Lexi Webster
Australia is a large country with diverse landscapes and distinct cities, which can make travelling around it expensive. However, there are many ways to travel around the country for free or very cheaply. This includes free public transport in some cities, such as Melbourne's City Circle Tram, or the weekly cap on transport fares in Sydney. Long-distance rail travel is also possible on trains such as The Ghan and Indian Pacific, which offer comfort and a sense of nostalgia. For those who prefer to fly, budget airlines like Bonza and Jetstar offer cheap fares, particularly for early morning or late evening flights. For those who want to stay on the ground, Australia's cities have reliable and affordable public bus systems, with some cities offering subways and tram systems. Websites like Transfercar offer free rental cars and campervans, which travellers can use to relocate vehicles for rental companies. Ridesharing is also a popular option, with many Facebook groups and websites dedicated to finding travel buddies. Camping is another cheap way to travel around Australia, with some campgrounds being free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free public transport | Melbourne's City Circle Tram |
| Weekly transport rate caps in Sydney | |
| Free or cheap bike rental programs in major cities | |
| Hitchhiking | Websites: Gumtree, Couchsurfing, Transfercar |
| Facebook groups: Australia RideShare, Australian Car Market, Carpooling and Travel Buddies, OzRideshares | |
| Hostel bulletin boards | |
| Free accommodation | Work exchanges |
| Camping | |
| Campervans | |
| Hostels | |
| Cheap flights | Skyscanner, WebJet, Bonza, Jetstar, Tiger Airways, Virgin Blue |
| Cheap bus travel | Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express, Integrity Coach Lines, Premier Motor Service, V/Line |
| Cheap train travel | The Ghan, Indian Pacific |
| Cheap ferries | Spirit of Tasmania, SeaLink ferries |
| Cheap data | Saily eSIMs |
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What You'll Learn
Free rental cars and campervans
One way to get a free rental car or campervan in Australia is to help rental companies relocate their vehicles. Transfercar is a website that enables travellers to travel for free while helping rental car companies reduce costs in freight. Rental car companies need to reposition their fleet for new hires, and travellers can help them relocate those cars. You can find free rental cars and campervans on Transfercar, which are available in a variety of models and features (petrol included, insurance included, etc.).
Another way to get a free rental car or campervan is through ridesharing. It is quite common in Australia and there are many websites and hostel bulletin boards where travellers post rides. Websites like Gumtree, Couchsurfing, and Facebook groups such as ‘Australia RideShare’, ‘Australian Car Market, Carpooling and Travel Buddies’, and ‘OzRideshares’ are very active places to find a ride.
You can also rent a campervan at a very low price from companies like JUCY and Aussie Campervans. JUCY offers six campervan models, from budget to fully self-contained, and four economical rental car options. Aussie Campervans offers one-way rentals, which means you can pick up your campervan in one city and drop it off in another. They also allow you to rent a campervan with your foreign driver's licence.
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Free campsites
If you're travelling to Australia and are looking for free campsites, there are thousands of spots across the country.
Websites such as FreeCampingAustralia list all the free camps across the continent, as well as some cheap options. Full Range Camping also has a directory of over 2530 free campsites, which includes directions, facilities, features and reviews.
If you're looking for a free camping spot, it's best to avoid the busy summer months when campsites fill up. You can also escape the crowds by picking a secluded spot near the beach.
It's important to be considerate when camping in Australia. Avoid camping on the side of the road, or in a car park or residential area. Keep noise to a minimum, don't litter, and look out for 'No camping or staying overnight' signs.
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Free public transport
While there are no current schemes for free public transport across the whole of Australia, there are several ways to travel for free or at a discount on certain public transport routes and in specific cities.
Perth and Fremantle
Perth and Fremantle have a free transit zone for buses and trains. The central areas of Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup also have free, high-frequency bus services.
Brisbane
Transport for Brisbane operates free bus trips on weekdays in the Brisbane central business district on route 30, and on routes 40 and 50, which run clockwise and counterclockwise.
Sydney
Sydney has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trains, metro rail, light rail and ferries. While there is no longer a free city loop service, there are NightRide bus services that replace trains between midnight and 4:30 am.
Melbourne
Tram travel within the Melbourne CBD is free.
Discounted Fares
If you are a student, you may be eligible for discounted fares. Full-time international students in Queensland can apply for a Tertiary Transport Concession Card, which gives a 50% discount on public transport fares. International students in South Australia are also entitled to a concession fare for travel on tram, train and bus services.
