Covid-19 travel restrictions have meant more tourists are discovering what their own state has to offer. For some, like the traditional ‘grey nomads’– who pre-Covid might have planned a months-long trek around the country – this has meant shorter trips to destinations within their own state.

Tourism operators in the Central Goldfields have noticed an influx of visitors, with many new to the area expressing surprise at what the region has to offer. Whether it’s a weekend away or a weeks-long adventure of discovery, when it comes to accommodation options in the goldfields, travellers are spoilt for choice.

Sue and Steve are frequent visitors to central Victoria, and have noticed changes in how people travel and where they stay.

“We’ve stayed in small roadside motels, B&Bs, caravan parks and free camping spots,” Sue said.

“Where we choose to stay depends on the time of the year, how long we are here for and why we are here.

“On the occasions we are just passing through we might stay at a motel, as there’s no need to completely unpack, we can go out for dinner and breakfast and be on our way easily the next day.

“Motels are also great if you are new to an area, as the owners are usually ready for a chat and can recommend places to eat and things to see.

“If we are coming for a bit longer, maybe with others, we will stay in a B&B, as that allows us to self-cater and share expenses.”

Like many weekend tourists, Sue and Steve often bring their dog with them on their travels, so prefer accommodation that is pet friendly.

“Most accommodation places allow pets now, which is different to 20 years ago when we used to travel with a young family. Back then one of the most expensive parts of travelling was the boarding fees for the animals.”

The couple also enjoy traditional camping, and will often head into the bush for a few days at one of the free camping spots. While they might enjoy ‘roughing’ it, one thing Sue does insist on is toilet facilities.

“We don’t have a porta-loo, so usually look for a spot with the basics. My limit in the bush is about three days, then we usually book into a motel for a shower and a clean bed!”

Free camping

There are a number of free camping options, with a variety of facilities, throughout the goldfields’ shire.

Bull & Mouth

The Bull and Mouth Hotel in Maryborough has been painstakingly restored to its former glory.

Proprietors Jo and Mick Reid feel it is important to honour the history and grandeur of the beautiful building, and maintain the standards established in 1904 when the stunning two-storey property that exists today was built, with modern conveniences such as piped hot water and a telephone system. 

“When guests arrive, they are often surprised that the inside of the building is as grand as the exterior,” Jo said.

“We have carefully incorporated the best of traditional luxury with contemporary fittings you would expect to find in a modern hotel.”

With rooms ranging from king-single to deluxe-king, Jo said they can cater for the needs of most travellers, whether workers passing through or couples celebrating a special occasion.

“It is also a lovely venue for weddings or special birthdays, we have reception areas, a beautiful grand staircase and luxurious rooms.’

The Bull and Mouth main café bar can seat up to 100 people, the dining area can cater for 50 and the intimate function room can accommodate 60 diners or 70 for a stand-up function.

Welcome Stranger

Debbie and John Nelsson thought retiring to Maryborough from the inner suburbs of Melbourne would lead to a quieter life. Then they bought a B&B.

“We had no intention of buying a B&B,” Debbie said.

“We were looking for an investment rental property in Maryborough and happened upon the property in Barkly Street and fell in love with it.

“It was already operating as a B&B and we were not convinced that we could continue to run it as successfully as it was currently operating. However, the owners were happy to sell it fully furnished and so we decided to have a try at a new venture. We have certainly been glad we did.”

Since moving to Maryborough, the Nelsson’s have researched much of the history of the area. John in particular was keen to find out more about the background of the B&B, and has shared this information with guests who stay.

“We renamed the property Welcome Stranger Cottage to play on welcoming guests and the gold heritage of the area,” Debbie said.

“We loved the history of the cottage and wanted to share it with others. It has a real feeling of warmth and homeliness.

“Instantly there was a high interest in staying at our cottage and we had bookings immediately. Over the last 18 months we have had a wide variety of guests. Ladies enjoying a girls' weekend away, couples staying for a week to see if they could relocate to Maryborough, families exploring the history of the area or celebrating family events, authors using the quiet space to write, couples having a romantic weekend away and others exploring the gold fossicking in the area have all stayed with us.

"Of course, COVID has hit and that has brought a new group of guests and challenges. Although we’ve hosted essential workers, we have also many cancellations.

“The feedback we have received has been sensational. Guests have loved the property, the history, the town and the local community. Several groups have stayed with us more than once and intend to stay again. We believe that our cottage is a plus for us, our guests and the Maryborough community.

Golden Country

Running a roadside motel has been something of a learning curve for Terri and Dirk Arnold. Since taking over the Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park, they have been confronted with a ‘once in a lifetime’ pandemic.

As Terri explains, the past 18 months have not been easy and the business has had to adjust to changing conditions.

“We are in a great location right opposite the Maryborough Golf Club, but with COVID restrictions we have been a bit limited in the rooms capacity. Whereas in the past two golfers might share a room with a queen and single bed, now we can only have one person per room (unless they are from the same household).

“But that said, we are in the process of refurbishing the rooms and it is a beautiful golf course. People who come here certainly aren’t paying the crazy prices they would be in places like the Mornington Peninsular.

“We are also just down the road from Coiltek, so often have prospectors come and stay.”

In spite of the setbacks they have faced, the couple have been busy adding their own touches to the property. With a variety of motel rooms, self-contained cabins and caravan sites, they can cater for travellers no matter their needs or budget.

Caravan Parks

Whereas in the past caravanning was just one step up from camping in a tent, today’s caravans include all the luxuries of home. Caravan Parks in Avoca, Laanecoorie and Maryborough have adapted to the changing expectations of travellers.

With self-contained cabins, ensuite powered sites, powered and unpowered sites, all include camp kitchens, playgrounds and laundry facilities.

For a full list of accommodation options in the Central Goldfields go to: www.maryboroughadvertiser.com.au/accommodation​