Lexi Webster
Australia is a massive country, and travelling around it can be expensive. However, it is possible to travel around Australia on a budget. One of the most budget-friendly ways to travel around Australia is by campervan, which offers flexibility and the opportunity to stay in free campsites. Public transportation and hostels are also great ways to save money while sightseeing. In addition, there are many free activities and cheap alternatives for food and drinks in Australia. For example, Australia has spectacular coastal walks and beaches that can be enjoyed for free. There are also free public barbecues available in most parks and beaches, as well as cheap eats and food markets in major cities. To save on transportation costs, consider travelling by bus or taking advantage of budget airlines for long-distance travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport | Greyhound bus passes, budget airlines, car rentals, free public transport, bikes |
| Accommodation | Hostels, camping, campervans |
| Food | Shop at supermarkets, eat seasonal produce, use public BBQs, visit farmers' markets |
| Attractions | Free activities, events, and festivals, free museums, coastal walks, beaches |
| Saving Money | Cheaper petrol on Tuesdays, fuel vouchers, travel at 90km/h, free Wi-Fi |
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What You'll Learn
Travel by bus or train
Travelling by bus or train is a convenient and affordable way to get around Australia, especially when travelling between cities and regional towns.
Greyhound offers the Whimit Pass, which provides unlimited travel for 15 to 365 days, with options ranging from 399 to 849 AUD. This pass allows you to travel in any direction on any route, with over 180 stops available. It is an excellent option for those who want flexibility and the ability to make spontaneous travel decisions.
Another bus pass option is the Premier hop-on/hop-off pass, which is valid for one-way travel for 1 to 6 months, ranging from 100 to 400 AUD. This pass is ideal if you plan to travel slowly and explore different places in one direction.
Additionally, some cities in Australia offer free public transportation within the city centre, and you can also look for free or cheap bike rental programs to get around while enjoying the fresh air.
To save money on your travels, consider taking advantage of free activities and attractions, such as free walking tours, museums, and art galleries. You can also find cheap eats and coffee in major cities, and stock up on groceries at supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, which often have specials. By combining bus and train travel with budget-friendly options for food, accommodation, and entertainment, you can explore Australia without spending a fortune.
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Camp or stay in hostels
If you're looking to travel around Australia on a shoestring budget, camping is one of the best ways to explore and experience the country. Camping is the cheapest accommodation option, especially if you plan to travel the country by road. You can either camp in a tent or rent a campervan, which is a clever way to combine your accommodation and transport costs.
There are numerous campsites in Australia that offer free or cheap camping options. Camping and caravan parks or holiday parks are usually equipped with hot showers, proper toilets, a kitchen/barbeque area, and sometimes even a swimming pool. If you have a van to sleep in or a caravan, you'll only have to pay for the space to park and to connect to the power supply. If you're driving a car, you can stay in a tent or rent bungalows on-site.
WikiCamps or CamperMate apps can help you find all the camp spots where you can sleep for free (and legally). You can also look for free camping options in national parks, which are generally much cheaper than caravan parks.
If camping isn't your cup of tea, hostels are a great alternative for budget-conscious travellers. Hostels are a favourite among backpackers as you can rent a dorm bed for cheap prices and get to meet people in a social environment. The average cost of a hostel is around $30-$60 per night for a dorm bed, but prices can go up to $70 or more in big cities during the high season. Travelling during the off-season can help you snag cheaper hostel rates.
Hostels with kitchens can help you save money on food, as cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to save money while travelling in Australia. Additionally, staying in a hostel allows you to be flexible with your itinerary. You can choose to stay for a few days or extend your stay if you fall in love with a particular place, without worrying about missing your next hotel reservation.
If you're travelling with family or a group of friends, consider renting an apartment or a cabin to share the cost. Websites like Booking.com offer a wide range of apartments and hotels without the hidden fees associated with other sites.
So, whether you choose to camp under the stars or bunk up in a hostel, there are plenty of options for budget-friendly accommodation as you travel around Australia.
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Self-cater and eat out cheaply
Australia is a massive country, and travelling around it can be expensive due to high transportation costs. One of the best ways to save money while travelling is to self-cater and eat out cheaply.
When it comes to self-catering, it's a good idea to opt for accommodation that allows you to cook your own meals. Serviced apartments and Airbnbs typically come with kitchens, and hostels often provide shared cooking facilities. Stock up on groceries at supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, which often have specials on, and keep an eye out for local markets where you can buy fresh produce at a reasonable price. Familiarise yourself with seasonal fruits and vegetables, as these will be significantly cheaper. If you're travelling by campervan, take advantage of the free public BBQs available in most parks and beaches.
