DON’T STUFF IT UP
State leaders’ warning on letting us out this weekend
THE Gold Coast’s work to help restrict the spread of the deadly coronavirus has won the praise of state leaders, police and health experts. But they have one warning as they ease restrictions this weekend: Don’t stuff it up.
BUSINESSES in the Gold Coast’s scenic hinterland are cautiously preparing for a busier weekend, with visits to national parks and family picnics back on the public’s agenda.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has eased some restrictions brought in to combat the coronavirus pandemic, with people as of today able to leave their homes for recreation and drive up to 50km for activities including picnics, visiting a national park, ride a boat, jetski or motorbike, and shop for non-essential items.
But social distancing rules by still apply, requiring people to stay at least 1.5m apart and only interact with their households or meet with one other person.
With tourist villages at Mt Tamborine and Springbrook within 50km of the Gold Coast’s urban sprawl, and the Labour Day public holiday on Monday, the picturesque areas are expecting the quiet calm of the lockdown to change as daytrippers arrive, itching to experience nature.
Day trippers should be aware that Gwongorella day use/picnic area, Purling Brook Falls and Tallanbana trail head in Springbrook National Park and Cedar Creek Falls in Tamborine National Park remain closed.
Tamborine Mountain business owner Darren Jack is reopening his souvenir shop, Australian Outback Opals, in anticipation of what he hopes is an influx of city dwellers.
Mr Jack also owns Lemon Lovers Gelato next door and Tall Trees Motel in town.
“We’ve got Lemon Lovers Gelato open this weekend, nextdoor to that is Crema Lovers Cafe,” Mr Jack said.
“The Australian Outback Opals hasn’t been able to trade. They’ll be open as well.
“The three shops next to each other will be trading this whole weekend.
“We’ve got the Curtis Falls (hiking track) entrance across the road from us. We’re in a really nice place for national park walks.” Another Tamborine business, Birchgrove Nursery and Cafe, had to close its dining area when tough restrictions on the hospitality industry came into effect but continued to trade with takeaways.
Owner Michele Taylor said she always prepared for extra customers on weekends, but this time expectations could be fulfilled.
“I prepare to be busy every weekend, whether it happens or not. I’m hoping to have more visitors (this weekend),” Ms Taylor said.
“We’re missing our customers from further afield. Usually people come up for a Sunday drive. We’re looking forward to seeing those people.”
Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro owner Michael Hopkins, who is also on the Tamborine Mountain Chamber of Commerce, said he had been answering queries about what would be open for the Labour Day public holiday on Monday.
“I don’t know if we’re expecting a big weekend. We’re hoping for a few more people than the last few weeks,” he said.
“We have had a lot of emails asking what will be open and where on Monday.”