Warrnambool had a slow start to the opening weekend of the term two school holidays despite positive signs for tourism rebounding following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village recorded its busiest summer in three years before it was forced to close its doors on March 20 due to COVID19.
The tourist attraction re-opened in time to welcome 89 visitors over the first weekend of the school holidays while 328 people came into the Visitor Information Centre.
Services manager Paul Pinkerton said the rest of the holiday period looked promising as the information centre fielded about 60 telephone enquiries from people planning trips.
"Our numbers were lower than last year but the opening weekend of the holidays is always slow," he said.
"We didn't promote our opening too heavily as we wanted to test out our Covid-19 plans.
It is definitely promising for the pipeline to have the enquiries.
- Paul Pinkerton
Warrnambool City Council-managed caravan parks recorded numbers "on par" with the corresponding weekend last year. There were more campers and less cabins booked last weekend than last year.
On Monday, the state's chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton asked Victorians to stay at home if they were experiencing coronavirus symptoms as case numbers continue to climb across the state as six schools and two childcare centres in Melbourne were linked to the 75 reported new cases of the virus.
"I do hope all of the families that have children home are bearing in mind the message to stay home," he said.
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Mr Pinkerton said Flagstaff Hill was taking every precaution to ensure a safe environment for staff and visitors.
"We want this to be a safe place for people to visit," he said.
"This time is quiet anyway so it's too early to say if we will have increased numbers."
Blacksmith Sean Cole was thrilled to be back in his workshop six days a week for the holidays. "Saturday was the first day we were open and it was really good," he said.
"I'm happy to be back."
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