If you want to eat out, there are still ways to do so on a budget. Instead of dining at expensive restaurants, opt for cheaper spots or fast-food places. If you want to treat yourself to a nicer restaurant, it's usually cheaper to go for lunch rather than dinner. Research restaurants in advance and look for set lunch menus or specials. Avoid eating in tourist precincts, as these restaurants tend to be overpriced and lower quality. If you do find yourself in a touristy area, look for restaurants with menus on blackboards, indicating that the food is likely seasonal and fresher. Skip expensive hotel breakfast buffets, and opt for cheaper continental options or find a local cafe for something freshly prepared.
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Free activities and attractions
Australia is a massive country, and it takes a long time and a lot of money to get around. However, there are ways to explore the country on a budget. Here are some tips for free activities and attractions to keep costs down while travelling in Australia:
Australia is known for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse environments, from beaches to the rugged outback. There are plenty of free activities and attractions to enjoy in Australia that showcase the country's natural beauty:
- Coastal walks and beaches: Australia has some of the best beaches in the world, with over 10,000 to choose from. Enjoy a beach day, soak up the sun, watch the surfers, or take a stroll along the coast to experience the city's surroundings without spending a cent.
- Free public BBQs: Most parks and beaches in Australia offer free public BBQ facilities. Bring your own food and take advantage of these amenities instead of dining out at expensive restaurants.
- Free attractions in cities: Major cities like Melbourne and Sydney offer free attractions such as the Melbourne City Circle Tram, which provides a free tour of the city's key landmarks. In Sydney, you can visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria or enjoy the iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Nature and wildlife: Australia is home to unique wildlife and natural wonders. Explore the pink lakes, glow worm tunnels, and the Museum of Underwater Art. Keep an eye out for kangaroos sunbathing at beaches like Lucky Bay in Western Australia.
- Free camping: If you're looking to save on accommodation, Australia offers numerous free camping options. You can free camp your way around the country and only pay for the occasional night in a caravan park or national park.
By taking advantage of these free activities and attractions, you can explore Australia without breaking the bank. Remember to plan your route and consider transport options like bus passes or renting a car to keep your overall travel costs down.
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Save on fuel costs
Australia is a massive country, and getting around can be expensive. The circumference of the country is over 9,000 miles, and it takes weeks to drive it without stops. This means that fuel is likely to be your single biggest expense when travelling around Australia. Here are some tips to save on fuel costs:
- Choose the right day to refuel. If you buy your petrol on a Tuesday, you can expect to pay 5% to 15% less than on other days.
- Make use of fuel vouchers. Coles and Woolworths own most of the petrol stations in Australia and offer fuel discounts when you shop with them. As long as you spend over $30, you can receive discounts of $0.04 to $0.12 per litre.
- Get a fuel can. Petrol prices tend to be higher in the outback, especially in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Fill up your fuel can before heading to these areas to save money.
- Drive at 90 km/h. Driving at this speed is one of the most fuel-efficient ways to drive on a highway.
- Take public transportation. Greyhound offers bus passes that allow unlimited travel for 15 to 365 days. These passes are flexible and cheaper than renting a car.
- Consider car rental. Websites like Discover Cars and Wotif offer budget-friendly car rental options.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to travel around Australia on a budget:
- Use budget-friendly international car rental websites like Discover Cars to find the cheapest rental for your trip.
- Take advantage of free activities, such as coastal walks, beach days, and free festivals and events.
- Stay in hostels or camp to save on accommodation costs.
- Cook your own meals instead of dining out, and stock up on groceries from supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths that often have specials on.
- Use public transportation or a campervan to get around, as these can be more budget-friendly options.
Australia is a large country, and transportation costs can add up quickly. Here are some tips to save on transportation:
- Consider purchasing a bus pass from Greyhound or Premier, which offer unlimited travel or one-way travel, respectively, at a discounted rate.
- Take advantage of budget airlines like Bonza and Jetstar, which offer cheap fares, especially for early morning or late evening flights.
- If you plan to drive, try to reduce fuel costs by choosing the right day to refuel (Tuesdays tend to be cheaper) and using fuel vouchers from Coles and Woolworths.
Australia has a range of options for budget-friendly food and accommodation:
- Stay in hostels, which offer fun and affordable accommodation in amazing locations.
- Camp at one of the many campgrounds across the country, or consider well-equipped cabins if you don't want to sleep under the stars.
- Cook your own meals using ingredients from supermarkets or local farmers' markets, which offer fresh produce at affordable prices.
- Take advantage of free BBQ facilities available in most parks, beaches, and shared campsites.
- Look for dinner deals and eat out for lunch instead of dinner, as lunch menus tend to be cheaper.
