For every traveller put off by fuel availability concerns and costs, there is another there to take their place.

That is the experience of local tourism operators, with Deniliquin’s main accommodation providers reporting being at full capacity this Easter long weekend.

And with beautiful weather and a glut of Easter fun to be enjoyed across the Southern Riverina district, locals and visitors alike are in for a bumper weekend.

Easter is one of three key tourism and economy building periods for Deniliquin and district, with the others centred on Christmas and the Deniliquin Ute Muster on the NSW Labour Day weekend in October.

Local tourism providers said early predictions Easter would be impacted by the conflict between the United States and Middle East had started to surface, but they soon realised that not everyone was willing to let the crisis interfere with their holiday plans.

At McLean Beach Holiday Park, staff say the lead‑up to Easter has been “very busy”.

They did start receiving the occasional cancellation, but they were quickly filled.

It’s been the same for Deniliquin BIG4 Holiday Park.

Owner Frank White says the park reached 100 per cent occupancy well ahead of the long weekend.

“We have had some cancellations because of the fuel prices, however the opened vacancies have been filled quickly,” he said, noting that the majority of park visitors are coming from Victoria as usual.

Mr White said until this week’s announcement that the Federal Government would ensure cost savings at the bowser, the trip from Melbourne to Deniliquin may have cost about $100 extra for some families.

But he said many were happy to wear that cost for an escape to Deniliquin this Easter.

Mr White said some clever marketing and park deals also helped seal the deal for some holidaymakers who were hesitant.

“It’s been working for us, and it’s going to get people in town and spending their money,” Mr White said.

Deniliquin Riverside Caravan Park and Deni Golf Resort are also fully booked, rounding out a strong Easter for local accommodation providers and reinforcing the town’s reputation as a favourite holiday destination for families, river lovers and returning regulars.

Deniliquin and district bursts to life with Easter vibrancy from today, with rodeo action, other sport, artistic showcases and family festivities set to draw crowds from across the region.

Today is the opening day of the Deniliquin Rotary Art Prize in the Deniliquin CBD.

Filling the Edward River Art Society gallery in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens - and spilling over into the adjacent arts hall lawns between - it will be open all weekend and beyond.

The dedicated gallery space will allow for the exhibition to be viewed until May 2.

Football and netball action is also on the menu for Good Friday, with the Deniliquin Rams Football & Netball Club hosting the Finley Cats for the traditional match-ups.

Junior grades get under way from about 12.15pm, with the senior footy clash starting about 5pm and continuing under lights (read more in today’s PT Sport).

The four-day Western Riverina Tennis Championships also gets started at the Deniliquin Lawn Tenis Club in Charlotte St, with regular play right up until Monday afternoon (see page 12).

The sporting action ramps up tomorrow with one of the headline events of the weekend - the 2026 Deniliquin Easter Saturday Rodeo.

It promises one of its strongest programs yet, with 23 riders competing across multiple bull‑riding divisions and more than $35,000 in prize money on offer (see page 12).

Gates open at 3pm, with the junior rodeo from 4.30pm and open and second division competitions continuing under lights.

For those seeking a more artistic Easter, the Deniliquin Waring Gardens will host the lively ArtOut Market on Saturday from 9am-1pm, featuring artisan stalls, local produce, drumming sessions and family‑friendly treats.

The Deniliquin Baptist Church’s Easter in the Park returns Sunday morning with kids’ activities, an egg hunt, live music and a community service in the Deni Waring Gardens. Running from 9.30am-12.30pm, it’s free for all to attend.

Rounding out the Easter weekend events in the Deniliquin Lions Community Market on Easter Monday, also in the Waring Gardens, plus you’ve got indoor/outdoor entertainment at our local pubs and clubs all weekend.

Deniliquin Business Chamber executive officer Kate Pitt said paired with Deniliquin’s natural assets and mainstay tourism attractions, it’s no wonder people are not shying away from visiting this Easter.

Ms Pitt said the result would be improved social and economic benefits across the board.

“Our businesses always look forward to Easter. People love coming into our CBD regardless of what the weather’s doing, but looks like this year is going to be just lovely.

“There’s a host of great events, and I’m particularly excited for the ArtOut Market coordinated by Edward River Council through the Visit Deni campaign.

“The best thing of all is seeing so many people come back to Deniliquin - friends and family - for Easter, and joining with locals and other visitors to just enjoy what Deniliquin has to offer.

“Our region is so affordable and Easter is a beautiful time to visit.

“We have so much free open space to enjoy, and an abundance of activities and tourist attractions to keep you entertained.

“What we have to offer is great value - in every sense.”

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Saturday, 4th September 2027

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