At the height of Australia’s tourism season, our bushes blackened and our skies turned red.
Australia’s bushfire crisis, which began in September 2019 and continues to ravage, will see our tourism sector suffer a $4.5 billion loss by the end of 2020 – at least, experts say.
These fires have been one of the worst in Australia’s history. Nearly 30 people have died, thousands of homes are destroyed and a billion animals have perished.
To help rebuild, tourism will put money directly into the pockets of those communities who need it most. Which is why a number of campaigns have begun to shine a spotlight on towns in need of tourists.
Among them are Stay With Them, launched by Sally Aksenov, and Empty Esky, created by Erin Boutros, Eleanor Baillieu and Elise Mason.
With over a month left of summer and Australia’s holiday season, these campaigns are gaining momentum as towns begin to reopen and the recovery process kick-starts.
Here are 19 towns you can visit to directly help towns in need.
Kangaroo Valley, NSW.
Find accommodation: Kangaroo Valley Escapes.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Find accommodation: Adelaide Hills.
Merimbula, NSW
Find accomodation: Escape to Merimbula.
Bright, VIC
Find accommodation: Visit Bright.
Crackenback, NSW
Find accommodation: Lake Crackenback.
Jervis Bay, NSW
Find accommodation: Jervis Bay Tourism.
Callala Bay, NSW
Find accommodation: Shoalhaven Tourism.
Genoa, VIC
Find accommodation: Visit East Gippsland.
Tathra, NSW
Find accommodation: Sapphire Coast.
Mallacoota, VIC
Find accommodation: Visit Mallacoota.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Find accommodation: South Australia Tourism.
Berry, NSW
Find accommodation: Berry.
Oxley, VIC
Find accommodation: Oxley.
Wangaratta, VIC
Find accommodation: Visit King Valley.
Moreton Bay Region, QLD.
Find accommodation: Visit Moreton Bay Region.
Port Macquarie, NSW
Find accommodation: Port Macquarie.
Bundaberg, QLD
Find accommodation: Bundaberg.
Mollymook, NSW
Find accommodation: Shoalhaven.
Blue Mountains, NSW
Find accommodation: Visit Blue Mountains.
You can follow Stay With Them on Instagram here, as they continue to showcase areas that are in need of tourism.
Before visiting any town, make sure to search the RFS app for any safety updates.
Feature Image: Visit Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Valley Escapes.
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To support those affected by Australia’s devastating bushfire crisis, you can donate to the Australian Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund. Your money will go towards supporting thousands of people in evacuation centres, emergency assistance including cash grants to people who have lost their homes, psychological first aid, and helping communities prepare for future disaster.