9 money-saving tips for budget travelers in Australia

11.11.2023 - 00:49 / lonelyplanet.com

Australia – with its wallpaper-worthy landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife – is a dream destination for many.

Unfortunately, while Australia is known to be laid-back, it is not known as a budget destination. Even locals find the cost of living a hard pill to swallow. Ultimately, how expensive Australia feels will depend on the exchange rate of the Australian dollar with your home currency.

Whether you’re in Sydney, Perth or an outback location in between, food, activities and especially accommodation can add up quickly. However with careful planning it is possible to keep costs reasonable on a trip to Australia. Here are our top money-saving tips along with a guide to daily costs.

Total average daily cost: $200–300

Australia's peak tourist season falls during the southern hemisphere's summer. This makes December to February the most expensive time to visit Australia. 

Instead, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when you're more likely to score a deal on accommodation, domestic flights and even tours. As most accommodation providers – particularly in urban centers – rely on dynamic pricing, these months are when you’ll be more likely to snag a room for a reasonable price. The same is true of seats on internal flights and tour buses. 

It’s also a great opportunity to discover offbeat festivals timed to coincide with the seasons, such as Tasmania’s winter solstice celebration, Dark Mofo, or cherry-picking in Victoria’s Yarra Valley.

Sydney is considered the gateway to Australia, but it’s not the country’s only international airport. You might be able to save a chunk of change if you fly directly into Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth instead. 

You'll find that domestic airfares within Australia are surprisingly budget-friendly, although their high environmental cost bears careful consideration. One-way flights between Melbourne and Sydney retail for as little as $59. You can expect a slightly higher level of service and more inclusions when flying with Australia’s budget airlines (including Bonza and Jetstar) than you may have experienced with low-cost carriers in other regions. 

Another money-saving option is to consider a flight package. Qantas, Australia's largest airline, often has travel deals that include airfare, hotels and car hire. You can use its multi-city trip planner to budget domestic travel within Australia. 

Australia's big cities have top-notch restaurants, but they can be pricey and are likely to be a stretch too far for budget travelers. Instead, opt for the lively markets in laneways, parks, and historic sites. Savor street food, like Thai and Greek delights, at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market or explore Sydney's