By Callum Ludwig
Business owners in the Upper Yarra have been doing it tough recently through the Omicron wave, but tight-knit communities and the recently released travel voucher scheme have them optimistic for the future.
The recently renovated Alpine Hotel in Warburton is one such business, ready and raring to go with 32 rooms, accommodating solo travelers, twin share rooms and couples rooms, as well as beautiful food and drinks to enjoy in the beer garden or at the bar.
Owner Rachael Northwood, who purchased the heritage-listed business alongside her partner Anthony in April 2020, said the boost the voucher scheme will give Warburton is exciting.
“I think being an hour and a half out of Melbourne, the beautiful Warburton village will be an easy option for customers to have time out of the CBD,” she said.
“With businesses trying to get staff back into offices, I think the timing of these vouchers is perfect because people will want to get a change of scenery and reboot their weekend with nature.”
The Alpine Hotel offers bike storage, so visitors can bring or hire a bike and discover the area, particularly on the Lilydale to Warburton Trail. There are individual bike lockers and even designated storage for electric bikes.
Ms Northwood said the Omicron wave was an extremely difficult challenge for hospitality, tourism and entertainment businesses in the area including the hotel.
“January was a very tough trading month, with patrons being extra cautious and having to self-isolate,” she said.
“We felt somewhat isolated ourselves, to be honest.”
Despite the harsh reality of living with Covid-19, Ms Northwood was very grateful for the tight-knit Warburton and greater Yarra Valley community who have continued to support them.
“The amount of local village and the Yarra Valley support of the Alpine hotel has been so encouraging. We’ve had a lot of feedback from the Valley on what a positive restoration the building has been,” she said.
“And because we’ve looked after their building, they’re also looking after us.”
