Local businesses has been bolstered by high visitation rates, with Mid Coast residents also doing their bit to explore the region and support economic recovery.

Coastal enterprises have reported much stronger business than in the same period for previous years, as visitors, largely from NSW, flocked to the region after COVID-19 restrictions eased.

The hinterland communities also say they've been busier than in past seasons with cold weather and dumps of snow on Barrington Tops was a drawcard for many visitors and locals.

"The biggest number of visitors to Barrington Coast during these holidays appeared to come from Sydney suburbs," MidCoast Council growth, economic development and tourism manager, Deb Tuckerman said.

"There was also a really strong presence by Mid Coast residents taking up the 'holiday at home' message," Ms Tuckerman, said.

Charne Lindsay of Jungle Surf, Tuncurry, said sales to date had been higher these holidays than previous years.

"We seem to have lots of families travelling from everywhere," Ms Lindsay said.

"A number of our regular holiday visitors have returned.

"The weather initially was so good that we sold lots of summer items for beach visits."

Melissa Bonney at Bonzas Café in Stroud said she's experienced a big boost to business -allowing her to employ more staff and get some bills paid.

Melissa says her visitors were mostly from Newcastle.

"We're busier this winter due to extra tourists and we've also had more tradespeople in town repairing damage from a January storm - that's helped us too."

Leigh Prada and Caitlin Tonelli from Circle of Friends in Gloucester, say this year has been extremely busy, even without the Chillout promotion that usually runs at this time of year.

"We've had a huge array of visitors from all over.

"A lot of people were from the northern beaches and north shore of Sydney - and there were a lot of day trippers from Forster and Taree.

"The boost has meant we're able to stay open."

At Harrigans Harrington Waters, Valeria Mrquez said her visitation rate was up by about 40 per cent compared to the same period last year.

"The winter holidays have been a lifesaver for our business."

"Most travellers came from Sydney and surrounds and since the border to Queensland opened we have also seen an increase in visitation from our neighbours to the north.

"The demographic has been quite varied as well, we've seen a combination of families, grey nomads and couples and of course, our local community has shown us great support."

"Along with Mid Coast businesses, council wants to thank Mid Coast residents for turning out in force and supporting our local economy," Ms Tuckerman said.

"The response from local people to support each other and help the region get through the COVID-19 restrictions has been outstanding and we'll be working with our business community to bring some exciting new promotions to Mid Coast residents very soon."

And the best thing about being a Mid Coast local is we don't have to stop holidaying once the school holidays are over - there's plenty of unique places to visit right through the winter months ahead, she said.

Call one of the Visitor Information Centres on 1800 802 692 or Facebook page facebook.com/barringtoncoast and start exploring.

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