Winter on the South Coast is usually a quieter time, but talk to any Mogo business owner and they'll tell you this year has not been like most.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A drive through town around 4pm each day will show shop after shop closed, a sign there are simply no customers.
Hidden Treasures owner and Mogo Village Business Chamber president Richard Adams said even at this time of year, businesses closing so early was not normal.
"It's a bit of a mess at the moment down here, trying to work out whether there is any funding support businesses can access, or if we should even stay open because there are no customers," he said.
"The extended lockdown is affecting the South Coast just as much as the areas in lockdown, it has an flow on effect. The difference is we can go to work, but when we go to work nobody is coming in.
"That's why lots of places have closed for now, because there is no point opening up and standing there all day in the quiet."
It's not only Sydneysiders who have stopped visiting the area.
Canberrans also appear to be extra cautious, staying away from the South Coast after the ACT government issued advice not to travel to Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions of NSW.
The Victorian government's decision to make all of NSW a "red zone", which stops travel between the states without a permit, was another blow to regions so far free of COVID infections.
"During school holidays we'd normally do really well, but these last school holidays people couldn't travel or were nervous about travel so it was very quiet," Mr Adams said.
"It's affecting us down here more than people probably realise."
Despite a decrease in visitor numbers, Mogo Zoo has remained open, something zookeeper Chad Staples called "a silver lining".
"We are so grateful to be open and working at the moment, and we know what really matters is that everyone stays safe in the region," he said.
"The best thing for us is that we're a beautiful, safe, outdoor space for people to come and enjoy time with their families.
"You can socially distance very easily here, at any time of year, so it will certainly be a good place to visit when people can travel, and we can't wait for that."
State government initiatives such as the Dine and Discover program have buoyed some businesses, and Mr Staples said it would be well worth it for the program to extend beyond August 31.
"The Dine and Discover vouchers have been outstanding at encouraging people to get out, explore and support businesses," he said.
"That's money and support sitting there still to be used, so it would be really great if there was another extension because it is a fantastic initiative from the state government."
As for Mogo Village businesses, August 28 - the tentative end date set for the Greater Sydney lockdown - can't come soon enough.
"I don't think there is any other option other than to hold onto the knowledge that once the lockdown has been lifted, people will be able to travel again and will come here," Mr Adams said.
"Be kind to one another, at the end of the day that's all we can be. Be considerate of others and follow the guidelines to try keep us COVID-free at the moment.
"The more we all follow the rules the quicker we can put this behind us and move forward."