Some of the most scenic landscapes, interesting cultures and jaw-dropping tourist destinations are right here in Australia. While remote, our country is absolutely fascinating, with a myriad of natural wonders and some of the most intriguing wildlife around the world, not to mention the dazzling coastlines and breathtaking outback. But how can you see all this while on a budget? Find out below.
Why choose Australia?
Australia is truly one-of-a-kind. You can move from the beach to the bustling city, on to the bush and even hit the ski fields, all within a few hours. As Australians, it’s easy to become complacent with the heaven we call home. But there are so many reasons why it’s just as fun to explore our very own continent as it is to travel halfway across the world to see other cultures and countries.
The natural wonders
From the Daintree Rainforest to Uluru and even the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, each state and territory in Australia offers some of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world. Consider the fact that you can swim in the world’s largest coral reef right from off the coast of Queensland. And then there’s the wildlife, with kangaroos, crocodiles, koalas and dingoes in abundance that can’t be seen in any other country in the world.
The outback
When many people think about Australia, they automatically conjure up images of our glorious outback. And it’s not hard to see why. It’s one of the most unique places on earth, where you’ll move between bright red earth and white sand dunes scattered with canyons and waterfalls, and see some of the most sacred sights in Aboriginal culture. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience and every Australian should visit the outback at least once in their lives.
The beaches
Whether you’re after pristine white sand, surfing heaven, or strips of shopping and restaurants right on the shoreline, Australia’s coastline is absolutely unique. You’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for at one of the 11,000 beaches in Australia.
The adventures
There are plenty of action-packed adventures to enjoy in Australia, including hot-air ballooning in one of the many wine regions, sailing the Whitsundays, going for jet boat spin around Sydney Harbour, or heading out for a crocodile cruise in the Northern Territory.
Australia on a budget
Australia is over seven million square kilometres and there are often large distances between cities and sights, which is why people rarely see the whole country in one go. However, it’s doable, and it’s doable on a budget.
It’s estimated that it takes around two weeks to drive the circumference of Australia, and that’s with minimal stops. If you want to do it properly, leave yourself at least a month, if not three-six months, to see the country in its entirety.
Here are some tips for seeing the country on a budget:
Time your travel
Everyone loves to travel in summer, but in Australia this can be the most expensive time of year. Luckily, if you choose to go during off-season, the tropical north is still very hot, so you’ll be able to experience the beach culture while saving a bit of money.
Go by road
Exploring Australia by road may be one of the most affordable options. If you rent a campervan as well, that’s your accommodation sorted. Driving the country by car offers an experience like no other, as you get to see the smaller towns and regions that have lots to see and do but are less touristy. If you don’t want to drive yourself, consider using the train or bus networks rather than flying between places. And, if possible, travel overnight to save on transport and accommodation.
Find cheap accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options to stay on the cheap. Whether it’s couch surfing, hostels, or even camping at some of the worlds most spectacular camping grounds, you’ll meet some extraordinary people along the way and save money.
Search for cheap activities
For sightseeing, there are plenty of free or cheap offerings from the various cities, museums and galleries. There are free walking tours, tram rides, festivals and other activities that you can do. If there are specific sights you want to see, try to book in advance. Sometimes there are early-bird specials or you can find deals throughout the year, and often, buying tickets online proves to be cheaper than at the door.
Get started on a budget
Australia truly is a unique and special country, and despite the fact that it’s so vast, there are ways to see the country on the cheap – you just need to plan accordingly. To help with your budgeting, contact SRG Finance to talk through your options, including taking out a small loan to cover holiday expenses.
