Port Fairy's standing as a tourism mecca continues to grow with indications of another huge summer on the radar.
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Today we look at what lays ahead.
FULL HOUSE
A boom festive season is on the way for Port Fairy with accommodation bookings at record levels.
Moyne Shire Council owned Southcombe and Gardens caravan parks are booked out from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day.
Both parks have waiting lists for powered sites.
Moyne Shire co-ordinator of corporate business and tourism Jenny Madden said it was a spectacular result.
"This is the earliest we have ever had both Port Fairy caravan parks booked out," Ms Madden said.
"We are thrilled, there are a lot of return visitors who are obviously keen to get back and experience what Port Fairy has to offer.
"Some of these people have been coming to the town for their summer holidays for generations.
"We are also attracting new people to the town, Port Fairy is still being discovered by many.
"The town has a good reputation as a family holiday destination."
While the parks are booked out, Ms Madden encouraged people who may have missed a spot to stay in touch with the parks as some vacancies may open up.
She said the popularity of caravan parks in Port Fairy had a positive spin-off effect for parks in neighbouring areas, such as Koroit, Killarney and Yambuk.
"Those unable to secure a place in Port Fairy can access those nearby parks with close access to Port Fairy," she said.
"That provides a boost during the summer for those smaller towns."
TICKING OVER
The likelihood of a busy summer comes after a relatively quiet winter.
While nights stayed in sites at the parks were low, Southcombe Lodge, located at Southcombe Park, continues to be a popular year-round venue.
The lodge recorded steady occupancy during the winter, with every weekend during July booked out.
MANY HANDS
While many groups and clubs in the town have small armies of volunteers, the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre has its own band of loyal helpers.
In 2018-19, there was a 15 per cent increase from the previous year in hours performed by volunteers, an average of 183 hours per person.
Volunteers receive regular training, with the focus in the past year to up-skill them about whale identification.
CASTING WEB
A drop in the amount of people walking through the door of the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre was recorded over the last 12 months.
Walk-ins for 2018-19 were 81,338, down from 88,583 the previous year.
Phone (2197 down from 3510) and email (559 down from 3916) enquiries decreased but these declines were offset by an increased presence online.
Sessions on the wwwiamportfairy.com.au website increased from 35,676 to 96,055.
Audiences on social media formats grew for the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre, with Facebook likes climbing from 3619 to 4990, while the Instagram following jumped from 1018 to 1486.
Moyne Shire Council Visitor Services Team Leader Ashley Price said the promotion of Port Fairy continued to gain momentum.
"The numbers through the door are slightly down but they are still very solid," Mr Price said.
"Our walk-in numbers are still ahead of the state average.
"The website numbers have been terrific, we are able to target people before they leave their homes.
"It allows people to plan to stay in Port Fairy longer because of the information we provide. They know what the town and the surrounding areas have to offer."
This is the earliest we have ever had both Port Fairy caravan parks booked out.
- Jenny Madden