Trudy Schultz from Accommodation Management Gloucester said the influx of visitors to the region had taken many tourist providers by surprise.

“It’s been very busy,” she said.

“I think the recent good weather has been one of the reasons for it, but really I think most people have just had a very busy year and have said ‘let’s go’.”

Camping has again proved a popular pastime this Christmas-New Year period. 

Anthony Signor from the National Parks and Wildlife Service said both Woko and Gloucester River campsites had been near capacity, while there were large numbers of campers at both Polblue and Devil’s Hole in the Barrington Tops.

“We’ve had an enormous amount of inquiries through the door at our office here in Gloucester, even since New Year,” he said.

“One of the great drawcards for visitors to the Tops is the cooler weather up there in the summer.”

Gloucester tourism manager Wendy Hughes said camping had certainly been the most popular form of accommodation for those visiting the region.

“Self contained units, B and Bs and the motels have all been close to capacity, but camping has been huge,” she said.

“I’ve had reports that Bretti and even Poley’s Place are completely full. It’s been good camping weather, even though a bit more water in the rivers would be nice.”

Visitors from Sydney and the Central Coast continue to be the largest market for tourist providers in Gloucester.

“Self-contained accommodation with a pool has proved very popular and even luxury retreats,” Mrs Schultz said.

“Couples and families make up the bulk of the visitors, but there’s a fairly broad spectrum and most are staying for between three and five nights.”