Travellers roll into region

Tourists have wasted no time hitting the road to visit the beautiful Narrabri region with a steady stream of caravaners rolling into town since COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted from June 1.

The Pilliga bore bath is always a popular attraction and a number of visitors have been setting up camp in the area since it opened on the June long weekend.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no more than 10 people can be in the bore at any one time.

“We just love it here,” said Jane Palmer who travelled to the region from Sydney.

“It’s the best bore bath around.”

“We come up here every year, we’re ‘seasonal locals’,” added Jane’s husband Greg Palmer.

“We like running into the same people every time.”

Teresa and Richie Simmons travelled to Pilliga from Culcairn in the NSW Riverina region.

“We’ve never been here before and we’re hoping to continue on our road trip when the borders open up and go to the Nothern Territory,” said Teresa Simmons.
Mrs Simmons said they also stopped in the district to try and trace her family history.

She believes her father’s biological mother, Mary Ann Walker, lived in the area and she’s trying to find out information about her.

The Pilliga campground is one of many sites now open to visitors and locals looking for a holiday not too far from home. There’s plenty to explore in our own backyard.

“Yarrie Lake is now open again after the COVID-19 virus restrictions,” said a Yarrie Lake Hall Trust spokesman.

“Caravaners and campers must comply with the current COVID-19 safety rules including physical distancing while at Yarrie Lake.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said lifting the holiday travel restriction would give everyone a much-needed break and help get small businesses and the tourism industry moving again.

However, Ms Berejiklian has urged travellers to maintain social distancing and adhere to other limitations.

The Queensland border is set to reopen on July 10 but the state’s chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has also suggested that date could be brought forward.