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Work exchanges
Work exchange programs are a great way to travel around Australia for free. By putting in a few hours of work each day, you can enjoy free accommodation and meals, and even make some pocket money. Here are some tips and suggestions for work exchanges in Australia:
Workaway
Workaway is a popular work exchange platform that connects travellers with hosts in Australia. It offers a wide range of opportunities, from working in hostels, housesitting, fruit picking, farming, and vineyards to babysitting, teaching English, and restoring houses. Workaway promotes cultural exchange and learning, and hosts are expected to provide a welcoming and friendly environment. The platform offers a sign-up fee of $44/year for solo travellers or $56/year for couples or friends.
Worldpackers
Worldpackers is another work exchange program that allows members to contact hosts and travel as many times as they like. Members can complete their profiles, watch video lessons, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts. The program includes safety features, such as the WP Safeguard, to ensure a secure experience.
Help Exchange
Help Exchange, also known as WorkStay or WWOOFing, is a fantastic way to explore Australia. Travellers can trade a few hours of daily or weekly work for non-cash payments, including accommodation, meals, drinks, and other benefits. This option is perfect for small and rural businesses that need an extra set of hands but may not have enough work to hire a paid employee. Backpacker Job Board is a useful website for finding Help Exchange opportunities in Australia.
Other Tips
When participating in a work exchange program, it is important to remember that travel costs, healthcare, clothing, and sometimes food costs may not be covered. Additionally, visitors to Australia will need the correct visa, which can be quite expensive. However, work exchange programs can provide unique experiences, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to meet new people and create lasting memories.
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Free attractions
Australia is a land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty. The country has a lot to offer, from its vibrant cities to its sand islands and natural wonders. Here are some ways to explore Australia for free:
- Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House: Located in the CBD, this iconic bridge and opera house are easily accessible by tram. The Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 with a packed calendar of special events. You can tour the interior or admire its striking architecture from a distance. Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens offers a great vantage point for photographs.
- Blue Mountains National Park: This park features towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters, the world's steepest Katoomba Scenic Railway, and elevated views from the Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway. Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular activities here.
- Melbourne and Melbourne's City Circle Tram: Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, offers a mix of culture and nature. Explore galleries, theatres, restaurants, shops, and parks, including the Yarra River. Melbourne's City Circle Tram is a completely free way to get around the city.
- Kakadu National Park: Covering over 19,840 square kilometres in the Northern Territory, this park is the second-largest national park in the world. Discover monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, fish, and bird species.
- Great Barrier Reef: This World Heritage-listed natural wonder is one of the largest living structures on the planet and a must-see attraction when visiting Australia.
- Free Camping: Websites like FreeCampingAustralia list free camps across the continent, offering a budget-friendly way to experience the Australian outdoors.
- Ridesharing: Websites like Gumtree, Couchsurfing, and Facebook groups like 'Australia RideShare' and 'OzRideshares' offer opportunities to find travel companions and reduce travel costs.
- Transfercar: This website offers free rental cars and campervans. Rental car companies need to reposition their fleet, and travellers can help by relocating those cars to their destination, saving on travel costs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to travel around Australia for free. Transfercar offers free rental cars and campervans, as travellers help rental car companies relocate their cars. You can also find free rides on websites like Gumtree and Couchsurfing, or Facebook groups like 'Australia RideShare' and 'OzRideshares'. Some cities in Australia also offer free public transport within the city centre.
Camping is a great way to find free accommodation in Australia. Some campgrounds are free, while others can cost up to $50 AUD per night in touristy areas. Websites like FreeCampingAustralia list free camps across the continent. Campervans are also a good option as they cover some of your accommodation costs.
While it is not possible to fly for completely free, there are ways to find cheap flights. Websites like Skyscanner and WebJet allow you to compare flight costs. Airlines like Tiger Airways, Jetstar, and Virgin Blue offer cheap fares, and Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly.
There are plenty of free activities in Australia, especially in the cities. For example, the Adelaide Fringe Festival offers free live music, comedy, and theatre performances. Vivid Sydney is a free lights showcase. There are also lots of free things to do in nature, like spotting wildlife in the wild, visiting parks filled with quokkas on Rottnest Island, or diving along the Great Barrier Reef.
