Leslie Massey
Australia is an expensive country to travel in, with high costs for accommodation, food, and transport. However, there are several ways to save money while backpacking in Australia. One way is to stay in hostels, which offer cheap accommodation and the opportunity to meet other travellers. Cooking your own meals in hostel kitchens or camping can also save costs. Buying a car can be a good investment if you're staying long-term, as public transport in rural areas is limited. Sharing transport costs with friends and taking advantage of free attractions, such as beaches and national parks, can further reduce expenses. Additionally, buying groceries from supermarkets and utilising markets can be cheaper than eating out. Lastly, working in exchange for accommodation and planning meals can also help you save money while backpacking in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport | Buying a car can be cheaper than renting in the long term; split petrol money with friends |
| Accommodation | Stay in hostels, or try camping, WOOFing, housesitting or petsitting; consider renting a room in a shared house |
| Food | Shop at supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and markets for cheaper food; cook for yourself in hostel kitchens |
| Alcohol | Wine is cheaper than beer |
| Wi-fi | Get a local SIM card; use free wi-fi at libraries, McDonald's, Burger King, Woolworths, travel agents, cafes, and hostels |
| Sightseeing | Look for free attractions like national parks, beaches, and museums; use GroupOn to find discounts |
| Money | Bring at least $5000 AUD for a working holiday visa; expect to spend $1500/month |
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What You'll Learn
- Save on accommodation by camping, buying a car, or staying in hostels
- Save on food by shopping at supermarkets, markets, and cooking your meals
- Save on transport by buying a car, splitting costs with friends, or using public transport
- Save on activities by using GroupOn, free attractions, and museum/gallery visits
- Save on phone and WiFi costs by using free WiFi spots or buying a local SIM card
Save on accommodation by camping, buying a car, or staying in hostels
Saving on Accommodation Costs in Australia
Camping
Camping is a great way to save on accommodation costs while backpacking in Australia. Many campsites across the country are completely free to use and often include access to free BBQ facilities. Wikicamps is a helpful app that can be used to locate free campsites and apply filters to find the type of campsite you're looking for, such as those with toilets, mobile coverage, or scenic locations. Remember to be respectful to other campers and the environment by keeping noise levels down and cleaning up after yourself.
Buying a Car
Purchasing a car in Australia can be a significant expense upfront, but it may save you money in the long run, especially if you're planning to stay for an extended period. Public transportation in rural areas of Australia is limited, so having your own vehicle provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and avoid costly organised tours. Websites like Gumtree are recommended for finding cars for sale, and you can also join Backpacking Australia Facebook groups for advice and car sale listings. When your trip comes to an end, you can resell the car, potentially recouping your initial investment.
Staying in Hostels
Hostels are a popular choice for backpackers seeking affordable accommodation in Australia. While not as inexpensive as hostels in Southeast Asia, they are significantly cheaper than hotels. Hostels offer social opportunities to meet fellow travellers and often provide amenities such as kitchens, allowing you to cook your own meals and save on dining out. Hostelworld is recommended as the best site for booking hostels in Australia, offering free cancellation for added flexibility.
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Save on food by shopping at supermarkets, markets, and cooking your meals
Australia is an expensive country to visit, especially for backpackers. However, there are ways to save money on food while travelling through the country.
Firstly, it is much cheaper to cook your own meals than to eat out. Eating out in Australia won’t cost you less than 10 Australian dollars per dish. So, buying your food at the supermarket and cooking it yourself will save you a lot of money.
Supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI offer the best choice and value. It's possible to pick up some basic supplies for a couple of dollars, and you can eat simply for a week for $60. Stock up in the big towns as food in small, outback shops can be very expensive. Coles and Woolworths are more expensive than ALDI, but they sometimes have good offers, so keep an eye out for "reduced to clear" items. Australia has a policy for efficiently selling perishable products nearing their expiration dates at incredible sale prices.
You can also cook in a camper van, so you’ll eat out less and save more. If you're staying in a hostel, you can use the kitchen to cook your meals. You can also host a potluck night with your dorm mates, where you can eat a decent meal for just a few dollars each and make friends.
In addition to supermarkets, you can also shop at local markets to find fresh produce at reasonable prices. Planning your meals in advance can also help you save money. Work out when you might be eating out or when you have a trip booked, so you can plan your meals accordingly and avoid wasting food.
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Save on transport by buying a car, splitting costs with friends, or using public transport
Australia is an expensive country to travel in, and transportation costs can quickly add up. Here are some tips to save money on transport while backpacking in Australia:
Buying a Car
While buying a car in Australia may seem like a significant expense, it can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to stay for several months. Public transport in rural areas of Australia is often limited, so having your own vehicle allows you to explore the country at your own pace without relying on pricey tours. Look for cars on websites like Gumtree, and consider connecting with other travellers who may be selling their cars before leaving the country. You can also rent a car, especially if travelling with a group of friends, but buying may be more economical in the long run.
