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Australia is a popular destination for backpackers, and there are plenty of cheap accommodation options for budget travellers. If you're looking for a place to stay in Australia on a budget, you're in luck! From hostels to house-sitting, camping to rental properties, there are many ways to find affordable accommodation in this vast country. In this guide, we'll explore the different options available to you, so you can choose the best type of budget accommodation for your needs and start planning your Australian adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Types | Hostels, hotels, rental properties, shared houses, caravan parks, campsites, tents, vans, bungalows, bush camps, couch surfing, housesitting |
| Websites | Booking.com, Hostelworld, Tripadvisor, Skyscanner, Gumtree, Flatmate Finders, Flatmates.com.au, Facebook groups, Couchsurfing.com, HelpX, PawShake, MadPaws, Aussie House Sitters, MindaHome, Happy House Sitters |
| Other Options | YHA Australia, which is associated with Hostelling International (HI) |
| Luggage | July luggage offers a lifetime warranty and options for different weight allowances |
| Cost-saving Options | Free furniture on the street or cheap/used furniture on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace |
| Caravan Parks | Basic caravan park: $30 per tent/campervan; Fancier parks: up to $50 |
| Bungalows | Small cabin with kitchenette: $80; Larger bungalow: $150+ |
| Camping | Some bush camps are free, others cost up to $40 per tent/van; National park campsites: $20 maximum in Western Australia, higher in Victoria and New South Wales |
| Studio Apartment | Sydney CBD: at least $500 per week |
| Hotel Prices | Perth: economical compared to others nearby; Townsville: basic and affordable |
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What You'll Learn
Hostels, caravan parks and campsites
Hostels
Hostels are a popular choice for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers in Australia. They offer dorm rooms or private rooms, with communal areas for guests to relax and cook. Dorm beds can cost around $40 per night, while private rooms can range from $60 to $150 per night. Some hostels, like the Nomads and Space Hotel in Melbourne, are known for their fun and social atmosphere.
Caravan Parks
Caravan parks are another affordable option in Australia, often located on the outskirts of cities and along the coastline. They usually offer powered and unpowered sites for caravans or campervans, with access to toilets, hot showers, and kitchens. Basic caravan parks can cost about $30 per tent or campervan, while more developed sites with cabins or villas can start at around $60-$70 per night.
Campsites
Campsites are an excellent option for those seeking a low-budget, scenic experience in Australia. Bush camps are typically located in national parks or forests and can cost up to $40 per tent or van, while some campsites in national parks may be free. Campers should bring their own drinking water and camping stove, and be mindful of leaving no trace. Caravan parks and holiday parks often have campsites available, and apps like Campermate and Hipcamp can help locate these options.
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House-sitting and couch-surfing
House-sitting
House-sitting is a great way to find free accommodation in Australia. House-sitting platforms such as Aussie House Sitters and Mindahome Australia offer a wide range of house-sitting opportunities across the country. These platforms provide a safe and effective way to connect with homeowners in need of someone trustworthy to care for their homes, pets, and gardens.
By becoming a house-sitter, you can enjoy free accommodation in exchange for providing pet care, garden care, and home security. House-sitting is particularly ideal for animal lovers, as it gives you the chance to care for and bond with pets while exploring new places. Some of the house-sitting positions in Australia include taking care of pets such as dogs, cats, chickens, and even lizards!
To get started with house-sitting, you can register on websites like Aussie House Sitters and Mindahome Australia. These platforms offer a large number of house-sitting listings, with new opportunities arising every month. You can browse through the listings and choose assignments that fit your schedule and location preferences.
Couch-surfing
Couch-surfing is another option for finding cheap or free accommodation in Australia. Couch-surfing involves staying with locals who offer their couches or spare rooms to travellers. It provides a unique opportunity to meet and connect with people while saving on accommodation costs.
While couch-surfing, it is important to be respectful and considerate of your host's space and rules. It is also essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. Always do your research, read reviews, and trust your instincts when choosing a couch-surfing host. Additionally, consider using trusted platforms or communities dedicated to facilitating couch-surfing experiences.
Although specific websites for couch-surfing in Australia were not readily available, there are global couch-surfing platforms that can be utilized, such as Couchsurfing.com, which allows you to search for and connect with hosts in Australia. By using these platforms, you can explore the available options, connect with potential hosts, and find suitable accommodations that align with your travel plans.
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Online rental sites
There are several online rental sites that can help you find cheap places to stay in Australia. Here are some popular options:
- Booking.com: This site is often recommended for finding cheap accommodation in Australia. It offers a Genius loyalty program that provides 10-20% discounts, free breakfast, and upgrades for certain hotels.
- Hostelworld: This is a popular hostel booking site that allows you to see ratings and reviews from other travellers. Hostels are generally a more affordable option for accommodation.
- Gumtree, Flatmate Finders, and Flatmates.com.au: These websites are great for finding rooms and flats advertised for rent. You can also use these sites to buy used furniture if you need to furnish your place.
- Local Facebook groups: Joining local Facebook groups dedicated to advertising flatshares and available rooms in specific cities or areas can be a great way to find cheap accommodation.
