Tamworth tourism businesses were "inundated" with customers over the June long weekend, with thousands jumping at the first opportunity to leave their homes since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Powerhouse Hotel General Manager Daine Cooper estimated they saw between three and four times more visitors over the weekend, compared to recent weeks.
He said the hotel has been solidly booked out.
"I think it's a massive boon for the tourism industry," he said.
He said people have become sick of isolation after months and wanted to see family and friends again.
"The long weekend was obviously the perfect opportunity for people to plan something big, to do a bit of travel.
"They've got that extra day to spend with families, friends."
In Nundle, businesses reported tourists visiting from Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle, as well as Tamworth locals bringing family and friends for a weekend getaway.
Megan Trousdale, owner of the Odgers and McClelland Exchange stores, said it was their first full weekend of trading in 10 weeks.
"We were overwhelmed; it was so thrilling to see humans in the shops," she said.
"And to see Jenkins Street full of cars; people walking around and enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.
"I was working in the shop [on Sunday and had] just conversation after conversation with people about how grateful they were to be able to get out and explore, have a drive and see the beautiful countryside and autumn colour and be in the company of family and friends."
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Ms Trousdale is also the President of Nundle's Business Tourism and Marketing Group.
She said the town's main road was packed, the caravan park was full, though with limited capacity, and the streets were buzzing with life for the first time in months.
It was the same story in the region's other small towns.
Dianne Carter, from Manilla's famous Manilla Folder, reported a "hectic" weekend from start to finish.
"I think people were so glad to get out and about," she said.
"That was their first chance in a long time so they enjoyed it while they could."
Mr Cooper said he hopes the long weekend is just the start of the recovery from the COVID-19 lockdown.
"For me personally, I think for a lot of people in the accommodation industry and the food and beverage and hospitality are hoping that this is just the start of the pickup," he said.
