Ken Patton and Michael Healy (middle row, centre) surrounded by their families at McLean Beach on Wednesday.
After an interrupted holiday period last year due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns, Deni is back to its usual programming for the festive season with visitors from all over packing into the CBD and recreational areas.
Holiday makers have this week filled McLean beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the river.
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There was water skiing, floating, rope swinging and beach cricket among other fun activities, keeping kids and adults alike entertained.
Among them was first time visitor Michael Healy, who says he’s glad to have finally succumbed to pressure from his childhood friend Ken Patton to make the trip to Deni for the Christmas break.
(Back, from left) Thomas Mansell, James Misso, Luke Nowak and Jake Mitreski; (middle) Clia Westthorp, Abbie Hoare, Jessica Torney, Abbey Tognazzini and Ryley Barton; (front) Ebony Pavanello, Erin Tyler, Alex Nowak and Hayley Gilpin.
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Visitors playing beach cricket at McLean beach on Wednesday.
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(Back, from left) Thomas Mansell, James Misso, Luke Nowak and Jake Mitreski; (middle) Clia Westthorp, Abbie Hoare, Jessica Torney, Abbey Tognazzini and Ryley Barton; (front) Ebony Pavanello, Erin Tyler, Alex Nowak and Hayley Gilpin.
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(From left) Brothers, Harry and Tom from Mornington Peninsula, with their Cousin Oliver.
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Hudson, Jax, Belle, Murray, Matilda (back), Maddie and Bonnie enjoying floating at McLean Beach.
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Frequent visitor to Deniliquin Ken Patton (left) and first time visitor Michael Healy.
The Patton family started its tradition of spending Christmas and New Year in Deni more than 40 years ago, only missing a couple of years due to flooding.
Mr Healy said he and his family have been meaning to come for years, but never actually made it.
The Healys live in Melbourne and usually stay in Moama for the holidays.
But Deni may now be their primary destination for all future summers.
‘‘I’ll probably put a deposit down for next year as I’m leaving,” Mr Healy said.
‘‘The area has so much to offer, and is not as busy as Moama.
‘‘The kids can ride their bikes around, the parks are great and of course the river is fantastic.”
Mr Healy and his family are staying at McLean Beach Holiday Park, and said the distance to the beach is one of the best things about the spot.
‘‘How many places can you walk from where you’re staying to the beach in a matter of seconds?
‘‘Everything you could possibly need is in walking distance.’’
The Deniliquin CBD was showing clear signs of the local population temporarily swelling with visitors this week, with barely a car space open in the CBD from mid-morning to late afternoon.
While the retail shops did get some benefit from the influx of people to the CBD, most were seeking out the local eateries.
Visitors also spilled in to the various parks around the town to enjoy the mild weather, before the late week heat wave.
