Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber spokesman Charles Stuart said it was a chance for about 200 passengers to spend time – and hopefully money – on the banks of the Clyde River.

“Of the 400 passengers, 200 have booked to go on coach tours, some to Canberra, some to the botanic gardens and Mogo,” Mr Stuart said.

“The good news is that 200 will be staying around the Batemans Bay CBD, so the opportunity arises for some good business to be conducted during their visit. 

“The Batemans Bay chamber has been working closely with with council and NSW Ports Authority to establish some onshore tours.” 

He said the chamber hoped the Old Courthouse Museum would lead a walk from the offloading point to the museum.

“Later they have the opportunity to explore the Water Gardens,” he said.

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“We have three more ships coming next year and that cruise season starts in October 2019. Between now and then the three bodies will be working closely to develop some more shore based excursions and activities for passengers.

He said the NSW Ports Authority had flagged Batemans Bay as “the one port on the Eastern Seaboard of NSW where the CBD can be reached by tenders”. 

Those landing at other ports must be bussed from the landing point, to the CBD.

“The beauty of them landing in the CBD Batemans Bay, is they will have some leisure time in our beautiful centre around the Clyde River,” he said.