Australia is amazing. Visit if you can, but it’s not cheap. It’s also massive and the huge distances between cities and sights can make internal travel expensive. Here’s our guide to maximising your budget Down Under:
Visas:
It takes at least 6 months to explore Australia in depth. If you are planning to stay longer than 3 months, then you will need to apply for a Visitor visa which allows up to 12 months of travel.
The two normal tourist visas, the eVisitor and the ETA (depending on where you live), are only valid for 3 months.
If you want to work out there to fund your travel you will need a Working Holiday Visa.
Travel:
Most of Australia’s population live along the coast. So, unless you can afford to fly, you will spend a significant amount of time in transit with nothing much to see between cities and sights.
Groups of friends will probably find it cheapest to buy a used car or camper van and split the costs. Car and camper van hire can also be affordable, but shop around.
Solo travellers should check out hostel message boards for fellow travellers and free lifts.
Buses are cheaper than flights, especially on the East Coast, as there are more cities and greater competition. Book ahead for the best deals on: Greyhound Australia and Premier.
Accommodation:
Australia has a good hostel network and Airbnb can be cheap.
Work for your room – many hostels let you work a few hours a day for a free room. You may need to commit for a week, but it’s always worth asking when you arrive. or calling ahead.
WWOOF – try WWOOFing. This programme allows you to work on organic farms for free accommodation and food – from a week to a month. It’s a good way to immerse yourself in local culture too.
Food and drink:
Don’t eat out although Australia has some amazing cafes, they are pricey. Cook your own food if you can. If you’ve no facilities, make the most of sandwiches for lunch and cereals for breakfast. Aldi is the cheapest supermarket.
Drinking – the tap water is safe to drink in Australia, so fill up your water bottles and resist the temptation to buy. Alcoholic local brands are cheaper than many international brands.
Phones and WiFi:
Pick up a local SIM card when you arrive.
Finally, sunscreen…
Seriously, wear it. You will burn a lot easier than back home. So stock up on sunblock.