Holiday in the dry suggested for Australians

BRISBANE - City slickers should holiday in drought-ravaged areas to channel much-needed funds to regional Australia, the Government says.

Tourism Minister Fran Bailey urged Australians to forget overseas travel this Christmas in favour of a domestic trip to the likes of Darling Downs or Dubbo, in a bid to help halt the downward spiral of many regional and remote communities.

"Every dollar you spend in regional Australia helps local communities badly affected by the drought."

A "My Australia" initiative has been launched this week.

- AAP