By
Melanie Skinner
Word Count: 600
Bored, broke with nothing to do?
Having spent too many precious weekends sitting around complaining there is nothing to do, I have decided to put an end to boredom in Australia!
Each month I will be collecting every scrap of info available to ensure fun is being had on the weekends.
Understanding that there is not a lot of money to be had, I have broken down fun into affordability headings:
1) I'm totally broke but need a hit of fun… $0
2) I have a few dollars to spare if it's worth it… under $5
3) I've just been paid and want to blow it… under $10
4) I've been saving my pennies to have some serious fun… under $20
I'm on a mission, so if you have any fun suggestions that you think should be included email melanie_novo@hotmail.com! I'm calling on all fun lovers (especially those outside the ACT) to email me your ideas.
Free Fun - the best kind
Pack your lunch and take a walk in a National Park with friends or family. A lot can be learnt about our beautiful country by simply walking through it ... and it will get you fit too!
If you're the type of person who likes to be a little organised, most National Parks will have a set trail for you to take and some will have guided tours to explain the history of the area.
$$$: FREE (if you get your lunch out of
the fridge)
Where: Part of the fun is finding a suitable
place to go. But to get you started I suggest Canberra readers try Tidbinbilla
or Burrumba Rocks for a great day out
Weather: This is definitely a sunny day
activity
For more info: Visit the National Park
Information Bureau in your area
Under $5 Fun…
The headspace exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, Old Parliament House showcases artwork by over 200 high school and college students. This exhibition is a must see for both Canberrans and visitors to the Nation's Capital. While you're there take a look around the building where many pivotal decisions were made.
$$$: Being $1 for concessions and $2 for
adults, you have no excuse not to go
Where: Old Parliament House, Canberra
Weather: Come wind, rain or shine you can visit the National Portrait Gallery
For more info: See this month's feature article and www.portrait.gov.au
Under $10 Fun...
Spend the night at home and rent a classic or foreign movie from your video store. Or if you prefer to go out, check your local art house cinema guide for some mind-expanding fun.
Some of my recommended 'oldies' include:
· Breakfast at Tiffany's
· Clockwork Orange (cinema only)
· All of Alfred Hitchcock movies are true classics, especially Rear Window
· Citizen Kane
· And for a truly bittersweet movie experience, Life is Beautiful is fantastic.
However you must see the original Italian version
(with subtitles) to get the true value from this film.
$$$: $3 - $10 per movie
Where: Your local video store or art house cinema
Under $20 Fun…
For a serious arvo of fun, get a bunch of mates together and battle it out in a go-kart race. In my experience, you can have up to eight people racing at the one time, fighting to be a mini grand prix champion. Lap times are recorded and given to drivers as either bragging or incriminating evidence for your friends.
$$$: Prices start @ $12.50 per 10 minutes.
Where: Check your local YellowPages for venues.
Weather: If it's an indoor track, the weather won't matter.
