Gloucester businesses received a much-needed boost over holiday period

GLOUCESTER businesses received a much-needed boost, with strong trading during the recent holiday period.

Accommodation Gloucester told News Of The Area that tourist bookings for the period between Christmas and New Year were on par with 2024 levels, with a strong surge in bookings immediately after New Year.

This momentum continued through January and was expected to remain strong into February.

“The town itself was also noticeably busy over the holiday period, with sustained activity along the main street, a positive indicator for visitor confidence heading into 2026,” said Trudy Schultz from Accommodation Gloucester.

Brian Kilby from The Steps Campground was happy with the demand for campsites over the holiday period.

“Bookings for our camping ground were up this year, and we were delighted with a great Christmas/New Year period, particularly after the floods in May,” said Brian.

“Bookings for our mountain bike park were the best we’ve ever had.

“All our activities such as swimming, kayaking and mountain biking were popular, but the river sledding was a particular hit with all age groups.”

Bucketts Way Motel also experienced a very busy Christmas holiday period.

“We had a record number of days with 100 per cent occupancy, so it was a super busy time,” said Sue Garside from Bucketts Way Motel.

“It was crazy busy, and the town was buzzing.”

Many businesses along the main street experienced strong demand.

“We got smashed over the school holiday period, with heaps of tourists,” said Jasmine Murray from Roadies Café.

Mark Garner from Drifter Gloucester was also pleased with Christmas trading.

“The main street was busy-pumping along’” said Mark.

“It was good trading over Christmas.”

Gloucester’s popular Forest of Play toy store had an excellent December.

“Trading in our shop was great, it was our busiest Christmas period since we’ve opened,” said store owner Ana Watts.

“We had our busiest day ever in mid-December.”

Shelley Faull from The Common shop was also positive about the number of coffees heading out the door.

“Christmas trading was crazy for us,” added Summer from Circle of Friends.

Caitlin from Gloucester IGA told News Of The Area the store experienced very strong trading over the holiday period.

“There was a lot more traffic through the store this holiday compared to the last one, which was fantastic to see,” said Caitlin.

While many of Gloucester’s visitors were simply enjoying a holiday, a number were also considering the town as a future place to live.

Peter Markey from McGrath Real Estate explained his agency had several people who made arrangements to inspect properties over the Christmas period.

“They were nearly all people who’d been here before and had either fallen in love with the place, or done their research,” said Peter.

“It was a very good time, and the last couple of months have been fantastic for us so far as sales go.

“People come in and say that Gloucester is where they want to be.”

The boost follows a significant hit in 2025 due to the May floods, followed by the closure of both Thunderbolts Way and the road to the Barrington Tops for extended periods.

By John WATTS