The Gresford Billy Cart Derby and Dungog Rodeo both on Easter Saturday each traditionally attract enormous crowds with organisers predicting another big turn out this year.

The 2017 Mountain Bike Challenge is also expected to attract a large crowd of campers and competitors to the Dungog Common.

Races will be held on Saturday with Easter activities on Sunday.

Add those visitors to the steady flow of campers who have been arriving at the State Forest and local campgrounds since the beginning of the week to enjoy the beauty of the area and it’s a double bonus for tourism.

Dungog Shire Council’s Manager of Economic Development, Tourism and Events, Ivan Skaines, said long weekends, especially the Easter long weekend were important to the Dungog Shire tourism industry.

“Visitors are very important to the area and long weekends such as Easter are crucial to our operators,” he said.

Other events in the area over the weekend include the Dungog Growers Market from 9am in Dowling Street and the Dungog Museum open on Saturday.

On Sunday, the East Coast Junior Rodeo Championships are at  Dungog Showground; Tocal Homestead is open along with the Paterson Courthouse Museum.