The Ultimate Guide to Travelling Australia on a Budget

Budget Travel Tips in Australia

Planning a budget-friendly trip to Australia might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely doable. In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the best ways to travel Australia on a budget—from campervans and hire cars to affordable alternatives that work whether you’re camping or not.

Hi, I’m Vicki—a solo female traveller behind The Insightful Odyssey. Most of my travel pics feature me camping, because that’s how I roll. You don’t have to camp to stick to a budget, but it definitely helps. Let’s dive into how you can see more of this country without spending a fortune.

1. Budget Hacks for Choosing the Right Mode of Transport in Australia

Campervans and vans

Positives: 

• Accommodation: Campervans and vans come with a bed and basic kitchen facilities, saving money on hotels and restaurants. 
• Flexibility: Travel at your own pace and stay in scenic locations. 
• Community: Many campgrounds offer a sense of community and shared amenities. 

Negatives: 

• Rental Costs: Campervans can be expensive to rent, especially larger models. Vans are cheaper. 
• Fuel Consumption: Larger vehicles typically consume more fuel. 

Hire Cars

Positives

• Flexibility: Renting a car in Australia gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. 
• Convenience: You can easily travel between cities and regions without relying on public transport schedules. 
• Cost Sharing: Splitting the rental and fuel costs can be economical if travelling with others. 

Negatives:

• Fuel Costs: Driving long distances can be expensive due to fuel prices. Outback fuel costs are even more expensive.
• Rental Costs: Rental fees can increase, especially during peak tourist seasons. 

Hiring a 4×4 Vehicle

If you hire one of these beasts, take a 4×4 course beforehand. This will ensure you get the most out of your vehicle. Here are some tips on outback travel to support your journey. 

Positives

• Access to Remote Areas: A 4×4 allows you to explore remote and rugged parts of Australia, such as the Outback and national parks. 
• Durability: These vehicles are built to handle rough terrain and challenging driving conditions. 
• Adventure: Provides an adventurous and authentic travel experience. 

Negatives

• Higher Costs: 4×4 rentals are generally more expensive than standard vehicles. 
• Fuel Consumption: 4x4s typically consume more fuel due to their size and power. 
• Maintenance: Higher potential for wear and tear might incur additional costs.
• Insurance: check your insurance covers all the roads you plan on travelling on 

Bus

Positive

• Cost-Effective: Buses are somewhat cost-effective so if you don’t like flying, this is a practical option. You may get some comparable flights if you travel to the major cities outside peak times. It would be best if you did your homework. It is still a consistent cost-saving option.  
• Coverage: Major bus companies like Greyhound and Premier Motor Service cover extensive routes across Australia. 
• Comfort: Some long-distance buses have reclining seats, all have air conditioning, a toilet, and sometimes free Wi-Fi. 

Negative

• Limited Flexibility: Buses run on fixed schedules, which may limit your travel flexibility. 
• Long Travel Times: Bus journeys can be lengthy, especially over vast distances. I took 26 hours to travel from Brisbane to Mount Isa. Remember, this is a vast country. 

Fuel Hacks

• In Australia, apps like Petrol Spy and Fuel Map can help you find the cheapest fuel prices.
• Some supermarkets have discounts in the receipts for fuel
• I use BP to fill up my vehicle when I can. I have converted my BP points into Qantas points. So every time I fill up with fuel I accumulate Qantas travel points. Woolworths also converts their points to QANTAS points. Just download the Woolworths Rewards App.

2. Buying a Car

Travel your way on a budget

If you are handy with a car and know your way around an engine, then purchasing a car is a viable option.  If you aren’t handy with a car, take note of these before the romance of traveling around Australia sweeps you up. 

• If you break down, you will have to repair the vehicle, which can be costly. 
• Depending on the state, vehicle registration in Australia is horrendous + insurance. You will need insurance. 
• In the Outback, you are not the only person breaking down. A mechanic can charge massive amounts, and there can be long wait times. 
• If your car is your home, it can be problematic if it needs to be in the repair shop for a few days. 
• If the car requires parts, they could take up to two weeks to arrive. 

