The Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram has lost about $100,000 after being forced to close for three weeks.
The tourist icon shut as its horses had allergic reactions to the toxic algae bloom in Fleurieu Peninsula waters while carting people across the bridge to Granite Island.
Meg Whibley, General Manager of the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority told ARN’s Adam and Jennie this morning that the service is still having to play it by ear depending on the conditions of the day.
“When the foam flows in you can sort of get that smell and cough in the back of your throat, eyes running, and that’s what we’ve noticed with the horses… then we go, let’s get them back to their paddocks and keep them safe,” Meg Whibley said.
The authority’s revenue is mostly self-sourced, with about 22% funding from Victor Harbor Council. Staff wages, food and training for the horses all factor in to the cost to run the organisation.
Meg Whibley has encouraged tourists to still engage with the horses when the tram is closed, as there are other experiences to enjoy, including Behind the Scenes at the Stables.
“You come along for an hour and a half with the horses, watching what we do with them, how we train them, harness them and our connection with them and I think it’s really lovely to see because we love them, I think as much as our children.”
Find out more about the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram via their Facebook page and for more information about Behind the Scenes at the Stables go to https://visitvictorharbor.com.
Hear Meg Whibley’s full chat with ARN’s Adam and Jennie via: https://soundcloud.com.
Susan_Stewart via iStock / Getty Images Plus
