month.
Yarra Valley wineries and restaurants were open for table service again.
Napoleone Cider and Punt Road Wines general manager Tim Shand said the opening of Napoleone’s Orchard Bar was a success and drove in many locals.
“It was a bit of an unknown with that 25 kilometre zone in what to expect, but I think the winemakers of Healesville have been drunken dry to be honest,” he said.
Mr Shand said local wineries and distillers may have to provide a different experience to appeal to a local crowd before restrictions are lifted for more Victorians to access the Yarra Valley region.
“The best part of this period is that it has given us the chance to reimagine everything we do and people cut you a break to be able to experiment and do things differently.”
Mr Shand explained that new CovidSafe requirements had changed the winery experience from”tasting and moving on” model to “a more intimate and engaging sitting experience” as patrons are required to remain seated with movement within venues being kept to a minimum.
“Weirdly, it’s forced us to reinvent how we entertain people for the better.”
Yarra Ranges Council encourages visitors to plan and book their trip ahead, and to be aware of the restrictions and density limits in place to help the region re-open safely.
CEO Tammi Rose said that many local businesses were prepared for the ease in restrictions and were looking forward to the support of summertime visitors.
“We know that businesses across Victoria have been struggling this year and we’ve felt this very close to home. As one of the state’s most visited tourist regions, visitors are the lifeblood of so many of our local businesses” Ms Rose said.
“We’re all excited to welcome visitors back to our beautiful part of the world, to share our local produce and natural environment as travel opens back up.”
Ms Rose said that large crowds were anticipated on weekends and public holidays and that planning ahead would help to reduce overcrowding and avoid disappointment.
“We love to see people coming out and enjoying themselves in Yarra Ranges, but as we face a COVID Normal summer, we have to change the way we take day trips and holidays.
“Please be kind to local businesses – we’re all keen for visitors, but we’re also all adapting to the changes and challenges of this year.
“The easiest thing to do is to book ahead – this will guarantee you a seat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and help our businesses to run smoothly.
“There will be reduced parking as outdoor dining takes over some traditional car parks in main streets. We still have accessible parking available, but we’re encouraging visitors and community members to be patient and leave extra time to find a park.
“For visitors heading out to some of our parks, reserves and forests, please plan your day with back-up destinations in mind, as you may arrive to find car parks full or an area quite busy. Some of these destinations do have alternative car parks so best to research these in advance of your visit.
“Places like the Redwood Forest in East Warburton, the 1000 Steps and the RJ Hamer Arboretum are extremely popular, but we have so many more wonderful places to visit, including hundreds of kilometres of paths and trails, so it’s worth taking the time to explore off the beaten track.”
There will be an increased presence of Victoria Police officers, Council’s Community Safety officers and Parks Victoria Rangers throughout the region to ensure visitors and community members are doing the right thing and adhering to the Chief Health Officer’s orders – including wearing masks.
