Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas in Australia You Did Not Know About

Feb 26, 2019

Last Updated on: Mar 12, 2026

Travel Guides

The cost-of-living caps the fantastic landscape and culture that Australia has to offer and explore.  For many tourists and Australians, it is much cheaper to travel abroad and explore other countries.

However, traveling around Australia is incredible and can cost you minimal amounts if you are aware of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. 

So, before you plan a trip to Australia, learn the art of sticking to a budget.

Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas in Australia

Budget Friendly Travel Ideas in Australia

The cost of traveling should never be a constraint if you want to explore the beautiful land of Australia. Let’s head straight to the most practical and budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia.

1. Stay In Hostels

Stay In Hostels

This tip is more relevant to Australia even though it applies to all parts of the world. Most hotels in Australia are costly, mainly if you are operating on a budget. If you wish to have a less luxurious sleep, you will save a lot of money. 

2. Camp

 Camp

You can even try camping if you want to be more adventurous. It will help you save a lot of money. The cheapest way to explore Australia is by getting around and camping at different campsites. 

There are several free camping spots around Australia, although there will be areas where you will need to pay for your campsite. Even then, the fees may be as little as $5 per person. You will get access to showers and toilets, which aren’t always available on the open road.

3. Prepare Your Meals

Even if you decide to eat in a fast-food joint in Australia, it will not give you much change from $10. Besides, you can bring havoc to your body by substituting main meals with fries and burgers. 

Make sure that you are getting food that will support healthy living. You can achieve this objective by preparing your food. It is much cheaper than relying on ready-made food. 

Most parks in Australia provide public BBQ facilities free of charge. All you need to do is buy some veggies or meat from the local supermarket and get some grilling. 

If grilling every day is not your thing, make good use of the available kitchens in the hostels. Use them to prepare your meals. You will realize a significant difference in your bank account. 

4. Purchase Your Booze Bottle-O

Purchase Your Booze Bottle-O

Bottle-O refers to the liquor shop or bottle shop. This store sells alcohol at a lower price than the ordinary bars. You will get affordable liquor deals in this place. Most budget drinkers like to go for the Goon, which is a cheap boxed wine. 

5. Use A Private Vehicle to Commute 

In Australia, you must get around by car if you want to explore the country. You can do it either by purchasing a vehicle temporarily or hiring a car for your travels. However, these two options can be slightly expensive. 

You can use comparison sites such as Car Rental Buddy or Car Hire Choice to find and compare vehicles. Alternatively, you can opt for campervan hire from Camper Champ. You will not fail to get a cheap deal when it comes to commuting in Australia.

6. Travel On Greyhound Bus

Most backpackers like to use this option as their preferred means of transport. It is among the cheapest modes of transportation in Australia. 

You can get a travel pass for approximately $500. It will allow you to hop off and on as many times as you would like. It is an excellent way to view the fantastic scenery of Australia. The good news is that you will not spend so much on these journeys. 

7. Participate In Homestays or Couch Surfing

Accommodation in Australia is expensive, even for backpackers. So, if you want to explore Australia cheaply, take advantage of staying at homestays or even Couch-surfing in people’s homes. It will help you get free accommodation in exchange for cultural learning and community interaction.

8. Purchase A Campervan

This option is best if you are traveling as a group. It will help you to spit the gas among yourselves. Driving via Australia is exciting, but you can still make your trip more enjoyable. 

One way is to purchase a campervan in Cairns and then drive down to Melbourne or the other way around. Even though driving is more expensive than flying, you will stop anywhere you wish. Besides, if you have a big campervan, you can still use it for accommodation. 

9. Have Fun by Participating in Active Hobbies

Have Fun by Participating in Active Hobbies

Australians (particularly in the north) are known for their outdoor lifestyle. Therefore, you can join them and have a lot of fun outdoors. You will not spend lots of money when you pursue your hobby. 

You can try scuba diving, snorkeling, skiing, bungy jumping, and a lot more, thanks to its vivid landscape and coexistence of various geologies.

10. Spend Most of Your Time with Nature

Spend Most of Your Time with Nature

Australia has so much when it comes to natural beauty, and this offers a free experience. You can get into the botanical gardens in Melbourne for free. Also, you will not pay anything to visit the beach. 

You can also hike via the Royal National Park or Sydney’s Blue Mountains. You will not spend even a single cent when interacting with nature. 

11. Hiking 

Hiking 

There are several scenic walking trails in Australia that you can explore. Do you want to hike along the Australian coastline and admire the beaches? Or do you want to hike up mountains to get a view of the Australian landscape?

You will be able to find an abundance of exciting hiking trails for your adventure. You will get excellent hiking opportunities at no cost in Australia. 

12. Check out the Galleries and Museums

Galleries and Museums

Unlike the rest of the world, the galleries and museums of Australia are free to get in. Therefore, if you are tired of the outdoor experience and want to get a feel for the culture, museums are your best bet. 

