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

Feb 26, 2019

Last Updated on: Nov 13, 2025

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!

Read Also :

Share on Social Media

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Parcel Forwarding

Parcel Forwarding For Travelers And Ex-Pats Explained

BY  Arnab Jun 20, 2023

Few experiences compare to traveling or living abroad. The thrill of immersing yourself in a vibrant new culture or experiencing the lifestyle of a different country is unrivaled. But despite the sheer joy of these adventures, many travelers and ex-pats will miss certain home comforts from time to time. Whether it’s your favorite snack or a specific brand of skincare you’ve always used, there are always things we miss when we’re abroad. But getting your hands on your favorite products when you’re abroad can be a challenge. Local international shops have limited options, and international fees can quickly get expensive. The good news is there’s a simple solution — parcel forwarding services. If you’re an ex-pat or a globetrotter looking to buy products from home, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together everything you need to know about parcel forwarding in one place. Understanding Parcel Forwarding At its core, parcel forwarding is a pretty straightforward concept- pretty much like what Canada shipping companies do. It’s a service designed to make international shopping easier and give access to a wider range of products. We’ll dig into the specific steps of how it works later, but here’s roughly how it works: Go to your favorite eCommerce store and shop as you usually would When it comes to ordering the products, you use a local delivery address that your parcel forwarding service has provided. The parcel forwarding service receives your order, usually at a warehouse where it will be processed. The company will ship your parcel to you wherever you are in the world. Essentially, the parcel forwarding service gives you a local address and then takes care of getting your parcel to you. Plus, they often offer parcel consolidation, so you can order from multiple places and just pay one shipping fee. The Benefits Of Parcel Forwarding Obviously, the biggest benefit of parcel forwarding is you can order from anywhere in the world without having to worry about shipping restrictions. But the benefits go well beyond that: Consolidation Of Multiple Purchases One of the significant benefits of parcel forwarding services is the ability to consolidate multiple purchases into a single shipment. This not only simplifies the tracking process but can also save substantially on international shipping costs. Reduced Shipping Rates Parcel forwarding companies have contracts with leading courier companies, which allow them to negotiate lower shipping rates. These reduced rates are passed on to customers, making international shipping more affordable. Reliable And Secure Parcel forwarding services are known for their reliability and security. They ensure your packages are safely stored and securely shipped to your destination. In many cases, insurance is also available for added protection. Flexible Delivery Options Whether you need express delivery, standard shipping, or other specialized shipping methods, you can select the best option for your situation. Efficient And Time-Saving Parcel forwarding takes the hassle out of international shipping. They manage all aspects, including customs documentation, which can save customers a significant amount of time. Your Step-By-Step Guide To Parcel Forwarding Now you understand what parcel forwarding is and why it's a fantastic tool for international shoppers, let's dive into how to make the most of it: Step 1: Choose Your Parcel Forwarding Service Start by selecting a parcel forwarding service provider aligned with your needs. Look for a company with a good reputation, transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and flexible shipping options. Step 2: Setting Up Your Account Once you've selected a service, the next step is to set up an account. During this process, you'll provide essential details such as your contact information, shipping address, and payment details. Step 3: Time To Shop! Now comes the fun part — shopping! When you're ready to checkout, simply use the address provided by your parcel forwarding service. Step 4: Handling Your Parcels Once your items arrive at the forwarding service's warehouse, they'll notify you. At this stage, you can choose to consolidate multiple packages or select your preferred shipping method. Step 5: Forwarding Your Parcels Finally, your items are forwarded to your current location. Choose your preferred shipping method, pay the associated costs, and wait for your package to arrive! Tips And Tricks For Parcel Forwarding Just like any process, there are a few tips and tricks to make parcel forwarding a breeze: Merge your packages — If you're shopping from multiple stores, take advantage of your service's package consolidation feature. This can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs. Check prohibited items — Always check the shipping restrictions of your current country before making a purchase. A good parcel forwarding service should have a comprehensive list of prohibited items for reference. Repackaging options — Look for parcel forwarding services offering repackaging to reduce shipping weight and subsequent costs. As a traveler or ex-pat, parcel forwarding is a fantastic tool for maintaining access to your favorite products without the hassle and high costs of international shipping. So the next time you crave a taste of home or spot a must-have item, don't let shipping restrictions hold you back. Read Also: Why Myrtle Beach Is The Ideal Summer Destination 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen

