While SA's pastoral areas are much further than just a stone's throw from Adelaide, tourism figures across the region are matching the unprecedented popularity of areas closer to the state's capital.
Flinders Ranges Tourism Operators Association chairperson Michelle Reynolds, who is the owner operator of Skytrek Willow Springs Station, Hawker, said the surge in tourist numbers in the area had been "overwhelming and unbelievable".
While tourism operators were forced to close their doors from mid-March to mid-May, booking numbers were through the roof almost instantaneously when regional travel reopened, rather than easing back gradually, as many had expected.
"People were sick of being locked in, they were chomping at the bit to get out and explore, and many came up here soon after we reopened, because they wanted to holiday while they could in case things got shut down again," Ms Reynolds said.
She said the majority of people within the Station Stays SA network had experienced their best tourism season ever, despite the two-month closure.
She said the more remote location of pastoral areas had worked in the region's favour.
"Some people are purposely trying to get as far away from urban areas as possible, and people on average are staying for longer - up to five or six nights on average, compared to two or three previously," she said.
It's been such an eye opener to South Australians about what our own state has to offer.
- SHANE ROWE
While the Great State Voucher scheme has largely been touted as a success across SA, Ms Reynolds said pastoral areas had perhaps not reaped the same benefits as other regions, with limited numbers of rooms meaning many were ineligible to take part.
"Only three or four the 27 Station Stays SA properties were part of the scheme, but I know there is talk of opening to tour operators and attractions in the upcoming third round - that would definitely be an improvement," she said.
Even without many properties being involved in the scheme, Alpana Station's Sally Henery, Blinman, said there was a ripple effect from those who participated.
"We were inundated with bookings last season as it was, so didn't get involved, but we've had a second-hand spin-off from it, taking station tours of people who have come up to the region using a voucher," she said.
Ms Henery said many South Australians who had never before considered travelling to the outback, had got onboard with "exploring their own backyard".
"They couldn't go overseas, or at times interstate, so they came here, and the majority have had such a great time that they are planning to come again," she said.
"I think the surge following COVID will benefit the Flinders Ranges for five or 10 years, so many people have discovered just how much there is to do here."
RELATED READINGS:
Shane Rowe, Almerta Station, Yanyarrie, said more people were seeing pastoral regions as a destination, rather than somewhere to pass through.
"Even with borders closed, and northern events like the Birdsville Races or Big Red Bash not being on, we're still getting so many people coming to stay," she said.
Ms Rowe said the ratio of interstate to intrastate tourists was usually 50:50, but since COVID-19 hit, 90 per cent of travellers have been from SA.
"It's been such an eye opener to South Australians about what our own state has to offer," she said.
Having first diversified into tourism 10 years ago, Almerta experienced its best ever tourism year in 2020, with about twice as many bookings as 2019, and Ms Rowe said she was already receiving bookings as far ahead as October.
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.