12/02/2025
We are delighted to see our little cottage included in a recent article in The Daily Advertiser about Riverina Staycations! Thank you Tahlia Sinclair for the article! 🙏🏻
RIVERINA STAYCATIONS: Locals find travel closer to home
https://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/8888519/riverina-staycations-locals-find-travel-closer-to-home/
Swap the city for your backyard: Riverina farm stays welcoming more locals.
Quick escapes, girls getaways, and the chance to explore their home region is keeping Riverina locals booking trips closer to home.
The increasing cost of living has been well-documented, and with the Australian dollar not stretching as far as it used to, staycations are on the rise.
Joel Sim opened Avalon Farmstay in 2021 with his wife Emma and has seen an increase in Riverina locals looking to stay at the property at The Rock.
He said the convenience of a quiet escape has become increasingly appealing for patrons.
"We do see some people from the Riverina. We've had a couple of local group bookings," Mr Sim said.
"One group of ladies, in particular, have used it three times as a girl's night away, just away from their family and kids, and they're all pretty local in the Riverina, so it's convenient for them, they can have a quiet escape."
Data from Destination NSW shows that 36 per cent of visitors to regional NSW between September 2023 and 2024 were from regional towns.
Meanwhile, 55 per cent of day trips to regional NSW were conducted by regional locals.
Mr Sim said accommodation providers have noticed an impact from increased cost of living pressures.
To help combat these pressures, he and his wife adjusted the pricing of the farm stay, hoping to bring in more locals and travellers from further away.
By staying closer to home, patrons are not only saving on travel costs but able to support their local economy in new ways.
"We promote to all our visitors other businesses that are in town, so we encourage people to shop at the supermarket or the butcher shop, have a drink or buy some dinner from the club or the takeaway shop," Mr Sim said.
"Marrocka Emu Farm does tours as well, and there's a lady at Trundle that does horse rides and experiences with animals, which is great for the family and great for the kids."
In Gundagai, David Ferguson also encourages locals to get away within the Riverina.
Mr Ferguson estimates at least 15 per cent of the bookings at his accommodations, Kimo Estate and Flash Jacks, are from locals.
Catering from couples to large groups, he said a weekend close to home can be just as special as heading to a big city.
"We saw a bit of a drop off in regional travel last year, there seemed to be a big overseas push, but now that the dollar is flipping and money's not going as far when you go overseas, we've actually seen a bit of a bounce back in local travellers," Mr Ferguson said.
"It's great, the Riverina people are a little less needy than the Sydney people, they're a little more practical.
"We love to see people who are just wanting to get away for a weekend close to home, somewhere really nice and comfortable and relaxing and quiet."
He also touted the positive impact on the local and regional economy when people take trips closer to home.
Further out from Wagga, the River Cottage Jugiong opened in late 2024, welcoming visitors from near and far.
An escape from daily life, passing over 18 cattle grids to reach the property, even regional guests feel like they're in a new world.
Owner Michael Dunn refurbished the property to be suitable for staying in, hoping to bring new people to experience a slice of country life.
"We've aimed to create a space where people can unplug, relax, and rediscover the simple joys of life," Mr Dunn said.
"Whether it's sharing stories by the fire, exploring the countryside, or enjoying delicious local food, there's something here for everyone."
Michael Dunn opened the renovated The River Cottage Jugiong in December 2024.
Stayinthebush Visit NSW Destination NSW Hilltops Region
With money tight, locals look close to home for weekend escapes.
At The River Cottage Jugiong, discover the perfect blend of serenity and life’s simple joys.
