Straya On A Budget

This guide will turn you into a budgeting ninja, helping you explore the land Down Under without breaking the bank.

How Much Moolah Do I Need?

Australia can be anything from flash (expensive) to fair dinkum (very affordable), depending on your style.

Shoestring Savvy: $5,000 AUD can stretch for 1-3 months, if you're a master of cooking your own meals and hitching rides.
Backpackin' Bonanza: $100 AUD per day lets you stay in hostels, whip up some meals, use public transport, and do some budget activities. Depending on where you are going, grab a tent and take your opportunity to save on accommodation. Kathmandu, BCF, and Anaconda are the big outdoor shops in Australia.
Flashpacker Fancy: Double that budget ($200 AUD) to rent a vehicle and enjoy some of the best tours in Australia such as Bremer Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, and Crocodile safaris.

Saving Like a Champion

Accom with Character: Hostels are your best bet for budget-friendly stays. Expect to pay $25-$70 AUD per night in a dorm room. For a touch of luxury, private rooms start at $100 AUD.
Free Camping: Get wild and camp in one of the many free camp sites across Australia. Struggling to find a free camp? Pub owners might become your best mate after you buy a meal and a drink. Alternatively, many places near national parks offer cheap accommodations, sometimes as cheap as $10 per night for a vehicle and 2 people. Become a member and check out some of the best spots to camp.
Embrace the Culinary Scene: Skip pricey restaurants and cook your own meals. Budget a comfortable $15-$20 AUD on groceries per day. Check out our 'Cheap Cooking' for loads of helpful tips and recommendations, including inspiration for what to cook tonight.
Public Transport Hero: Buses and trains are a cheap way to get around, especially with passes like the Whimit ($40 AUD per day for 1 week). Taxis are legit, but Ubers can be pricey. Heck, some cities offer free busses, trams, and trains.
Free Fun is the Best Fun: Australia is brimming with free activities! Follow our guide where we show you the best free things to do such as hiking, swimming, beaches, and more. We even pack in a bunch of cheap activities.
Car vs Camper van: Renting a car is great for flexibility, but campervans combine transport and accommodation. Aim for free campsites whenever possible, but be aware of council fines for illegal camping.
Work for Your Travels: Extend your stay by getting a working holiday visa! Where else can you plan to stay for 1 year, forget to look at your clock, and see 3 years click by?

Bonus Tips

BYO Booze: Alcohol is expensive, so consider grabbing some drinks at bottle shops before hitting the pub. Australia is known for its wine, fall in love with goon, it is a drink and a pillow!
Skip Souvenirs: Collect memories, not keychains. Photos and experiences are the best souvenirs.
Travel Off-Season: Avoid peak tourist times for cheaper flights and accommodation. Why not get a working holiday visa and live the action of peak season? Check out more about Working Holiday Visas including your work rights.
Download WikiCamps: This handy app finds free campsites, showers, and toilets – a lifesaver for van lifers!
Haggling Here and There: While not super common, you can try bargaining at markets and souvenir shops.
Get National Parks Passes: Cheap passes that allow you to go into protected lands and loads of activities. Check out our key resource on 'National Parks Passes'.
Why not volunteer? Don't want to work but want to save on costs for a little while? Members get to access open positions published by our partners or check out larger platforms like Work Away and World Packers.