Affordable home town travel

As autumn approaches and the summer tourists retreat, why not enjoy your own ‘staycation’ and enjoy all your state has to offer. Not only do you not need to pack but you can also save on those travel costs.

The great thing about ‘staycationing’ is that many people can honestly say they have never visited some of the landmarks which make their home state special. Many of the historical landmarks and natural wonders which make Australia great remain underappreciated and ignored by the very people who have the opportunity to visit them every day. But now, thanks to 'staycationing', these great attractions are getting a new breed of tourist, their very own neighbours!

Eager to try ‘staycationing’, but don’t know where to start? Here is a list of twelve places any ‘staycationer’ should not miss.

Melbourne
1. Eureka Skydeck – Not for the faint hearted, The Eureka Skydeck will have you on top of the world. Well at least on top of the Southern Hemisphere, quite literally. The Skydeck is Melbourne’s newest and hottest attraction, and its main attraction is ‘the Edge’ - a glass cube which projects three metres out from the building. The Edge’s opaque glass eventually reveals itself to leave you standing on top of the sky. For a similar trip, why not take up in one of Melbourne’s many advertising hot air balloon’s which line the sky every morning?

2. Old Melbourne Gaol - Not many buildings have as much heritage as the Old Melbourne Gaol. With past inhabitants such as Ned Kelly and other famous prisoners, it is steeped in national history. There is also the fact that many claim it is the most haunted building in the Southern Hemisphere. Try the night tour for both an interesting trip back through Melbourne’s history, and maybe a few frightening surprises along the way.

Sydney
3. Art Gallery of New South Wales – The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions. A centrepiece of art and culture in Sydney, the Gallery has roughly 40 collections a year from Australia, Europe and Asia, which means that you can get vacation art for ‘staycation’ convenience and price.

4. Manly Ferry – Just 30 minutes from Sydney, Manly is famous for its amazing beaches and great surf. The Manly ferry sails across Sydney harbour and takes half an hour from Sydney. Along the way passengers get to enjoy natural and man made wonders such as the National Park, the Harbour Bridge and the Royal Sydney Opera House. However while the trip is fun, it is the relaxed beachside nature of Manly which is the true attraction, with restaurants, shops and cafés.

Perth.
5. Swan River Foreshore – There are options galore along the foreshore. Regular ferries operate up and down; while a dual cycling walking track mirrors the river path, allowing active staycationers to stay in shape during their break. For the perfect day trip, a regular ferry service operates between Barrack Square and Mends Street Jetty in South Perth. Catch the ferry from the city and then grab some dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in South Perth.

6. Kings Park - With so many options, Kings Park is the ideal staycation choice for the whole family. For a challenge, why not try DNA tower, a 101-step climb which is situated right at the top of the park, giving any Western Australian a whole new view of their home city/state.

Adelaide
7. National Wine Centre Of Australia – With many Australia’s benefiting from the knowledge and expertise gained while visiting South Australia’s wine making region, South Australians themselves can get in on the action. This educational facility not only lets you make your own virtual wine but taste a variety of South Australian vintages, as well as gaining knowledge and expertise from and about Australia’s 53 wine regions.

8. Glenelg Tram – These historic trams take you back to a simpler time as you are transported along seaside Glenelg from the City West Terminus in North Terrace. With an old fashioned tram, conductor and great views, as well as cafés, shops and Glenelg Pier’s attractions, the Glenelg tram is a must do for anyone who has an air for the nostalgic.

Brisbane
9. Star City Casino - They don’t call it Brisvegas for nothing. Star City Casino is one way to spoil yourself and live like a king, right in your own backyard. With a world class casino, bars, entertainment and five star accommodation available, it’s perfect for a one night treat. Who knows, your ‘staycation’ may just pay for itself.

10. Golf at Coolum - Each year we see Australia’s best golfers compete in the Coolum Classic, and feel particularly envious. But now, with the money saved by staycationing, Queenslanders can drive up to the Sunshine Coast, have a hit themselves and try and compete with the best. Watch out for the lakes on the 9th and 18th though.

Tasmania
11. Spirit of Tasmania - Getting there is half the fun, so sit back, relax and enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Spirit of Tasmania. Taking the night cruise is a great option allowing you and friends to enjoy the trip. Make a night of it with fantastic entertainment options, top class dining experiences and an onboard cinema with a big screen… not a tiny TV in the back of an airplane seat

12. Tasmanian Devils – What’s better than learning about and meeting some of the worlds cutest little devils? - driving through stunning scenery to get there. Located on the edge of the Cradle Mountain National Park World Heritage area, devils@craddle is a sanctuary which focuses on a number of aspects of conservation to assist in the survival of the Tasmanian devil in the wilderness of Cradle Mountain.