MANSFIELD traders were a little overwhelmed over the Queen’s Birthday weekend as thousands of visitors poured into town making it one of the busiest weekends so far this year.

And Mansfield Highway Patrol’s Sergeant Marty McLachlan said traffic was ‘ballistic’ – absolutely flat out.

“There were a significant number of speedsters – more than the normal Queen’s Birthday weekend drivers and there were lots of illegally modified four wheel drives," he said.

Accidents were recorded as well with two ‘prangs’ on off road motorbikes and one four wheel drive – all occurring on dirt roads.

Sgt McLachlan said patrols impounded four vehicles - one with the driver caught doing 147kmh and another 155kmh, plus two disqualified drivers.

“It was a big difference to the former Queen’s Birthday weekend traffic which usually went to Mt Buller,” Sgt McLachlan said.

“This year the majority went bush as campers had missed out on three public holiday weekends earlier in the year, so they made up for it.

“Thankfully there were no accidents with injuries or fatalities, however, one man was airlifted to Melbourne for precautionary observation only after being knocked unconscious.

“In relation to infringements the overwhelming number were aligned to city drivers and the fact there was just so much traffic.

“But all-in-all locals were well behaved and the majority of infringements were issued to Melbourne drivers."

The influx of traffic started as early as the Thursday night before with traffic steady all day on the Friday – well into the night – and again on the Saturday.

High Street traders were delighted with the numbers in town wandering up and down the main street - and buying.

Although eateries were restricted to the numbers that could be served in house, the take-aways were certainly kept on their toes.

And visitors took advantage of buying their winter clothing, shoes, snow gear and hunting gear at various outlets.

The local hotels welcomed back guests for dining only; bar service was not allowed, however, drinks could be served at the tables providing customers were eating meals.

Lesa Brown at the Mansfield Hotel said their weekend was quite busy.

“It was wonderful to see the town full of visitors again and it was great with the numbers we could accommodate," Ms Brown said.

“We opened for the first time in months and I would say 98 per cent of the customers were amazing.

“With a whole new set of staff, social distancing and service rules, the hotel had a great vibe and everyone seemed to cope well."

“We offered full table service at the Delatite,” hotel owner Dean Belle said.

“We are fortunate that we have five separate dining areas so we could seat 100 at a time and still maintain the social distancing rules.

“While not to full capacity that we would normally cater for on a long weekend, it was still exceptionally pleasing.

“And the way people respected the new ‘norm’ with distancing and sanitising of hands was very good."

The supermarkets were also kept busy over the long weekend with a huge influx of visitors, mostly those going camping and stocking up on supplies before heading to the bush.

Greg Marks of Marks Supa IGA said they put restricted numbers for people entering the store in place with security officers at both front and back doors monitoring the shoppers.

“It worked well and gave a secure feeling for both the staff and the customers,” Mr Marks said.

“Most people were happy with the restrictions set in place and having to wait their turn to enter the store and line up at the registers.

“It was busier than usual but not so much more than a normal Queen’s Birthday weekend – the campers certainly hit the bush for the first time in months."

And it seems that food supplies were the top of the list for all those campers and visitors.

Chris Wills at Alpine Butchery said his rush of customers started on the Wednesday before the weekend and continued into the next week.

“We tried to limit the number of customers in the store at any one time to four, but when the queue went right down to the footpath in Highett Street, those restrictions were left outside the door,” he said.

“It was amazing.

“This was probably our busiest weekend for the whole nine months since we took over the business – certainly the biggest weekend we have had in a very long time."

Opening the gates to the High Country Maze at Goughs Bay for the first time since new owners Nicky Goudberg and Tony Pridham took over proved to be a popular move.

Nicky said on the Saturday it was slow but steady for the gardens and maze, however, on the Sunday they were hit hard with hundreds of visitors which was very pleasing.

Many were interested in the new plans for the maze and art studio/gallery which is set to open later in the year.

“But everyone seemed to enjoy walking around the gardens and investigating the maze and sitting with a coffee and scones,” she said.

“And it was a good chance to meet many of the locals and let them know that the gardens will be open every weekend from now on.”

The Bush Market was held for the first time since January and although perhaps not as busy as usual for this particular weekend, everyone respected the social distancing and was patient when waiting to be served at stalls.

All-in-all the Queen’s Birthday weekend proved that Mansfield is up and running – open to all and welcoming visitors.