Traveling Australia on a Budget: Where to Start

Australia is an incredibly diverse country with so much to offer both domestic and international tourists alike. Whether you want to explore vibrant bustling cities, adventure through the outback, visit some of the jaw-dropping beaches around the country, or road trip from one exciting destination to the next, Australia never disappoints.

There are many holiday packages available across Australia with something on offer for everyone, no matter what your tastes or interests are. In fact, for many people, it’s not choosing where to go but more where to go first. 

While Australia is a spectacular holiday destination, it’s not a cheap country to travel in. For most people, this means keeping your budget in mind as you navigate your way around the country. However, while Australia can be expensive, with the right approach, it is certainly possible to travel on a budget, especially if you focus on some key areas.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you need to miss out on experiences, it just means taking a slightly different approach, being a little bit more independent, and being more prepared. In many cases, traveling on a budget can add to the overall experience as you will have a unique experience, be less sheltered during your travels and engage with your surroundings and the locals in a more meaningful way. 

Let’s take a look at some useful tips to help you to get the most out of your Australian adventure even if you are traveling on a budget. 

Consider You Accommodation

Accommodation is often one of the highest costs when you are traveling so this is typically the best place to start when it comes to reducing your overall costs.

Staying in hotels every night, even those that market themselves as “budget” can rack up over the duration of your trip. If you are traveling on a limited option, consider camping, staying in hostels, or crashing with friends. You can join online couch surfing communities where you can stay with locals for free.

Overcoming Food Costs 

After accommodation, food is often the next biggest expense when you’re on holiday. While the idea of eating your breakfast lunch and dinner in nice restaurants might sound appealing, you will quickly need to rethink your budget if you go this route. Instead, opt to have picnics, cook food in the hostel or choose cheaper eateries to dine at.

If you want to stay healthy, avoid the cheap fast-food chains and instead load up on fresh fruit and veg at the local supermarket. If you’re on a longer trip, investing in a small gas burner will allow you to cook simple meals on the go, saving you more money in the long run. 

Think About Drink 

Many people associate holiday time with going out for a few drinks in the evening to unwind after a busy day of exploring. If you’re on a budget, however, you might need to consider skipping that glass of wine or beer every night. Going out to the pub for drinks regularly will rack up a lot over your holiday.

Instead, go to the bottle shop and take a few beers or a bottle of wine back to the hostel or your campsite where you can enjoy it with the rest of the budget-minded travelers you have met. Not only will you save yourself plenty of money but you might even find that you have a better time swapping stories and trading information about the best places to go and experiences to have.

Make Your Own Adventure

Taking part in organized activities is always good fun, however, they do come at a cost. To keep more money in your wallet, why not plan your own activities and create your own adventures. With a good guidebook and the power of the internet, you can quickly find out what there is to do in the area you are visiting.

What’s more, you will be able to find out how best to take on these experiences independently without paying for a guided tour. While this can be a great tactic to save money, it’s also important to support the local economies you are visiting, and sometimes taking a tour, although more expensive, can lead to a much better and safer experience. Use your own judgment, mix independent adventures with organized tours and find a balance that works best for your budget. 

Reduce Your Spending While Maximising Your Enjoyment Down Under

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time when you’re on holiday down under. Following the tips above, you will be able to save a lot of money so you can extend your adventures or splash out on some bigger experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.

Planning ahead is key and with a little forward-thinking and a thrifty approach, you can ensure that your Aussie adventure is one to remember for all of the right reasons.