- Specialised rental sites: Websites like uhomes.com, lastminute.com, luxuryescapes.com, and studybird.com offer various options for finding cheap accommodation in Australia, including hotel bookings, overseas rentals, and flat shares.
- Real estate agency websites: If you plan to stay in one place for an extended period, you can check out the websites of agencies like Century 21, LJ Hooker, Richardson & Wrench, and Ray White. These agencies typically deal with medium- to long-term rentals.
When using online rental sites, it's important to be cautious of scams and always read reviews before making any payments or sharing personal information. Additionally, consider factors such as location, type of accommodation, and time of year when budgeting for your stay in Australia, as prices can vary significantly.
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Discounts and loyalty programs
When it comes to finding cheap places to stay in Australia, it pays to look into discounts and loyalty programs. Here are some strategies to consider:
Discounts and Coupons
Keep an eye out for discounts and coupons, which can significantly reduce the cost of your accommodation. These may be offered directly by the accommodation provider or through third-party booking platforms. Many websites offer discounts and coupons specifically for Australian hotels and accommodations. For example, sites like OzBargain and Groupon feature deals and discounts for various Australian accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and resorts. You can also sign up for newsletters or create accounts on these booking sites to receive notifications about the latest deals.
Loyalty Programs
If you frequently travel to Australia or plan on staying with the same hotel chain multiple times, consider joining a loyalty program. Many major hotel chains in Australia, such as AccorHotels, offer loyalty programs that reward guests for their continued patronage. These programs often provide benefits like discounted rates, exclusive member prices, and the ability to earn and redeem points for free nights. Some programs may also offer additional perks, such as early check-in or late check-out, room upgrades, or access to exclusive experiences.
Long-Stay Discounts
If you're planning an extended stay in Australia, ask about long-stay discounts. Many accommodations, particularly serviced apartments or holiday rentals, offer reduced rates for weekly or monthly bookings. These discounts are not always advertised, so it's worth contacting the property directly to inquire about any potential long-stay deals.
Membership Discounts
Certain memberships can also provide access to discounted accommodation rates. For example, auto club memberships or senior citizen cards often offer travel benefits, including reduced rates at select hotels or resorts. Additionally, if you're a student or a member of a large organization, you may be eligible for discounts through their affiliated accommodation partners.
Package Deals
Keep an eye out for package deals that bundle your accommodation with other travel components, such as flights or car rentals. These packages can sometimes offer significant savings compared to booking each component separately. Online travel agencies and booking platforms often feature these types of deals, so it's worth comparing prices across different websites to find the best package for your needs.
By taking advantage of discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs, you can significantly reduce the cost of your accommodation in Australia and make your travel budget go further.
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Short-term sublets and flatshares
If you're looking for a place to stay in Australia for a short period, you might want to consider sublets and flatshares. Here are some options and recommendations to find cheap short-term accommodation in Australia:
Online Platforms
Dedicated websites such as Airbnb, Sublet.com, Flatmates.com.au, Flatmate Finders, and Gumtree offer a wide range of short-term rental options in Australia. These platforms allow you to connect directly with property managers, owners, or agents, and find accommodations that fit your budget and preferences.
Social Media Groups
Facebook groups are also a great way to find short-term sublets and flatshares. Join local groups for the specific cities or areas you're interested in. These groups often have members advertising available rooms or sublets. Additionally, you can post your own ad, introducing yourself and stating your availability, to increase your chances of finding a suitable match.
Hostels
If you're a backpacker or planning to travel frequently within Australia, hostels can be an economical option for short-term stays. They offer both dorm rooms and private rooms, with communal areas, and are ideal for meeting fellow travellers. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay at least $40 per night for a dorm bed and upwards for private rooms.
House-sitting
House-sitting is another option to consider for free or low-cost short-term accommodation. Many homeowners in Australia seek house-sitters, especially during the winter months, to look after their homes and pets while they are away. You can find house-sitting opportunities through Facebook groups, dedicated websites such as Aussie House Sitters, Mind A Home, Happy House Sitters, and apps like PawShake and MadPaws.
Pubs
In some areas of Australia, pubs offer short-term rental options. These rooms are usually partially furnished and include shared kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities. This can be a convenient and cost-effective solution, especially if you're looking for a place to stay for just a few months.
Rental Websites
If you're looking for more traditional rental options, keep in mind that rental websites in Australia may require a minimum commitment of six months. However, some agencies specialise in short-term rentals, offering furnished properties, but prices tend to be higher. It's recommended to set up profiles on rental websites, create alerts, and be proactive in attending inspections and communicating with agents to increase your chances of securing a suitable short-term rental.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're travelling with a group of friends or family, you can rent a whole house together. In the suburbs of a city, rents are cheaper. You can find rooms and flats advertised for rent on sites like Gumtree, Flatmate Finders, and Flatmates.com.au.
Hostels are a great option for solo travellers as they provide an opportunity to meet other people. It's cheapest to book a bed in a dorm room, but most hostels also offer private rooms. You can search for hostels on sites like Hostelworld and YHA.
Couch surfing is a popular way to find free accommodation in Australia. The website Couchsurfing.com connects travellers with local hosts. House sitting is another option for free accommodation, and you can find opportunities on Facebook groups or websites like Aussie House Sitters and Happy House Sitters.
