explainer

From Bundaberg to Berry: 19 bushfire-affected regions you should visit ASAP.

 

At the height of Australia’s tourism season, our bushes blackened and our skies turned red.

Australia’s bushfire crisis, which began in September 2019 and continues to ravage, will see our tourism sector suffer a $4.5 billion loss by the end of 2020 – at least, experts say.

These fires have been one of the worst in Australia’s history. Nearly 30 people have died, thousands of homes are destroyed and a billion animals have perished.

To help rebuild, tourism will put money directly into the pockets of those communities who need it most. Which is why a number of campaigns have begun to shine a spotlight on towns in need of tourists.

Among them are Stay With Them, launched by Sally Aksenov, and Empty Esky, created by Erin Boutros, Eleanor Baillieu and Elise Mason.

With over a month left of summer and Australia’s holiday season, these campaigns are gaining momentum as towns begin to reopen and the recovery process kick-starts.

Here are 19 towns you can visit to directly help towns in need.

Kangaroo Valley, NSW.

Find accommodation: Kangaroo Valley Escapes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Find accommodation: Adelaide Hills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Merimbula, NSW

Find accomodation: Escape to Merimbula.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bright, VIC

Find accommodation: Visit Bright.

Crackenback, NSW

Find accommodation: Lake Crackenback.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

We are very much looking forward to bluebird days like this … patience is a virtue and hope springs eternal. Thank you all for your well wishes, they are sincerely appreciated. We continue to be busy preparing and cleaning your much loved Crackenback Resort in anticipation for the all clear from the fire authorities. The situation is under control here but the area is still closed to tourists and visitors. The Alpine Way remains closed at Jindabyne for visitors. Once this changed we will release another update. Most fire fronts have eased but still remain on alert ahead of worsening conditions towards the end of the week. With Sincere Thanks, The amazing and dedicated Lake Crackenback Team ????

A post shared by Lake Crackenback Resort NSW (@lakecrackenback) on

ADVERTISEMENT

Jervis Bay, NSW

Find accommodation: Jervis Bay Tourism.

ADVERTISEMENT

Callala Bay, NSW

Find accommodation: Shoalhaven Tourism.

ADVERTISEMENT

Genoa, VIC

Find accommodation: Visit East Gippsland.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tathra, NSW

Find accommodation: Sapphire Coast.

Mallacoota, VIC

Find accommodation: Visit Mallacoota.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Find accommodation: South Australia Tourism.

ADVERTISEMENT

Berry, NSW

Find accommodation: Berry.

ADVERTISEMENT

Oxley, VIC

Find accommodation: Oxley.

Wangaratta, VIC

Find accommodation: Visit King Valley.

ADVERTISEMENT

Moreton Bay Region, QLD.

Find accommodation: Visit Moreton Bay Region.

ADVERTISEMENT

Port Macquarie, NSW

Find accommodation: Port Macquarie.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bundaberg, QLD

Find accommodation: Bundaberg.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mollymook, NSW

Find accommodation: Shoalhaven.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

30% DISCOUNT ~ Visitors, #Mollymook is ready for you! After the events of the last few weeks + the support we’ve seen for the south coast during the fires we wanted to share the love back ???? We’re offering a 30pc discount if you book between Jan 27 & Feb 5 (minimum 3 night booking). That’s just $350/night (normally $500) ~ sleeps 8. To book phone McGrath Real Estate on 0244556988 and quote “Instagram Special” and they’ll step you through it (don’t book online) *Cleaning + booking fees apply. • We can’t wait to welcome you all back to Mollymook! See a list of fabulous shops, eateries and bars in our highlights to see what awaits. @staywiththemau @spendwiththem @emptyesky #mollymook

A post shared by @ avenue36mollymook on

Blue Mountains, NSW

Find accommodation: Visit Blue Mountains.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Bootlegger Bar Katoomba Blue Mtns. Fantastic new place now open

A post shared by Visit Blue Mountains (@visitbluemountains) on

ADVERTISEMENT

You can follow Stay With Them on Instagram here, as they continue to showcase areas that are in need of tourism.

Before visiting any town, make sure to search the RFS app for any safety updates.  

Feature Image: Visit Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Valley Escapes.


Sign up for the “Mamamia Daily” newsletter. Your morning hit of the top news stories, to be consumed with a coffee in hand.