Have you always wanted to explore Australia? For many, it’s a major once-in-a-lifetime trip, so you should absolutely make the most of it while you’re there.
But Australia isn’t tiny. In fact, it’s the world’s 6th largest country and accounts for 5 percent of the world’s land area. Australia is also the world’s largest island.
Imagine how much money you could spend trotting from coast to coast. But fortunately, you don't have to spend a small fortune to travel through Australia.
Here are some tips for traveling through Australia on a budget.
Plan your transportation
If you think you’re just going to show up with your backpack and a map, you’ve got another thing coming. There are many major cities to see here, but they are quite spread out across the country. In order to get from one city to another, you’ll need to fly, drive or take a bus.
And if you leave these plans until the last minute, you’re probably not going to make the wisest decisions.
Actually, if you’re planning to explore Australia, the best way is by buying or leasing a car. This way, you don’t have to worry about mileage on a rental or the cost and limitations of public transportation. You can then sell the car when it’s time to return back home.
Plan your route
Now that you know how you’re going to get around, think about where you want to go. There are many cities you can visit, and you likely won’t get to see them all. So, do some research and map out a route that hits all the major destinations on your list.
With a well-planned route, you can travel efficiently, which will save both time and money.
For example, if you want to hit some of the popular beaches, you may want to consider traveling up the coast from Sydney and making your way to Cairns City. Or, if you want a well-rounded view of southern Australia, you can travel south from Sydney towards Melbourne, ending in Adelaide.
You have endless options, but try to plan a route that makes the most of your time and budget.
Go camping
Australia is very camper-friendly, so take advantage and plan to camp most nights instead of staying at a hotel. In most places in Australia, camping is completely free. So one of the first things you should do when you get here is to get a tent. Just make sure you get one with a waterproof liner. This isn't an area where you want to go cheap – because you'll need a good cover for the inevitable storm.
If you have a little extra in your budget, you may want to consider getting a van or a camper for your trip. It’ll be a lot more comfortable for a long-term stay, and it should still be cheaper than renting rooms (considering that you’ll resell the van later).
Find free entertainment
Remember why you wanted to go to Australia in the first place. For most people, it’s either the beaches, landscapes or wildlife. And guess what? All of those things are free.
So instead of getting caught up in all the organized touristy activities, spend most of your time enjoying nature in all its glory. You can spend a pretty penny at an Australian zoo, but it’s really not necessary – especially if you’re on a major road trip. You’ll see plenty of wildlife along your journey without even trying too hard.
And if it’s kangaroo sightings you’re after, consider a trip to Pebbly Beach on the NSW South Coast. Kangaroos actually run wild on the beach here. Now, doesn’t that sound a lot better than seeing animals in staged habitats? And it’s cheaper too!
In Sydney or Melbourne, you can snag a free walking tour to help you get to know each city.
And for those rainy days, consider hitting up a museum. Most museums offer one day a week that’s free to the public.
You may want to fit in some bucket list items, like scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, but the rest of your trip can be filled with more budget-friendly activities.
Australian vacations can be extremely expensive, but they don’t have to be. Plan in advance and travel smart to save money on your trip through Australia.
Posted By PaulJ
Updated : 29th October 2021 | Words : 1 | Views : 1379
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