More than 40 holiday makers were evacuated from the Wollombi area by helicopter after their accommodation was cut off during last week’s heavy rainfalls.
Cessnock SES local controller Trevor Milgate said a number of creeks in the area had risen, making the resorts inaccessible by road.
Most of the guests had driven to the area for the long weekend, but an extended stay was not on the cards, so the call was made to send in the choppers.
“One resort had started to run out of catering needs and some of the people were a bit anxious, wanting to get home,” Mr. Milgate said.
Seven guests were airlifted on the Queen’s Birthday Monday, with another seven on Tuesday and 30 on Wednesday.
They were flown from the accommodation to the Wollombi Tavern, then bussed to Cessnock before returning home. Most of the visitors were from Newcastle or Sydney.
Mr. Milgate those who drove to their accommodation were to arrange to have their vehicles sent home.
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