READ MORE Two-Way Itinerary

Ensuring Approval: The Power Of A Well-Crafted Two-Way Itinerary For Visas

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 6, 2024

When you apply for a visa application when traveling to any country of the world, you have to submit certain documents. Hence, among them, a two-way itinerary is a must. This will show the embassy of the target country that you have planned your entire trip. Moreover, it will also disclose that you fulfilled your purpose of visiting the state and coming back to the origin.  Apart from this, when applying for various types of visas, you need other documents. Therefore, you must show your passport, photos, visa application form, cover letter, invitation letter, proof of stay, and enough financial sources. Consequently, be sure to check the guidelines of the concerned embassy through which you are applying. This article will explain everything you need to know about the two-ways itinerary for visa application. Therefore, hold on and read the following blog post. What is a two-way itinerary for a Visa Application? Its alternative names are transport booking, round-trip itinerary, or confirmed flight itinerary. This is a document the embassy needs during the visa application process. Moreover, you have to fill out a visa application form and there is a section in that form that asks you for your travel plans. This means that you have to disclose your exit and arrival countries along with other details. An itinerary is of two kinds, one-way and two-way itinerary. The one-way itinerary is when you leave for your target country and have no intention of coming back to your hometown. However, the embassy may ask for a return or two-way itinerary to show that you will be back home soon. Furthermore, it acts as evidence to present that you won't start staying illegally there after your visa expires. Besides, a two-way itinerary unfolds your flight details. This may include the place you are going, the date and time when you are departing, and how long are you planning to stay. Moreover, it is also important to share whether you will stay in a hotel or at the house of a host, such as a friend or a family member. What is proof of itinerary? You need an itinerary when applying for a visa application. This may fall into two categories. However, it is important to have a proof of itinerary to show it to the respective personnel. A POI is a confirmed ticket. The embassy gives you a confirmation code or approves your itinerary at the time of your visa application. This means that you have booked or reserved your tickets. Importance of Two-Way Itinerary: Why It Is Essential The importance of a two-way itinerary is beyond the horizon. However, it is not a real ticket. When applying for the visa application, you have to prove to the embassy that you have purchased your flight tickets. However, the officials are aware of the fact that buying an actual ticket upfront may cause you more money to lose. There are many reasons for getting a dummy ticket instead of an actual one. For instance, your visa application may get rejected or delayed due to some obvious reasons. Moreover, you are unable to have a tentatively scheduled trip. Therefore, buying an actual ticket is a bit risky especially when you have to lose a huge amount of money before your trip. On the other hand, a two-ways itinerary for visa application will save you from the trouble of the ‘no refund’ or ‘no cancellation’ policies of some embassies. Therefore, it is advisable to go with a round-trip itinerary or fake flight ticket when submitting the documents. If your visa gets approved, you can buy the actual ticket and start your journey. There are also other alternate methods through which you can compensate for this segment of your visa application process. They are mentioned beneath in detail. Related: 5 Leading Golden Visa Programs For Wealthy Investors Step-by-step Guide to Get a Round-Trip Flight Itinerary When applying for a visa to a Schengen or any other country, you need to fill out a form. Moreover, the form may have several sections that you need to complete. One of them is putting your round-trip flight itinerary information. Therefore, be sure to follow the steps mentioned below to get the procedure right. The first step is to provide information related to your flight reservation and hotel booking. This will help the embassy confirm the sites you are visiting and the place of your stay. Therefore, you need to include this information in the form as well as in the itinerary. What is the itinerary for the US visa? The itinerary for the US visa is the same as for other countries. Moreover, it may also show your inner flights scheduled. For instance, you are headed from the US to India. The inner flights may disclose where you will be traveling in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Agra. Secondly, you have to show your return ticket. This is especially important if you want to commute by other means instead of a flight. For instance, if you have any plans to come back on a train or want to experience the road adventure. It is one of the most important requirements of the process to provide proof of onward travel. Irrespective of the information listed above, you can also briefly discuss your travel plans. For example, this may include your daily activities or the events or business meetings you intend to attend. The second last step is to submit your visa application, along with all the other supporting documents. For instance, the flight reservation document, place of stay or invitation letter, and daily schedule of the trip. Lastly, wait patiently for the response from the embassy. It may usually take fifteen days. However, in rare cases, the embassy may take a month to reject or approve your application. Always seek a logical reason if your application is rejected. Besides this, you can look for other methods to get an itinerary. You can buy cheap flight tickets or search for airlines that offer refundable tickets. However, all these methods come with their pros and cons.  Read Also: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Viva Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Travel Itinerary For An Unforgettable Trip! Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary

READ MORE best singles cruises to hook up

Best Cruises If you are Single and Ready to Mingle!