The best place to start is the National Gallery of Victoria. You can also try out the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Both locations will give you fantastic opportunities to tour Australia at budget-friendly rates. 

13. Cycling

Cycling

In some cities, there are cycling initiatives that you can take advantage of while visiting Australia.

In Brisbane, it is possible to cycle for up to half an hour for free using their city hire bike scheme. There are several cycling trails that you can also explore around the city.

14. Swimming At the Beach 

Swimming At the Beach 

Australia boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline where you can go swimming and enjoy yourself at the beach.

Whether you decide to stop in a major city like the Gold Coast or head to a quieter town such as Airlie Beach, there will be an option for you.

15. Fishing 

Fishing 

If you can get yourself some fishing rods, you can go fishing at a local creek, dam, river, or beach.

16. Barbecues

Barbecues

One thing that is unanimous with all Australians is their love for an excellent outdoor grill. Having a barbecue meal with your travel group is also one of the most budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia.

You can head to the supermarket and buy a loaf of bread and sausages for a tonner. You will enjoy a barbecue in the company of friends.

Conclusion 

These are just a few of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. You don’t have to break the bank to have a good time.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Australia. You must be open to the different experiences the region has to offer.

From Kangaroo Island to the Barossa Valley, Australia has scenic beauty that you can soak in without burning a hole in your pocket. So, make a budget and stick to it to have a happy and hearty journey!

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Mashum Mollah is the feature writer of Search Engine Magazine and an SEO Analyst at Real Wealth Business. Over the last 3 years, He has successfully developed and implemented online marketing, SEO, and conversion campaigns for 50+ businesses of all sizes. He is the co-founder of Social Media Magazine.

2 responses to “Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas in Australia You Did Not Know About”

  1. Your article gave me a lot of inspiration, I hope you can explain your point of view in more detail, because I have some doubts, thank you.

