Bungled DIY projects could cost Aussies more than a Queensland holiday experience this Easter, Tourism Queensland has warned.
Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said new research from a UK insurance company* revealed that over the Easter long weekend more than a third of the country's DIY-ers would get stuck into home improvements,10 percent of which would end in disaster, costing them each an average of £166 (AUD$265 ) to put right.
"No doubt there are also plenty of Queenslanders with DIY Easter project lists stuck to the fridge – and there's a high probability that many of these will not turn out quite as planned or within budget," Mr Hayes said.
"Tourism Queensland is therefore urging Queenslanders to not become a "DIY disaster", down tools and spend that money having some fun in Queensland over Easter.
"Even if you can't afford to go away, there are plenty of value for money day trips and activities you can do.
"In the end it will probably cost you less and create a much more harmonious home environment."
Mr Hayes said Australians were estimated to have more than 123 million days of annual leave stockpiled**, making us one of the hardest working nations in the world.
"Queenslanders in particular worked tirelessly in 2011 which is even more of a reason why you should reward yourself with a Queensland break this Easter – even if it's a 'staycation' where you stay at home and go on day trips," he said.
"In 2011 almost 34 million day trips were taken in Queensland of which 24 million were taken within Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
"Day-trippers to South East Queensland, specifically travelling to Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast spent more than $2.3 billion on their visits in 2011, a four percent increase on the previous year.
"So if you've decided to have a staycation, we've compiled a few great value-for-money ideas to encourage you to ditch the DIY plans and get out of the house and into Queensland's backyard where you can make the most of the Easter break."
For example:
Trying to avoid the public holiday crowds?
Lace up the boots and set off on one of the Great Walks of Queensland. There's a series of world-class walking tracks that traverse some of the state's most beautiful natural areas, including three World Heritage-listed sites which can be experienced in short half-day treks through to full eight-day hikes. Here's a few suggestions - Thorsborne Trail at Hinchinbrook Island, Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk and the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea-Trail.
Cost: Free once you get there.
If you're more of a 'taster' than a 'trekker' Queensland's food and wine trails will give you something to bite into. Take a drive, sample some produce, meet the growers and learn more about the paddock-to-plate process. Try the Granite Belt Wine Country Nude Food Trail, Gold Coast Food and Wine Trail or Food Trail Tours to the Atherton Tablelands.
Cost: Guided wine tours cost around $150 per person including a nice meal and wine tastings. Drive yourself and buy your own food and a nice bottle or two to take home.
A scenic hot air balloon ride to discover South East Queensland from the air with uninterrupted views of the city and the country.
Cost: Around $300 per person.
For other spectacular views, head to the 77th level of the world's tallest residential tower, Q1 on the Gold Coast offers breathtaking 360 degree views from its QDeck.
Cost: $54.50 for a family pass.
If thrill-seeking is your thing make the ultimate entrance and skydive onto one of Queensland's beaches.
Cost: Around $250.
