“I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.”
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Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar was certainly on to a winner when she depicted Australia’s land in her iconic poem My Country in 1908.
But, dirt-cheap international flights are driving locals away and encouraging many young Australians to party on Thailand’s shores and live it up in Balinese resorts.
It is hardly unjustifiable when you can sneak away to Southeast Asia for less than half the price than any Australian holiday destination.
But let’s get fair dinkum – we live in a beautiful country where many would dream to travel.
Can we honestly blame our hip-pocket nerve for not discovering our cultural roots in our homeland?
Tourism Australia manager director Andrew McEvoy said despite what many commentators have us believe, domestic tourism was actually the largest provider to the industry’s expenditure, contributing more than 60 per cent overall.
Mr McEvoy said that although Australia is sometimes expensive there are options for every traveller’s budget.
“Australia is not a low cost destination, nor has it ever been,” he said.
“But what it does offer is attractions and experiences which are unique and distinctive, amongst the best in the world.
“That’s Australia’s greatest appeal, and something that applies equally to all age groups.”
Travel with your mates
Chris Lee, a 21-year-old nursing student, recently packed up the car with four mates and explored one of the Northern Territory’s most significant landmarks, Uluru.
It cost Mr Lee and his friends $250 each for fuel and only a couple of hundred dollars extra on spending money for a nine-day trip.
“It was all pretty impromptu. We just packed up and went. There was no mucking around with flights and pre-booked accommodation,” Mr Lee said.
“We stayed in caravan parks every night in my mate’s tent. One night we took advantage of one of the free campsites alongside the road.
“It was really good value for money and if you get a good group of mates together then you are bound to have fun.”
Facebook inspiration
Tourism Australia recently launched a Facebook app that targets young Australians in an effort to see more young faces out on Aussie roads.
The ‘Discover Australia Through Your Friends’ app merges Google maps and Facebook technology to create a travel tool, that aims to share experiences and inspire.
“We know from research that more and more young travellers are turning to their social media networks for inspiration to help them plan and get the best out of their holidays,” Mr McEvoy said.
“There are a multitude of experiences you can have in Australia that can be enjoyed at every budget level.
“Take Uluru Kata Tjuta for example. You can stay for $18 a night in the campground or you can stay at Longitude 131 for a more premium experience.
“Regardless of where you stay, the unique experience you have there – watching the sun set or rise over the Rock – is the memory you will take home with you,” he said.
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