Despite the recent Victorian storms leaving a trail of destruction across the state, the Macedon Ranges' clean up efforts had led to tourism resuming to almost normal.
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Daylesford Macedon Tourism chief executive Steve Wroe said the region was open and ready for business after the storms two weeks ago.
"I was scared the media coverage of the storms may have deterred some people but I spoke to tourism operators this week and anecdotally it had been a bumper weekend," Mr Wroe said.
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"The damage was severe but the impact on tourism had been minimal.
"While some places remain closed such as the Daylesford Spa Country Railway where about 400 trees have fallen over the tracks, Hanging Rock and other nature reserves; many operators are still open. It could've been a lot worse, especially coming off the back of Covid restrictions in Melbourne."
Tourists have been warned to "stay away" from the Dandenong Ranges by the State Emergency Service crew members and Narre Warren North minister Luke Donnellan.
"We very much don't want people up here to put it blunt, to keep it simply," Mr Donnellan said. "Stay home."
Parks Victoria urged holidaymakers to "stay safe and keep out of closed parks" over the school holidays following the major storms.
Macedon Shire Council planning and environment director Angela Hughes was excited to welcome visitors back to the region.
"The Macedon Ranges is open for tourism and local wineries, cafes, boutiques and accommodation providers are welcoming visitors once more," she said. "There are plenty of cultural experiences to be had with galleries, shows and live music back on.
"Stock up on locally grown apples at the Lancefield Farmers Market, book a pie and wine pairing at family-friendly Double Oaks Estate or a 'Long and Slow BBQ' with live music at Darraweit Valley Cider, or experience history brought to life with tickets to Museum Undone at Kyneton Museum.
"The impacts of the storm are still being felt at nature-based recreational areas such as Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon reserve which remain closed."
Across central Victoria, Hepburn Regional Park and Lerderderg State Park were partial closed while Macedon Regional Park, Trentham Falls and Cobaw State Forest remain closed.
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Mr Wroe said the Macedon Ranges was open for business and there were still many nature attractions for tourists to enjoy in the region.
"What we're seeing is people want to get into nature," he said.
"Visitor safety is our number one priority but it will become important for these nature reserves and parks to reopen soon for our large family market going into the school holidays.
"The sooner reopening is possible, the better."
For details of all there is to see and do in the Macedon Ranges; visitmacedonranges.com
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