Port Campbell once again a hive of activity after restrictions ease

Corangamite Shire mayor Neil Trotter said the town was busier than in recent weeks, but there was nowhere near as many people enjoying the sights as there would usually be over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.

"I took a drive down to Port Campbell on Saturday and there were a lot of people walking around," Cr Trotter said. "But it's still going to be a long, hard road."

Cr Trotter said Port Campbell was a popular destination for international visitors.

He said a number of businesses which catered for that market were concerned about their future.

"It's going to be a very long recovery and the domestic market is not going to make up for that shortfall," Cr Trotter said. He said the council had been overwhelmed with requests from businesses to access its financial assistance grants.

"The grants have pretty well all been snapped up, which gives you an indication of how these business owners are feeling," Cr Trotter said.

Best Western Great Ocean Road Motor Inn owner manager Liz McKenzie said she was booked out on the long weekend.

However she said she only had a few bookings in the coming months.

Ms McKenzie said she had dozens of cancellations from overseas guests during the coronavirus outbreak.

She said it was great to see people returning to Port Campbell, but business owners were still unsure about the future. "It feels like winter 30 years ago," she said.

"We just have to take things day-by-day."

Ms McKenzie said she hoped the Twelve Apostles lookout would reopen soon.

She encouraged people to plan a trip to Port Campbell.

"Now is the best time to travel on the Great Ocean Road," she said.

Ms McKenzie also urged people to book directly with accommodation providers to ensure money stayed in Australia.

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