AFTER a big night on New Year’s Eve, a lot of people were happy to relax outside on the first day of the year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Chifley Dam was a popular destination for people on Tuesday, with the variety of water activities available proving very enticing.
People headed out onto boats and inflatables, swam near the shore and utilised the Bathurst Aqua Park.
Port Macquarie resident Mitchell Bridle was one of the many people out at the dam on Tuesday, spending the afternoon with his young family and friends that live in Oberon.
“We’re on holiday, staying at Oberon. We’ve come over from Port Macquarie for a few days,” he said.
He and his family had spent New Year’s Eve night at O’Connell and were looking forward to following it up with a quiet day at the dam.
Port Macquarie has an identical aqua park, Mr Bridle said, and the children loved the chance to play on the one at Bathurst.
After spending a few hours at the park, the two families planned on heading back into town for a late lunch.
Bathurst Aqua Park owner Michael Hickey said New Year’s Day was proving busy, but it was actually the quietest day in recent times.
The park remained open for the holiday period, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
“We’ve been absolutely flat out,” Mr Hickey said.
“We had 700 people through here on Sunday.”
The aqua park opened at the beginning of November, later extending its days of operation from four to seven every week for the school holidays.
Locals have been flocking to the recreational facility, but it has also become a destination for people outside of the Bathurst region.
Many people stay for more than one session.
“I just enjoy seeing people use it and the people travelling,” Mr Hickey said. “That’s one of the amazing things, just how many people have travelled [for the park].”
He said people have come from places like Orange, Dubbo and Gosford, while people from Canada and Germany who were on holiday also made a point of visiting the facility.
The park will conclude its 2018-19 season at the end of March, but if the weather allows for it the season will be extended to take in Easter as well.
Mr Hickey said the response for the park has been excellent and he looked forward to working with Bathurst Regional Council to improve the dam facilities, not just for his customers, but all dam users.
The goal is to extend the awning near the kiosk to create more shade and seated areas, and offer more activities for people next season.
