But for John Sullivan and his wife, who have been at the Breakwall Holiday Park in Port Macquarie since the weekend, it means they can finally call the Mid North Coast home.

The seven hour journey from Googong near the nation's capital to settle into a new home in Port Macquarie has been plagued by setbacks starting with bushfires in summer and exacerbated by weeks of tough restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Their journey north was deemed essential travel because the retirees had sold their home but they have been living in their camper until the move can be finalised.

And what do they love about our patch of paradise so far?

"The weather - look at it," John said.

Mr Sullivan is among several caravan travellers at the park which has been near empty since March. Many are there for different reasons, however all were thankful they will now be able to safely travel again.

Read more: Community leaders explore COVID recovery priorities - tourism, jobs and infrastructure

Macquarie Waters Hotel and Apartments has confirmed the calls for bookings from eager holidaymakers are rolling in.

The award-winning accommodation provider has already locked in bookings from July to October for travellers from Dubbo, Newcastle, Emu Plains, Kellyville and Ringwood in Victoria.

Krissy Campbell said it is exciting the tourism industry can start moving forward again.

"We've had six bookings overnight and a further four today (May 20)... and with libraries and galleries opening as well there will be things for them to do," Krissy said.

NRMA Parks and Resorts CEO Paul Davies said staff were eagerly awaiting the return of guests and urged families to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

"We're excited to re-open and welcome you back to our 22 holiday parks and resorts across NSW," Mr Davies said.

"Everyone is in need of a well-deserved break and we're here to ensure that your next holiday is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Taking a road trip to a holiday park is the ideal way to escape right now, with plenty of outdoor space and a wide range of different accommodation options including self-contained cabins and ensuite caravan sites.

"Whether it's exploring the pristine beaches of Port Macquarie, getting active in nature at Lake Jindabyne or taking a journey through inland NSW to Dubbo, we have something for everyone to enjoy.

"Our regional communities are really feeling the emptiness of visitors and they quite simply need us to visit so let's get back on the road and help our beloved holiday destinations rebuild. Together.

"With extra safety measures in place across all of our parks and resorts you can explore the great outdoors in your car with freedom and peace of mind while supporting regional towns."

For Port Macquarie-Hastings businesses, paradise has waited long enough.

The region's tourism campaign will now ramp up intensity aiming to secure the competitive travel dollar from next month. The focus will zero in on the domestic traveller enticing them to the Mid North Coast and selling Port Macquarie-Hastings as one of the nation's must-visit destinations.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council along with Destination NSW and Tourism Australia are already working together on campaigns to fill hotels, motels, campgrounds and stimulate regional business and the economy.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday, May 20 announced recreational regional travel within the state will be allowed again from June 1 when libraries, art galleries, and museums will also re-open.

Council is currently finalising a plan to open its three Hastings libraries and the Glasshouse Regional Gallery.

The Port Macquarie Museum will also put measures in place before the doors re-open.

Ms Berejiklian said the easing of regional travel restrictions will help boost jobs and the economy and noted it was in Australia's best interest for interstate borders to re-open as well.

Queensland has flagged border closures with southern states could remain until at least September due to the coronavirus pandemic, prompting despair from tourism groups.

Ms Berejiklian warned keeping the borders closed could hinder Australia's economic growth as the nation tries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest report from Tourism Research Australia shows the aspiration to travel remains strong among Australians, with 43 per cent looking to travel, and the more affluent, educated and socially engaged travellers in the 55-plus age bracket ready to travel as soon as restrictions ease.

Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said it's unlikely that Australians will be able to travel internationally until next year.

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