With COVID-19 restrictions easing and regional travel now encouraged the Fleurieu is ready to welcome back visitors.

From Friday 22 May cafes and restaurants will be allowed to have 10 diners inside, as well as the current 10 outside, and will be permitted to serve alcohol.

Stage two of lifting restrictions has been brought forward to 5 June to allow pubs and other businesses to open for the long weekend.

Leaders from Alexandrina Council, City of Victor Harbor and District Council of Yankalilla agree that the decision to encourage travel to regional areas will help boost local economies. 

However, they stress the importance of social distancing and good hygiene practices to keep people safe from coronavirus.

The City of Victor Harbor reopened its Visitor Information Centre on Monday, 18 May to a maximum of 10 customers at a time.

The centre will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Sunday. 

Alexandrina council will reopen the Goolwa Visitor Information Centre over weekends from 10am-2pm, starting Saturday 23 May.

At this stage no retail services will be available and the Strathalbyn Visitor Information Centre will remain closed until further notice.

“Tourism is going to be an important part of our local economic recovery. We need visitors to come back to our region to help our local businesses and operators get back up on their feet,” says Moira Jenkins, Mayor of Victor Harbor.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes agrees: “Whether we are at home or on holidays, we all have a responsibility to do the right thing – this means gathering in smaller groups, keeping our distance from others and washing our hands regularly.

“Right now, the government is recommending a gentle and cautious approach, so we ask everyone to keep up to date with state government social distancing advice and please be patient as our local businesses adjust to the new roadmap requirements.”

Yankalilla Deputy Mayor Simon Rothwell says the councils are proud of small businesses that have adapted and asks visitors to be patient while they prepare to scale up or reopen.

“You can support our business by coming to the region with an empty esky and shop locally!

“Every purchase made to support the locals will bring a smile to their face. Minimal contact. Maximum impact.”

Visit the Alexandrina, Victor Harbor and Yankalilla council websites for the latest updates.