ACCOMMODATION and hospitality businesses were busy over the Labour Day weekend with visitors to the area enjoying the restaurants, pubs and cafes.
Pinsent Hotel manager Beth Watson said the hotel's bistro was "super busy" on Friday and Saturday night and Sunday with many of the guests attending the local car shows.
Wangaratta Gateway manager Wendy Lester said the hotel was fully booked but it was a different kind of long weekend with the Inland Rail works ongoing in town.
"A high percentage of the bookings were the workers but there were some people who stayed and attended events in the region including the Tastes of Rutherglen," Ms Lester said.
Several entrants in the two car shows including the Rod Run stayed in Wangaratta, with about 45 of the 100 participants camping at the showgrounds.
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The all GM Day attracted 100-plus entrants and many made use of the city's services and hospitality.
Other events that attracted good turnouts included the farmers' market on the Cathedral lawns, Winton Open Day, art gallery exhibitions, the community market on Mason Street as well as local wineries with Baileys of Glenrowan and Brown Family Wines Milawa also buzzing (check out social photos on page 33).
Baileys of Glenrowan event manager Shelley Hutchins said there was a good turn out, with patrons enjoying food, wine and live music by Clare and Adrian Whitehead.
Wangaratta council reported also reported a surge in visitors to the Wangaratta region over the weekend.
"The Ned Kelly Discovery Hub experienced strong visitation, welcoming 532 visitors over the three-day holiday," Simone Nolan, acting director sustainability and culture, said. "Additionally, the Visitor Services team assisted 570 visitors across the municipality's touch points.
"Various events in the High Country attracted crowds from Melbourne and beyond.
"As a result, our municipality served as a busy thoroughfare for many visitors exploring the region.
"The warm weather added to the appeal of the weekend, drawing campers to the King and Ovens rivers camping areas.
"Wangaratta remains a popular destination for holidaymakers, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy."