All of this can happen with a hire vehicle, but you will have insurance. The company will try to figure out how to fix your dilemma and get you back on the road as soon as possible. They have done this before. You are not their first rodeo! Depending on your insurance, they may supply alternative accommodation while you wait. Insurance is your friend. Always read the fine print. 

3. Look for Off-Peak Flights – Deals and Discounts

Travelling during off-peak seasons can significantly reduce your travel expenses in Australia. Here is how to find the best deals and discounts: 

• Flexible Travel Dates: Use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the cheapest flying days. Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to substantial savings. I often take the Red Eye flights as they are more affordable. Booking in advance is also advantageous, but when you are living or traveling with a loose itinerary, that is only sometimes possible. 
• Seasonal Discounts: Australia’s off-peak seasons vary by region. For example, the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) often offer better rates and fewer crowds. Research the best times to visit each region and plan your trip accordingly. 
• Avoid School Holidays: Prices skyrocket for travel and accommodation during school holidays. The best time to visit is outside these dates. I was in Western Australia trying to visit Rottnest Island. I didn’t realise it was the school holidays, and the ticket line was horrendous. I wasn’t committed, and I left. School holidays vary in each state and territory. 

• Sign Up for Deal Alerts: Websites like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)and Airfarewatchdog send alerts for discounted flights to and within Australia. Signing up for these notifications can help you snag great deals. 
• End of Financial Year sales: The end of the financial year in Australia is the 30th June. Currently there are a bunch of travel deals in Australia. Check them out now as they are not all for this period. Most are for later in the year. 

4. Airlines in Australia

The larger airlines that travel mainly in Australia are QANTAS, Jetstar, and Virgin. There are also some established smaller airlines, like AirNorth and REX. 

• Jet Star Discounts: Jet Star has discounts in Australia on Fridays. The Jetstar Friday Frenzy Sale may pick you up a bargain. I got an airfare to Uluru for $39 from Brisbane. It was in February, so it was hot, but I still saw this must-see Australian landmark. It would help if you kept an eye out. Jet Star is a subsidiary of the QANTAS group.  
• Virgin Australia Sales: Virgin Australia has Happy Hour Sales on most Thursdays. They are between 11am and 11pm AEST. 
• Local Deals and Discounts: Once in Australia, look for local deal websites like Groupon Australia or Lastminute.com.au, which offer discounts on attractions, tours, and dining. 

Trains

While trains aren’t usually the go-to for budget travellers covering long distances in Australia, they can still be a scenic and comfortable option on certain routes. Occassionally you can manage to grab a discounted fare. I haven’t numbered them in the list below, but I know people will ask, so here they are.

• The Indian Pacific: Another scenic route connecting Sydney and Perth. Similar to The Ghan, it’s more about the experience than saving money. NOT BUDGET but definitely iconic. This Ghan is on my bucket List. This is one I will need to find a buddy to share this experience with. You can definitely do it solo but a buddy occassionally is a treat. 
• CountryLink Services: More affordable options like NSW TrainLink and V/Line provide services between major towns and cities in New South Wales and Victoria. 
• Tilt Train: Travels between Brisbane and Rockhampton. Quicker than the Spirit, and a bit more practical. Still not your cheapest option, but worth considering if you want to skip a long bus trip and prefer a smoother ride.
• Spirit of Queensland: A long-distance train running from Brisbane to Cairns along the coast. It’s not budget, but it is comfortable—with lie-flat RailBeds and beautiful views. Great if you want to slow down and enjoy the ride. Not something I’ve done yet, but it’s on my list.

That said, in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, trains (and metro systems) are often the easiest and most cost-effective way to get around.

