The region is tipped to have record-breaking visitation across the four days due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and the running of the Stawell Gift after 349 days.

At Stawell's Central Park, Northern Grampians Shire Murray Emerson can be found watching the mowers work their 'magic'.

"How exciting it is to have the Stawell Gift back after a year off due to the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020," he said.

"The Council knows it will be bigger and better than ever with some wonderful attractions going on throughout the shire right across the four days."

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Cr Emerson said with the increased visitation due to the public holidays around Easter, it was a fantastic time to showcase what the region has to offer.

"I think we've looked at it over the past four to five months and we believe this will be a gigantic year for the Stawell Gift paired with the fantastic work we've done with Grampians Tourism is showcasing our region," he said. "Of course the famous footrace is appealing but our region has so much to offer. We have food, we have wine, we have walks in the mountains. We have everything anyone could want to do to have an enjoyable weekend."

Cr Emerson said the influx of tourism would be a much-needed boost for traders in Stawell.

"It's a great opportunity for our retail and hospitality traders to get a better, and quicker, recovery from the coronavirus restrictions during the past 12 months," he said. "I believe the economical benefit to our region, just from the Stawell Gift alone, is about $2million.

"It's very important that we have the Gift and I would expect many retailers would say that we couldn't do without it."

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"Now that we are coming out of COVID-19 hopefully this is the boost they need."

Cr Emerson said he couldn't talk highly enough of the Northern Grampians Shire workers who prepare the grounds for the Gift.

"The Gift track is exactly how it is year after year, depending on weather and this year looks to be fantastic," he said.

"Our people spend weeks at Central Park preparing the track for the international event.

"Of course, this is on top of everything else they do in beautifying our town and making it the perfect destination to holiday.

"It's a wonderful effort from everyone and they should be commended for their efforts."

Cr Emerson urged anyone wanting to go to the Stawell Gift must book their tickets online.

"It is very important to do that," he said.

"I would encourage everyone to do that sooner, rather than later."

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