There are hundreds of reasons to visit Australia this year. But with the state of the world economy, it may be wise to visit Australia on a budget. Good news! We have suggestions on how you can do just that.
Australia is an immense landscape filled with glorious nature, modern cities, and everything in between. Given its grand scale and long distances, it is no wonder very few people end up traveling the entire country.
With so much ground to cover, it is more common for the Australia tourist to stick to inner-city destinations due to time and budget constraints. However, if you’re a true explorer at heart and are looking to explore the glorious land down under, don’t be disheartened.
You can visit Australia on a budget! Here’s how.
Visit Australia On a Budget This Year
It is absolutely possible to visit Australia on a budget if you do your homework and come prepared. Today, we share our top tips on exploring the ‘land down under’ highlighting the best places to visit in Australia on a budget, so be sure to continue reading to find out more.
Research deals!
The biggest financial components when planning to visit Australia on a budget will be airfare and sightseeing. Thankfully, we live in the age of the internet, making it easier than ever for us to compare flight and package prices from the comfort of our own homes.
As you hunt for the best bargains, be sure to check a variety of flight search sites for comparison shopping purposes, and consider signing up for fare alerts to get notified when prices drop.
Many airlines also offer a variety of different deals – such as Hamilton Island packages – that include discounted hotel stays which can end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.
The moral of the story is the first step for those who wish to visit Australia on a budget is to keep searching and comparing until you find a deal that best suits your personal needs.
Pro Tip: Airfare is typically most expensive between the summer months (December to February), and you’ll likely find lower fares during the shoulder or off-seasons.
Get around on the cheap.
With a car
With its vast distances and long stretches of scenic roads, road trips in Australia guarantee an experience unlike any other. Many often joke that a flight to Bali is cheaper than flying interstate, and depending on fuel prices at the time of your travels, this may very well be true.
The best way to travel these long stretches is by renting a car. Now, this may be costly if you’re traveling solo, which is why we recommend rental cars for those who are traveling in groups and are able to split the costs.
Public Transportation
Any Australia tourist will declare that’s it is known for its world-class public transportation. In the bigger cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, you’ll easily find metro train and tram systems which are the cheapest way to travel the cities.
For longer distances, consider hopping on long-distance and trans-continental trains that are safe, comfortable and incredibly affordable.
The Ausrail pass, which starts at $765, is valid for three months and offers unlimited travel on long distance services all over the country. Plus, you’ll not only be able to visit Australia on a budget but also with great comfort and flexibility.
Budget Friendly Accommodation
Another massive financial drain when it comes to traveling is, of course, accommodation. Thankfully, Australia offers numerous budget-friendly options in the form of hostels peppered all over the nation such as HostelWorld or Australia Youth Hostels.
If shacking up at a hostel isn’t quite your thing, you could always consider camping. Camping in national parks is a fantastic way to visit Australia on a budget while truly immersing yourself in spectacular surroundings for just a few dollars a night.
For more information on camping for the budget-conscious in Australia, be sure to check out Camps Australia.
Save On Meals
A great way to save when planning to visit Australia on a budget is by considering your meals.
If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, the cost of food is going to add up incredibly quickly if you’re treating yourself to restaurant or cafe meals on a daily.
This is why we always recommend grocery shopping and preparing your own meals in order to save you a ton of money.
Food in Australia costs a fair amount more than many other countries, so instead of paying for a pricey breakfast, pick up a loaf of fresh bread that you can use to make sandwiches, toast and more.
Don’t forget that you’ll also find coin-operated barbecue facilities in city, beach and country parks where you can cook up a meal and soak in the Aussie outdoor lifestyle.
For those nights where you want to eat out, we highly recommend skipping the Australia tourist hot spots and hitting up local joints where you can find incredible food at a great value.
We recommend ethnic restaurants, takeaway sushi and cheap, all-you-can-eat buffets such as the famous Om Vegetarian Restaurant in Melbourne.
Skip the Exchange Counter
If you’re on an incredibly tight budget, the best advice we can give you is to skip the exchange counters that you’ll find at local shopping centres or airports. You’ll always get the best rates by using your credit card or withdrawing money from an ATM thanks to interbank rates.
ATMs can be found practically everywhere in Australia (including many remote towns and villages) and credit or debit cards are accepted at many stores and restaurants.
One thing to be wary of are fees that many banks may charge you to withdraw money at a foreign ATM or make a purchase in a foreign currency, so be sure to do your research prior to traveling.
Utilize Online Resources and WiFi
Our last tip for those looking to visit Australia on a budget is to utilize online resources and WiFi. If you’re in search of current, up-to-date offers, discounts and bargains, be sure to choose online resources such as Broadsheet, Time Out and The Urban List.
These websites not only tell you about the newest events and venues in urban areas, but also have useful information about happy hours and cheap eats.
To save on your phone data bill, be sure to look out for free WiFi wherever you go. WiFi is available in most capital cities, as well as in public spaces such as libraries, museums, galleries and train stations.
Some cafés and restaurants also pass on free WiFi to customers. Be sure to check with your accommodation to see if they offer guests free WiFi as well.
In Closing
You can absolutely visit Australia on a budget. While it may seem like an impossible task at first glance if you use these simple tips to cut out on excess spending you’ll find that any Australia tourist can enjoy the experience at a reasonable expense.