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If you have the right Suva market guide and you arrive here by 8 AM, you will find the freshest produce here. Exploring the Municipal Market is also very crucial if you want to explore the culture of Suva. • Try Tropical Fruit Tasting In Suva  The Fiji Gold pineapples are different. These fruits are sweeter and smaller compared to the alternatives found in Western supermarkets.  Other tropical fruits you will find here are Fijian chestnuts or Ivu nuts and Soursop. Soursop has a creamy custard flavor. • The Spicery Head to the spice floor of the market, and it’s okay if you feel sneezy with the aroma of coriander and cumin. Here, you will find authentic Garam Masala, so you can take the spice mix as souvenirs. Also, for the most authentic Fiji experience, get some Kava or Yaqona roots. Kava is the national drink of Fiji. It has an earthy taste and smell, and it’s a little numbing. • Have A Bean Cart Experience  Do you love Indian snacks? You can look for the glass wooden carts. You will find a snack mix or Bhujia here. This snack has fried noodles, peanuts, and peas. It is the ideal Suva snack. These snacks are the Suva Fiji hidden gems when we talk about an authentic food experience. Stop 2: The "Roti Parcel" Lunch  For a backpacker or a solo traveler, the Roti Parcel can be the ultimate convenient food. It tastes delicious, and it is a filling and affordable snack. Have you ever tried handmade Indian Rotis? These are the bases of Roti Parcel. These buttery Rotis are wrapped around a filling of dry curry. The dry curry is usually made of chicken, potato, and pumpkin. It is so convenient that you can do it even when you are on a walk. The Suva Bus Stand is the best area to try these Roti Parcels. There are many small kiosks and "holes-in-the-walls.” These places serve hundreds of Roti Parcels daily. Want to try the freshest Rotis? You must look for places where the queue of the office goers is the longest. Stop 3: The Curry Trail  Indo-Fijian cuisine has Indian spices. However, the dishes here are different. In the food here, you will use more local root vegetables. Furthermore, the dishes are spicier, and various cooking techniques are used in making them. Try eating at the following places to try vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indo-Fijian food. Indiana Curry House & Bar is the best place here to have lamb chops, tandoori chicken, and chicken butter masala. Govinda Vegetarian is the place to have Samosas, Barfi and Gulab Jamun. Stop 4: Indigenous Flavors You Must Try  To understand Fiji, you must eat Lovo (earth oven) style or stews thickened with coconut milk. It is the best local food to try in Suva Fiji. Kanalevu Kitchen or The Old Mill Cottage are the places to try Lovo in Suva. These places have an authentic vibe, and you will feel like being in your grandma’s kitchen. Another indigenous delicacy is Kokoda. This is Fiji’s take on ceviche. You can marinate the Spanish Mackarel in lime juice and then serve it with onions and chillies, and of course, a bowl of fresh coconut cream. The combination is heavenly, and it has the right balance of flavor punch and texture. Now, it’s getting really grand. Rourou Mutton is the ultimate Fijian comfort food. In this dish, the Taro leaves (Rourou) are simmered. After a while, they have a spinach-like consistency. You can cook tinned fish or mutton in this mix. Also, you must add plenty of coconut milk for the rich, creamy texture. Stop 5: Sunset And Seafood  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiko's Floating Restaurant 🇫🇯 (@tikos_fj) End your day where the city meets the sea. You can have the most unique experience at Tiko’s Floating Restaurant. It is a converted ship docked at the harbor, and you will have the best mud crabs and grilled lobster here. Another place is the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH), which also has the nickname of the Grand Old Lady. It is a colonial-era hotel and has hosted Queen Elizabeth II. You will love sitting on the veranda here and enjoying the sunset with a high tea or sunset cocktail. Food Intensity Guide: A Note For Travelers On A Suva Food Tour Fijian hot is not the same as Western hot. So, if you are in Fiji and a local tells you that the curry is medium spicy, you must know that it’s hot.  If you are not a local, your brows are going to sweat. The small Fijian chilies or the Bongo chilies are powerful. So, it is always safe to ask for a mild spice level. Furthermore, indigenous Fijian food relies heavily on root vegetables such as Cassava and Dalo, or Taro. These veggies are starchy, and the gravies made with them are dense. So, be mindful of the quantity of these dishes while eating. Practical Tips To Follow On A Suva Food Tour Hygiene: Stick to busy stalls where the turnover is high.  Water: Stick to bottled water or "Fiji Water" (which is actually cheaper here!).  Cash is King: While hotels take cards, the market vendors and roti shops are strictly cash-only (Fijian Dollars).  What Are The Best Expert Tips For Your Suva Food Tour?  A food tour is not just about what to have. You must understand the flavor, texture, and richness of the dish you are having. Furthermore, you have to be aware of the right time to have them. The local market stalls and street vendors do not accept cards. So, you have to carry $5 and $10 FJD bills. You will notice a heavy crowd at the curry houses between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. So, if you want a seat, you must visit between 11 AM and 2 PM. You will have the tropical fruits or the roti parcels in your hands. So, you will need to wash your hands before and after eating. So, carry wet wipes and avoid public sinks. Don’t eat the fruits collected from the market without washing them. However, pineapples and bananas are safe. Is the tap water looking yellowish? There is rust in your water. So, it’s best to choose an Island Chill or Fiji water.  Fijian curry has meat with bones. So, be careful while chewing. The vegetarian and non-vegetarian division is followed strictly in Fiji. So, if you want to have pure veg food, you must look for the same sign. Tipping is not mandatory in Suva, Fiji. But you must leave a small change ($2-$5). It is a kind gesture in small eateries.  The Fiji dishes with Lolo or coconut milk are heavy and rich. So, you must not plan any heavy outdoor activity, such as hiking, after having these gravies. Suva Food Tour: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Suva food tour. 1. Is Street Food Safe In Suva? Yes, street food is usually safe in Suva. The specialties, such as the BBQ or Roti, are served fresh and hot. Also, the locals have them regularly, and when you see a long queue outside an eatery, you know that the food is safe. Avoid having cold and creamy salads that have been in the glass cabinets before you arrive there. Ask the vendor to make it fresh for you. 2. How Much Does A Meal Cost In Suva? If you want to eat like a local, you can try a roti parcel. The Roti Parcel costs $3-$5 FJD. However, you can also have a sit-down curry meal at $15-$25 FJD.  Furthermore, if you combine the breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, the average expense of a person will be between $45 and $50. 3. Do I Need To Book Restaurants When Eating In Suva, Fiji? You don’t always need to book the restaurants and hotels for eating out in Suva. These lunch spots are walk-in. However, if you are having dinner at places such as GPH or Tiko’s, you have to book the place. 4. Can I Drink The Tap Water In Suva? Tap water is usually safe in Suva because it is chlorinated. However, if you are a tourist and have a sensitive stomach, you may fall sick.Also, sometimes, the tapwaters (especially in old buildings) have a yellowish color. This color comes from the rust, and you must not have it.Choose bottled water. 5. Are There Vegan Options In Suva? Yes! The Indian influence means Dhal (lentils) and vegetable curries are everywhere. Furthermore, the people here are very particular about the veg and non-veg contamination.So, you must look for the label Pure Vegetarian before having food at an eatery. 6. What Time Do Restaurants Close? The lunch spots in Suva close by 3 PM, and the dinner places close around 9:30 PM.The best time to have lunch is around 2 PM.Have dinner between 8:30 PM and 9 PM. 7. Is Alcohol Served In Curry Houses? Many traditional curry houses (especially Muslim or Hindu-owned) do not serve alcohol. Check first. However, some places, such as Indiana Curry House & Bar, also operate as a bar. So, you will find alcohol there.