mmg.com.au

Nagambie has been full to the rafters this summer as people get out and enjoy the area’s natural environment, activities and culinary delights.

Accommodation has been packed out as visitors rolled into town for some holiday fun, and there's more to come as the summer rolls on.

Nagambie Tourism and Consumer president Hayley Purbrick said a lot of the town’s small businesses likely relied on the increased summer trade.

''Summer is definitely a boom time, from November to May, it supports us through the winter period,’’ she said.

At the Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park a family of about 40 settled in for their annual summer spell by the water.

As her kids paddled around the lake in their new kayaks with their cousins, Elisa Prout, from Melbourne, told mmg.com.au why her family continued to return to the park and the area.

''It’s a family-oriented park. My husband and his family first came here 34 years ago, he grew up in the park and we’re doing the same again,’’ she said.

''It’s not far from home and there’s a lot for the kids to do.

''We can do a wineries cruise, we can just jump in the boat and head to town and for tea at the pubs.

''It’s relaxing for us, there’s always someone helping or keeping an eye on the kids. It’s a good, close-knit, family environment.’’

Managers Kathryn Bryers and Peter Lacey said they built an extra 15 units at the 22ha park, bringing the total to 59, and they were full to bursting.

''It has been extremely busy, we’ve been fully booked,’’ Ms Bryers said.

''We’re fully booked every weekend until after Easter.’’

''At Christmas the boat trailer parking area was completely full, you couldn’t fit another one in there,’’ Mr Lacey said.

Ms Bryers said the majority of visitors came from Melbourne, but also included interstate and international guests.

The New Year’s Eve fireworks brought about 5000 to the town, while Nagambie Australia Day festivities were also popular.

The town now looks forward to the Nagambie on Water festival on Saturday, March 3.

It will be a jam-packed day featuring the Walk on Water event, The Park to Pub ’n’ Back 1.1km swim, and local food, wine and live music.

For more information visit http://www.nagambieonwater.com.au/