Every dark cloud has a silver lining as they say.  And that appears to be the case for many hinterland tourist operators as COVID-weary city slickers flock to the area in numbers.

Bans on overseas travel has also meant families and retirees have swapped holidays abroad for destinations closer to home. The hinterland offers a perfect alternative and the influx is helping operators make up for three months of shutdowns last year.

Owners of Mapleton’s Eden Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Julie and Charlie Bevan, say they have broken booking records for seven of the past eight months since restrictions were eased.

“Since COVID lockdown, when we closed for three months, we have actually had our largest occupancy rates in seven years,” said Julie. “Today is our first morning without guests for 18 days.”

“When the lockdown occurred last weekend (January 9-10) we had two cancellations. But we were lucky and within minutes all rooms were booked online with one couple who had flown in to Brisbane for the weekend from Rockhampton. They were advised on the plane about the lockdown so they hired a car and came straight up here. Another couple who were due to stay a few nights in Brisbane came up here instead and then a third couple gave Brisbane a wide berth on their way up from Victoria and stayed with us for 3 nights.”

Despite lockdowns B&B life
remains enjoyable and rewarding

Julie and Charlie have reluctantly had Eden Lodge on the market and said they would definitely miss the friendly and flexible B&B lifestyle.

“I don’t know how to put into words the joys of running a B&B,” said Julie. 

“Meeting so many different people. Talking and laughing over breakfast. Not a mobile device in sight.  

“I have had a lot of jobs in my lifetime and I can tell you this has to be the most rewarding of all positions I have held.”

“There is a perception that it’s hard work but if it is such hard work, how do they think a couple in their sixties can even manage it and keep smiling,” she laughed.

• Contact Eden Lodge on 5445 7338, 0414 424 035, or info@edenlodge.com.au