Known for being surrounded by lush bushland and with a reputation for relaxation and wellness, the Daylesford region is heavily reliant on tourism.

Some businesses in the town told The Courier that business from Melburnians accounts for more than 80 per cent of their annual revenue - with Melburnians not only stopping by for a coffee, but also buying meals, shopping in stores, booking services and often staying the night.

Hepburn Shire Council Chief Executive, Evan King, said the lockdowns had been "incredibly challenging" for businesses.

While regional Victorians being able to travel has generated some business in recent weeks, Mr King said it had been nowhere near enough to keep those businesses viable and profitable, so the news that the border between Melbourne and regional Victoria would be lifted on November 9 was "fantastic".

After the first lockdown was lifted, the region saw a significant increase in visitors and Mr King said this was expected again.

Businesses across the region are already starting to receive bookings for accommodation and services.

The phones at Daylesford accommodation booking agency, Dayget, have been ringing non-stop since the announcement, as Melburnians seek to escape the city.

Property consultant, Bianca Wiegard, said it had been an extremely busy year - from implementing new protocols and cleaning procedures to taking bookings that then needed to be rebooked - but the team was really excited to welcome Melburnians back.

While they have been receiving steady bookings from regional Victorians, business has "quadrupled" this week as Melburnians look to escape to the country.

"It has been so busy - there have been so many enquiries coming through but it's great for business to be coming back to the town," Ms Wiegard said. "Everybody is really excited but also cautious that we want to be safe."

Like many businesses, the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa has been temporarily closed for periods throughout the year in line with government restrictions.

Karen Golden, General Manager of Tourism and Wellness at Belgravia Leisure, said the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa was receiving a high number of calls and emails from people seeking to unwind with a mineral wellness experience in coming weeks.

Some areas such as spas and steam rooms will be unavailable, though the natural mineral springs will be open and social distancing will mean guests will actually have more space to relax in.

Ms Golden said the business was "absolutely thrilled" to be able to welcome guests back once again, in a COVID-safe way.

"It has been a long, mentally and emotionally draining time for Victorians and we cannot wait to provide them with the luxurious and indulgent experience for which Hepburn is known."

With tourists to swell to the region, hospitality businesses hope limits on the number of people they can sit indoors will be increased soon.

Abdel Bennani, the General Manager of Hotel Frangos and adjoining Cafe Koukla, said the fact there would be more tourists streaming through the town was "great news", but he was worried local businesses in desperate need of patronage might be forced to turn people away.

"It's massive for us to be able to get that volume of people from Melbourne back," he said.

"We're going to have a lot of people coming through Daylesford, but venues might not have the ability to fit them in."

While the cafe has remained open for takeaway for locals during the last few months, overall revenue has dropped steeply.

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There have been some regional tourists in recent weeks and Mr Bennani has started rehiring staff, but he is worried about what the capped numbers in cafes and restaurants could mean in coming weeks.

The latest restrictions allow cafes, restaurants and pubs to seat up to 40 people inside and a further 70 outside.

While acknowledging that he understood why restrictions were in place, Mr Bennani said it would be a "horrible feeling" to turn people away after such a difficult year for businesses.

He also worries the capacity for outdoor seating will be reduced with the region's frequent cold, wet weather.

"Imagine having masses of people coming but not being able to serve them because you are limited? That's the hardest part for us, it's a bit of a struggle."

These sentiments were echoed by the co-owner of the Daylesford Hotel, Anne-Marie Banting.

The hotel closed during the first lockdown and reopened for a short time after it lifted, before being forced to close their doors again during the second lockdown.

While they could have reopened a couple of weeks ago, it hasn't yet made financial sense to do so until the announcement was made that the region would be reopened to Melburnians. The hotel is set to reopen on October 29.

"We're not in business unless we have visitors from Melbourne so we can't wait to have them back," Ms Banting said.

But while they have ample room outdoors, the business will only be able to seat 20 people inside at any one time.

Ms Banting also raised concerns about how outdoor seating could be influenced by chilly weather.

"Raring to get back to business", she hopes the number of people who can sit inside a pub, restaurant or cafe will be increased soon so businesses can "get the show on the road".

On Wednesday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said no restrictions would be eased further in regional Victoria, despite there being zero active cases.

In order for the border to be removed, he said Victorians needed to "see out" the next couple of weeks and then regional Victoria and Melbourne could take further steps at the same time.

The council has been working with businesses to help them create COVID safe plans and to understand their capacity limits.