Several operators also believe increased Jobkeeper and Jobseeker payments are keeping some prospective staff from taking up job offers.

Staff vacancies appear to exist across a variety of job roles within the industry.

Whalebone Wharf manager James Jackson was "100 per cent" looking for more staff.

"It is quite a challenge at the moment to find staff, and in fact good staff," he said.

"We need people that are qualified or have experience in the industry.

"I think the volume of people coming into Port Macquarie, particularly from Sydney - means that a lot of businesses will be busier than usual.

"To keep up with the demand - and influx of people - has meant more pressure on existing staff.

"We will all be trying to keep up with the busy times."

Mr Jackson said individual staff members bring a different skill set to the table and finding the right balance is important.

He estimates needing an extra four staff members, from chefs, toe section waiters and bar people.

"Port Macquarie is that perfect little pocket for weekend travellers and those coming out of Sydney," he said.

"I think people who would normally have travelled overseas have now discovered Port Macquarie for the first time.

"These are holidaymakers and day trippers who are getting in the car, they like the finer things, a nice restaurant.

"That's why Port Macquarie is very busy at the moment."

A contributing factor to the downturn in interest from prospective staff is the higher rate of Jobkeeper and Jobseeker payments, he added.

Chris from Salty Crew is one of the rare businesses that has longevity in staff.

However, he acknowledged that there was a shortage of qualified or experienced staff across the hospitality industry.

"I have a full team throughout the year," he said. "So I am quite lucky because I have got that longevity.

"We have a focus on junior staff that come in for the school holidays and we've already employed an extra two staff.

"I am not really facing too much trouble though," he said.

"But I do know there is a shortage of chefs around the Port Macquarie area."

Chris was predicting a "definite busy Christmas holiday season in Port Macquarie".

"Domestic tourism will be really strong this season," he added.

Over at Casualties on Clarence Street, owners Rhia and Patrick Amy say they need around three more staff members to get through the expected Christmas rush.

"We've got a total of six staff including Patrick and I," Rhia said.

"But we need three more for this coming Christmas period - another one permanently, easily.

"Since COVID, and with the borders shut, more people have figured out what Port Macquarie has to offer.

"We expect these school holidays to just get busier from now on," she said.

Rhia says finding people to work while Jobseeker and Jobkeeper payments are higher is also frustrating.

"People appear to rather get Jobkeeper and not have to work for their money," she said.

"That is the for most small cafes in Port Macquarie."

Cafe 66's Phillip Saltafosso also believes the higher government payments are keeping people out of the work cycle.

He said prior to COVID he would expect to see 15 to 20 applicants vying for a position.

"But I am not getting anywhere near that now," he said.

"The hospitality industry, especially in regional areas, has been reasonably busy since we reopened, but it has left us a little short-staffed.

"It is definitely a struggle to get people in (to work).

"I actually think a lot of people don't really want to work."

Mr Saltafosso said his business would require another two staff members.

However, he said, it is not easy to find someone with a bit of experience.

Other cafes and restaurants are in the same boat, he said.

"Everyone is busy, which is good, even with restricted seating.

"Christmas is always busy in Port Macquarie but I think there will be more people more cashed up this year.

"Many people coming to Port Macquarie this year will not have had an overseas holiday this year.

"This year, I believe, will be longer - stretching further out over January," he said.

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