BY  sagnika Feb 26, 2025

Best singles cruises to hook up: When we are talking about being single, it is not just about being lonely! It is neither about being alone nor all by yourself. Being solo and looking for good company is the goal of these cruises. If you are someone who loves traveling, this is the perfect place to meet new people.   Why don’t I share with you some of the best single cruises to hook up? I don’t mean hooking up as in just passing time but enjoying your experience. When you go on a cruise as a single with several other singles, like-minded, fun, and intellectually arousing travelers, you will have the best of time.   Let us explore some of the coolest cruise lines that will offer you the perfect itinerary for you as a single. If you are looking for the best places to travel solo female in the US, you can check them here.   If you have recently gone through a breakup, instead of traveling someplace alone, why don’t you take a cruise with other single people who can make the experience an immersive happy one?   Best Cruises If You Are Single and Ready to Mingle!   If you are on a traditional solo trip, it might be a little difficult for you to meet someone new and hook up! Instead, if you book your trip on a solo cruise, it is easier for you to meet people. Additionally, several onboard activities will help you relax around strangers.   Fostering camaraderie and sailor relationships is quite easier when traveling on the best singles cruises to hook up. I am sure you will leave the voyage after making new friends. You will find sailors of all ages, above 18+ if you are booking an adults-only cruise line.   Are you at that stage in your life where you want companionship without any commitment? Have you recently gone through something serious like a breakup and want to distract your mind from all that overthinking and loneliness?   You can cruise solo as several voyages cater to singles with a collection of entertainment options, both onboard and offboard, helping you meet others. Let's explore more and learn about these cruise lines so that you can choose which one you want to go for booking.   1. Carnival Cruise   An international cruise line, Carnival Cruise, is based out in the headquarters in Doral, Florida. A subsidiary of the cruise line is a part of Carnival Corporation & plc. The logo has a funnel-shaped look with the tail of a whale with the colors, blue, white, and red. If you are looking for February vacation ideas, this is it!   Founded on 11 March 1972, the president of the cruise company is Christine Duffy. The company offers cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas for singles! According to the reviews, it is one of the coolest ways to meet new people, make new friends, hook up, or recharge.   If you book trips on some of the best cruises for families, it might be difficult for you to meet other single people. It is better to choose itineraries that are custom-made for singles. There are suites and cabins available on the cruise to suit the needs of singles.   Of course, they are more expensive especially because the per-person double occupancy rates increase when it comes to single supplement. If you are looking for a “fun” experience with amazing food, this is your cruise.   2. Norwegian Cruise Line   If you are looking for a cruise where you can experience casual cruising along with meeting new people, you cannot go wrong with Norwegian Cruise. Founded in 1966, the cruise line has its headquarters based out in Miami. Another of the exotic places to travel, you can check it out.   Furthermore, you will get a lot of discounts and promotional deals when you book your trip with them. The cruise itinerary for solo travelers makes sure that you get more freedom and enjoy your time with fellow single travelers.   They have introduced fun innovative ways in which strangers can bond and might choose to hook up! They have doubled the number of solo staterooms on their ships thus accommodating the freestyle approach for dining and meeting others.   Even the lounges and cabins have been designed in such a way that single people can mix and meet with others. I would say, it is a compelling option to choose especially when they are customizing a perfect environment for you to have the time of your life.   3. Royal Caribbean   Another significantly cool cruise company, Royal Caribbean makes sure you have the time of your life if you are looking for the best singles cruises to hook up. They have been organizing single cruises since 1991 targeting singles who want to meet new people and hook up!   With adult-only experience, the cruise company customizes mixers that are perfect for singles. There are selected ships on which singles can book staterooms but only on specific ships, especially if someone is cruising alone.   Two specific ships, Oasis Class and Quantum are available for single occupants. In my opinion, Quantum is better if you are a solo traveler looking to meet new people. The overall effort by Royal Caribbean can be appealing to different solo travelers, especially with the various ships available.   4. Margaritaville at Sea   https://www.instagram.com/p/DEvYGZXv0Sr/?img_index=3 Operating two cruises, Margaritaville at Sea is an adult-only cruise creating an innovative itinerary. Built in 1991, the cruise is good for singles looking to relax and worth the money. The cruises are organized from Bahamas gateways to Caribbean voyages which offer you adventure.   The ships explore places such as Key West, Florida, Bahamas, Freeport, and Nassau. If you are single and are looking for a 4 to 7 days week cruise, it is perfect for you. There are room services available, so for a single sailor, it is the perfect place to entertain someone they have met in their rooms.   Additionally, there are also dining options where you have several options, be it for yourself or you and your partner, the one you are spending time with. You can try to have one of the best travel credit card while traveling, it is a good backup!   5. Virgin Voyages   The cruise line is not an exclusive singles-only ship, however, it is an adult-only cruise line. Virgin Voyages do cater to the needs of solo travelers and sailors, who are looking to create connections as adults. The environment of the ships is created to meet the needs of single individuals.   Several factors influence the environment, be it the restaurant or bar atmosphere. You will also find several entertainment options starting with the lighting or the way music is used to amp up the environment. The lighting is perfect to set the mood of cabins and suits for single mature adults!   Based on a lot of reviews, many individuals reminiscing about the amazing time they have spent on one of these cruises. They have memorable moments with strangers, and they have kept in touch. Most of these singles love traveling, which amps up their experience of meeting new people!   Single Travelers Meet New People!   In conclusion, single travelers should book some of the best single cruises to hook up to make the best of their trip! Be it the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, or the Bahamas, you will find several cruise specials and weekend gateways creating the perfect cruise experience for singles.   Additionally, you will also get to do several activities onboard the cruise. I have provided you with some of the best cruise lines, providing you the solo trips and delivering amazing travel packages.   Comment below on which one you want to go to. Is there a specific location where you want to travel alone but with fellow single travelers and have the time of your life? Let us know in the comments.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.