With Sydney released from lockdown, local tourism operators have been bracing for a long-awaited spike in visitors to Warrumbungle region.

Moving into what is typically one of the Warrumbungle region’s quieter periods due to the summer heat, hotels and caravan park owners have noticed a trend of bookings on the rise.

Jacki Roberts, from National Parks and Wildlife Service, said they had also seen an increase in campers booking into the Warrumbungle National Park.

“When restrictions lifted recently, we saw a spike in bookings and day visitation,” Ms Roberts said.

“The park is busier than usual for this time of year, with around 50 campers booked during the week and around 150 on weekends.

“On the first weekend of November we had over 200 campers!”

Ms Roberts said the boost in visitor numbers appeared to be a mix between restrictions easing and the somewhat cooler weather the area had been experiencing.

“Summer holidays are traditionally quieter in the Warrumbungles, but that was turned on its head last year when we had a summer visitation period which was well- above average,” she said.

“This year, it is also looking busier than usual, continuing a post COVID-restriction trend, and reflecting the cooler temperatures being experienced this spring so far.

“It’s encouraging to see more people using our beautiful park at this time of year and we would remind anyone visiting to be prepared for the warmer conditions and remember to book, with all campground booking now online.”

Catherine Snitch, from the Country Gardens Motel in Coonabarabran, has gone as far as to predict her business will be close to capacity once the holidays roll around.

“There’s positive signs there, with bookings rolling in.

“We are definitely seeing an increase in enquiries and bookings on a daily basis.

“With COVID-19, everything seems to have been shaken up and people are looking to get out of the house and travel as soon as they can - even if it means it’s going to be hot.”