Tourists escape to the country as budgets tighten

Albury on the Murray River is no longer considered a stopover, but a destination in its own right. (ONE GREEN BEAN PR) (AAP)

When the beach house breaks the budget, a sea of cabanas blocks the ocean views and the sunburn stings: that's when the countryside comes calling.

Albury, a NSW regional city on the banks of the Murray River, has been named Town of the Year, as Australians increasingly seek out long weekends in the regions.