Are you craving a trip to the land down under? While Australia may seem like a world away, this beautiful country is more accessible than it seems! Prices in Australia can be high, but this shouldn’t dissuade you from traveling there. With the right planning, you can easily travel to Australia on a budget—without giving up your dream trip!

The cost of traveling in Australia: Can you travel to Australia on a budget?  

While Australia can definitely be traveled on a budget, it isn’t necessarily a cheap destination. In 2020, the average price of a hostel bed ranges from $10-35 USD per night. You can get a private room in a hostel or book a budget hotel, but these options come with a higher price tag. An average meal will cost you anywhere from $15-20, and those who like to drink alcohol will have a bit of sticker shock. A beer in a pub will cost you around $8, while a 6 pack at a liquor store will be around $20. Add in a few activities and a handful of souvenirs, and your trip just got very expensive.

Don’t let these numbers dissuade you! Australia can easily be traveled no matter what your budget. The trick is doing a bit of planning beforehand and sticking to your budget once you arrive. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can plan a fantastic Australian getaway without the huge price tag.

Travel in the off-season

Keep in mind that seasons are flipped in the Southern Hemisphere, so when it’s winter in the U.S. and Europe, it’s summer in Australia! Australian summers are beautiful, with clear waters and blue skies, but it can get hot if you’re planning a trip to the outback. Consider the type of activities you want to participate in. Are you interested in snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef? Eager to take a 4-wheel drive trip out into the outback? Want to just spend some time wandering the historic town of Kuranda?

Snorkeling is a great summer activity, while a trip to the center of the continent might be better during the off season. If you’re interested in exploring the culture and nightlife of the big cities, any time of year is perfect!

The high season in Australia typically lasts from December—February, while the low season tends to land between May-August. Start tracking flights at different times of the year, and you may just find the perfect deal during the ideal season. Start looking at flights here.

Stay in hostels and explore the local cuisine

One of the main tricks to spending less money in any country you visit is getting off the beaten path. While you may find a great hostel in the center of the city, it could cost two or three times as much as a hostel in a quieter part of town. No matter where you decide to stay, you’ll always meet like-minded travelers. Some of the best friends you’ll ever make will be met on a trip abroad!

On the plus side, as soon as you get off the traditional tourist path, prices for everything go down. Eat at a local mom and pop sandwich shop in Sydney, wander the markets in Kuranda, and buy fresh seafood on the coast in Port Douglas.

The best part about spending time off the beaten path is that you’ll save money for the tourist activities you really want to participate in. Take that train ride, visit the Sydney Opera House, and tour the majestic Blue Mountains. Afterwards, stop for dinner at a small local establishment! This also helps to put money back into the local economy, and helps out small businesses that may be struggling due to the lack of tourists.

Book Through A Travel Company

If you’ve ever tried to plan a vacation on your own, you know that expenses quickly add up. Transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs quickly turn a couple thousand dollar trip into a much more expensive getaway.

By booking through a travel company such as Acanela Expeditions, you won’t be hit with an unexpected bill at the end of all your planning. Although you’ll still have to cover your airfare, almost everything else after you hit the ground is covered. Beautiful accommodations, delicious meals, and fun group activities are already all planned out for you! Not only does this save you a ton of time, it will also save you a lot of money. By partnering with locals, Acanela is able to provide a luxurious experience without the extra cost.

By knowing the price of your trip upfront, you can easily budget for extra food, activities, and souvenirs to bring back with you. Acanela does all the leg work, while you sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip!

What are you waiting for?

Now that you know how to travel to Australia on a budget, it’s time to plan your trip! Check out our 8-day Australian itinerary here, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Be sure you’re prepared for anything by using our packing list! If you’re interested in visiting Australia’s next-door neighbor, we also offer an incredible trip to New Zealand. 

This article was written by Kiri Rowan
Check out more of her adventures on Instagram at @kirirowan