5. Accommodation

• Accommodation: Consider hostels and Airbnb for affordable lodging. Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com allow you to compare prices and read reviews. Hostels are great places to meet like-minded people, chill, and share travel stories. 
• Wiki Camps: If you are traveling, Wiki Camps Australia will do much of the hard work. It will show free camps and caravan parks; remember to download it before you travel. Wikicamps is a game-changer, MUST HAVE. It will show campgrounds, caravan parks, backpacker hostels, day-use areas, tourist spots, and information centers. There is a filter to weed out the free and the cost places for when you decide to set up. Take some cash, as some areas require donations. This app is essential. 
• National Parks: I stay a lot in National Parks. Each state has their own National Park information. I like hiking, trail running, and camping, so this suits me down to the ground. You need to book in advance, but camping costs around $12 a night each. Karijini National Park, Cape Le Grande by Esperance and Purnululu Nation Park were the Bungle Bungles. These are some of my favourite Australian places. 

• Road Houses: Staying at roadhouses in Australia has been a safe and convenient option for me as a solo female traveller. These roadhouses, like Barkly Homestead, Nanutarra, Nullarbor, and Auski, offer essential amenities such as camping spots, food, showers, and fuel. I have found them to be welcoming and secure, providing a sense of community and a reliable place to rest during long journeys. Their strategic locations along major routes make them perfect for breaking up the drive and recharging both yourself and your vehicle. 
•  Stations: I have stayed at a few farm stations on my journey. Some working Outback Stations in Australia also provide accommodation to varying levels. Western Australia does this well.  I stayed at Barn Hill Station recently and it never disappoints. Hot Tip: ask when you book in if it’s pizza night. 

6. Food

1. Cook Your Own Food Shopping at supermarkets like Coles, Aldi, and Woolworths for groceries and cooking your meals can save you a lot of money. IGA tends to be slightly more expensive. 
2. Local Produce In Australia, you can find roadside stalls selling fresh produce. In Far North Queensland, for example, you can buy watermelon, bananas, or other local fruits directly from farmers using an honesty box system, so remember to carry some cash. 
3. Alcohol is cheaper at the bottle shops in the city. In some of the remote areas there are ‘dry communities’. These are communities where alcohol cannot be purchased or consumed. Some remote towns have restrictions on limits of alcohol. Just be smart and roll with whatever’s happening around you. DO NOT SELL ALCOHOL in dry communities.

7. Free Things to Do in Australia for Budget-Conscious Travellers

1. Beautiful Beaches 

• Bondi Beach, Surfers Paradise, Noosa Beach, Greens Bay, and Elephant Rocks in Denmark, Glenelg Beach. Sunrises in the East for the Eastern states and sunsets in the west coast are STUNNING over the water. 

1. Hikes in National Parks 

• Blue Mountains, Grampians National Park, Royal National Park. Every where really. 

1. City Landmarks 

• Sydney Opera House, Federation Square, South Bank, Hahndorf Adelaide Hills.

1. Museums and Galleries 

• National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Queensland Museum. 

1. Wildlife Spotting 

• Eungella National Park (platypus), Koala Spotting along the Great Ocean Road, kangaroos in national parks. Be safe when exploring. The wildlife are cute but they are wild too. Read 5 tips on navigating Australian Wildlife and tips on navigating the Australian snakes before you go exploring. 

1. Botanic Gardens 

• Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Brisbane Botanic Gardens. 

1. Outdoor Markets 

• Queen Victoria Market, The Rocks Markets, Mindel Beach Market. 

1. Free Festivals 

• Sydney Festival, Melbourne’s Moomba Festival, Brisbane’s Riverfire Festival. 

Planning a budget-friendly trip to Australia doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality experiences. By researching destinations with lower living costs, leveraging budget travel blogs and forums, and seeking out off-peak travel deals, you can enjoy an incredible journey without breaking the bank. Remember, the key to budget travel planning is flexibility, research, and taking advantage of the resources available to you. Happy travels!