Splitting Costs with Friends
If you opt to buy or rent a car, you can save money by splitting petrol costs with your travel companions. This can be a more affordable option than organised tours or hop-on-hop-off bus passes. Additionally, if you're staying in a camper van or renting a room, sharing the costs with others can significantly reduce your expenses.
Using Public Transport
While public transport in rural areas may be scarce, Australia's larger cities offer various options. Greyhound is the go-to national bus service, and you can often find deals on bus tickets through sites like Australian GroupOn. Taking overnight trains can also save on both transportation and accommodation costs. Additionally, many cities have free attractions, such as stunning beaches, national parks, botanical gardens, and art galleries, so you can explore without breaking the bank.
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Save on activities by using GroupOn, free attractions, and museum/gallery visits
When it comes to saving money on activities while backpacking in Australia, there are several strategies you can employ, including using GroupOn, taking advantage of free attractions, and visiting museums and galleries.
GroupOn
GroupOn is a great way to find deals on activities and experiences in Australia. By signing up for their website or app, you can access discounts of up to 70% off on a wide range of activities, including restaurants, cafes, bars, and tourist attractions. This can be a fantastic way to save money on activities that you were already planning to do.
Free Attractions
Australia has numerous free attractions that you can enjoy without spending a penny. For example, the Melbourne City Circle Tram is a free and unique way to explore the central landmarks of Melbourne. This old-fashioned tram offers a relaxed and nostalgic experience, with onboard commentary about the city's history. Additionally, all trams within the designated Free Tram Zone in central Melbourne are free to use, making it convenient to get around without incurring transport costs.
Museum and Gallery Visits
Museums and galleries can provide enriching experiences and offer insights into Australian culture and history. Some museums, such as the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, have free entry and even provide free Wi-Fi for visitors. This can be a great way to immerse yourself in Australian culture while staying connected and saving money.
Other Tips
In addition to the above, here are some extra tips to save money while backpacking in Australia:
- Stay in free campsites instead of paying for accommodation.
- Buy a car: Public transport in rural Australia is limited, so having your own car allows you to explore independently and save on organised tours. You can also split petrol costs with friends.
- Shop at local markets for cheaper and fresher produce compared to supermarkets.
- Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at libraries across Australia if you need internet access.
- If you enjoy a drink, opt for wine over beer, as a bottle of wine can be as cheap as $4 AUD.
By following these tips and staying mindful of your expenses, you can make your backpacking trip in Australia more affordable and enjoyable.
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Save on phone and WiFi costs by using free WiFi spots or buying a local SIM card
Australia is a beautiful country to explore, but it can be expensive. One of the challenges of travelling around Australia is maintaining access to the internet. Unless you have a good phone deal, you may find yourself without access to the internet in many places.
A great way to save money on your phone and WiFi costs is to use free WiFi spots. Almost every library in Australia offers free WiFi, so if you're passing by, you can stop and use their connection. Many cafes, museums, and hostels also offer free WiFi, so it's worth checking out such spots in the area before paying for data on your phone.
Another option is to buy a local SIM card, which can save you a lot of money on roaming charges.
Some recommended spots to find free WiFi in Australia include McDonald's, Burger King, Woolworth's, and high-street travel agents.
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Frequently asked questions
Eating out in Australia can be expensive, with an average meal in a pub or cafe costing at least $15-20 AUD. A coffee will set you back around $5 AUD, and a beer can cost up to $8 AUD. To save money, cook your own meals whenever possible, especially if you are travelling with others – this will reduce food waste and save money. Shop at supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, and buy fresh produce from local markets, particularly at closing time when vendors are looking to shift stock. If you want to drink alcohol, wine is a cheaper option than beer.
Accommodation is likely to be one of your biggest expenses in Australia. A private room in a budget hotel will cost at least $100 AUD per night, while a night in a Sydney hostel averages $30 AUD. To save money, stay in hostels, which are cheaper than hotels and a great place to meet other travellers. If you are travelling as a couple or with friends, you can book a private room in a hostel, which will usually be cheaper than a hotel. If you are staying in one place for a while, you could also try renting a room in a shared house or finding a flatmate.
Public transport in rural Australia is limited, so many backpackers opt to buy a car to reduce costs compared to organised tours or bus passes. If you are travelling with others, you can split petrol costs. If you buy a car, you can sell it at the end of your trip, potentially for the same amount you paid. Alternatively, camping or campervanning is a great way to save on accommodation and transport costs, as you can travel at your own pace without relying on tours.
Yes, there are plenty of free things to do in Australia, such as visiting the beach, exploring national parks and botanical gardens, and checking out art galleries and museums. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, look into purchasing a Flexipass. To save on Wi-Fi costs, take advantage of free Wi-Fi at libraries, cafes, and hostels, and get a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges. Finally, check out discount sites like Groupon and GroupOn to save on activities and experiences.
