Longer weekends often mean larger budgets right? Not necessarily.

There are plenty of apps and websites out there to help Aussies do something fun this long weekend that many of us don’t know about. Here are some suggestions on where to get inspiration, find a great event, and ways we can distract ourselves from the ever-growing cold winter weather. 

1. Catch up with friends over a nice meal

The long weekend is a great time to host family and friends, but often ends up costing an arm and a leg. Avoid fluorescent supermarket lights and expensive liquor stores and buy all of you needs online. Get the party organised with the help of Vinomofo, an online wine retailer all about quality wines and epic deals delivered straight to your door. If you don’t want to eat in, why not go for dinner at one of the 2,000 restaurants that are listed on Yumtable. Make booking easier by booking online . It’s a great way to save on your bill at the end of the night and gives great advice on new cuisines to try and areas to eat.

2. Get Embrace the winter or escape to somewhere warm in the same day

Aussies very rarely get to experience a traditional snowy winter so with this in mind why not go ice-skating! Scoopon is offering deals for families, singles and couples for some great winter activities, including packages for learning how to ice-skate. If you’re not a feet first kind of person, you could kick back and relax with a 70-minute massage or a facial for up to 60 per cent of the original cost. Yeah, that sounds more like me!

3.  Organise a quick sleep over

If you didn’t have time to organise an interstate vacation but love treating yourself to room service and all of the hotel perks not to worry! Hotel Quickly, A local app that provides last minute deals that have you covered with great discounts on over 125 hotels. You don’t have to decide now though! Do it last minute and your spontaneity with a last-minute weekend escape.

4. Gigs, concerts, plays oh my!

There are plenty of free and cheap events you can attend in your city this weekend. Jump on Eventbrite and check out some great events like a whiskey distillery tour in Melbourne, or comedy night in Sydney. They have family friendly concerts and great suggestions for a fun date!

5. Leave the cleaning to the pros           

Don’t get stuck cleaning windows and behind the fridge this weekend. Call the team from Helpling to come and do it for you. The online cleaning service go above and beyond for an affordable flat rate and can be in and out in a number of hours, leaving your home refreshed and ready to tackle the week ahead. A service well worth it allowing you to spend those precious extra hours with the ones you love or just vegging out without lifting a finger.