Visiting Australia on a Shoestring

2014/05/11

Sydney Opera House and ferry

Visiting Australia on a Shoestring

If the Land Down Under is at the top of your bucket list, you won’t want to skimp on any part of the experience. Yet it’s easy to underestimate just how vast this country can be and how expensive it can be to travel across as a result.

Undoubtedly Australia is backpacker-friendly and lends itself well to low-maintenance travellers on a budget.

You’ll still need to think about transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees to the country’s most stunning attractions. There’s no need to cut out any part of this legendary adventure as long as you budget in advance and keep the following tips in mind.

Plan your Itinerary Carefully

To get started, you’ll need to plan your route carefully. Think about what type of experience you want to have in Australia. Are you more interested in hitting up the cities, or do you want to travel along the coast enjoying the surfing opportunities?

The length of time you have to travel, whether or not you plan on driving, and the main sights on your list are all important factors to consider. Creating a loose itinerary can help you work out a general cost for your journey.

Sydney’s free shuttle bus – Route 555

Cut Transportation Costs

Transportation is one of the major expenses for any trip to Australia. One option is to drive across the country, in which case you’ll need to compare rental fees carefully. Another option is to buy a car for the trip at a local site like Carsales and sell it at the end of the journey, which can save you money on rental fees.

Either way, you can cut fuel costs by downloading an app like Motor Mouth or GasBuddy to find the cheapest petrol stations on the road. In addition, choose a car with impressive mileage.

If you’re more interested in visiting Australia’s cities, you might find cheap airfare on airlines like Jetstar or Virgin Blue. Rex Airlines also offers a backpacker pass, which provides unlimited air travel to any Rex destination for a set period of time.

Cut Accommodation Costs

Once you’ve worked out your transportation, it’s time to think about where you’re going to stay. Travellers in Australia can choose between hostels, camp-sites, and even working farm accommodation to save money.

Don’t be afraid to splurge on a nice hotel every now and then. You can often snag great last-minute deals.

Free: The Rocks Discovery Museum – Sydney

Free Australian Attractions

Entry fees are often one of the costs that travellers forget to budget for. You know you’ll need to pay for transportation, fuel, and food, but you want to have enough left over to see the sights!

Fortunately, many of Australia’s most impressive attractions are free of entry, including its national museums and many of its beaches. 10 Free Things to do in Sydney to get you started.

National parks require entry fees ranging from minimal to expensive, but you can spy wildlife in its natural habitat. For example, sneak a peek at kangaroos in Grampians National Park or visit wombats at Tidal River camp-ground outside Melbourne.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for local hints when it comes to ways to save money. Australians are notoriously friendly and may be willing to share some of their favourite budget-friendly haunts with you!

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