Cheap Travel in Australia: How to See More for Less
Backpacking Australia on a budget?
Let’s be honest. Australia isn’t known for being cheap. Between the long distances, pricey cities, and surprise public holiday surcharges, it can feel like your budget’s gone walkabout before you even start. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip it.
There are loads of ways to have an unforgettable time in Australia without draining your bank account. Whether you’re doing a budget holiday to Australia, planning a working holiday, or just trying to stretch your savings while backpacking Australia, here’s how to keep it fun and affordable.
The real MVP: Working Holiday Visa
here’s no beating around the bush: if you’re serious about budget travel in Australia, nothing stretches your money further than a Working Holiday visa. You can earn cash while you travel—bartending, doing farm work, working in a hostel, pulling beers at a pub, or even picking up temp office work in the cities.
Some travellers job-hop their way up the coast. Others find a spot they love and stay a few months. Either way, you’ll not only save money, you’ll experience the country in a way most tourists never do. Plus, a lot of jobs include accommodation or meals, so you're cutting even more costs while still getting paid. It’s hands down the most affordable, flexible, and fun way to explore Australia long-term.
Farm work in Australia.
Free (and cheap) things to do in major cities
Australia’s big cities might be known for their café culture and waterfront views, but you don’t need to drop $$$ to enjoy them.
Sydney
Take the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk – 6km of beaches, cliffs and views for exactly $0.
Visit the Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art – both free!
Chill in Centennial Park or catch sunset at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for Harbour views on a shoestring.
Melbourne
Hop on the free tram zone in the CBD.
Explore street art laneways like Hosier Lane.
Pack a picnic for the Royal Botanic Gardens or join a free walking tour.
Brisbane
Swim at Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city manmade beach.
Cruise the river on the CityHopper ferry (totally free).
Wander through South Bank for free outdoor events and art.
Explore Bondi Beach.
Affordable accommodation options
Finding a bed that doesn’t cost your left kidney? Totally doable. Here’s where to crash if you're travelling on a budget.
Hostels: Classic backpacker go-to, and not just for bunk beds. Many hostels in Australia have free breakfast, on-site bars, free city tours or pub crawls, and job boards for working holidaymakers. We can hook you up with some great places to stay.
Working hostels / farm stays: If you're on a Working Holiday visa, you can often stay at these for free or cheap while doing regional work. Bonus: great for meeting other travellers.
Campsites & campervans: If you’re road-tripping, free and low-cost campsites are everywhere. Apps like WikiCamps or CamperMate are lifesavers.
Share houses / long stays: If you're in one spot for a while, check out flatmate groups or websites for cheap weekly rentals (especially in off-peak areas).
Rent a campervan in Australia.
Tips for saving on food, transport, and tours
Even little changes can make a big difference. Here’s how to travel Australia cheap without missing the good stuff.
Cook your own meals: Most hostels have kitchens. Team up with your dorm crew for group dinners—it’s cheaper and way more fun.
Cheap eats are all around! Here are some of our favourite places in the major cities.
Bonus tip: most cities also have weekly markets, cheap eats, and backpacker bars that do $8-10 meal nights and cheap beers/cocktails. In Sydney, we recommend Roys Bar at Wake Up! Sydney Central, one of our favourite hostels.
Campsites usually have great cooking facilities.
Quick city guide
Sydney
Spice Alley (Chippendale) – This little laneway is packed with hawker-style food stalls serving up everything from Malaysian laksa to Vietnamese BBQ pork rolls. It’s a fave among broke students and travellers for a reason: it’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it feels like a night market in Southeast Asia. You can easily eat for under $15 and BYO drinks too.
Chinese Noodle House (Haymarket) – This place is a bit of a Sydney backpacker legend. The staff might yell at you and the décor is chaotic (plastic grapes hanging from the ceiling, anyone?), but the handmade dumplings and giant bowls of noodles are seriously good—and seriously cheap. Order the pan-fried pork dumplings and thank us later.
El Jannah (multiple locations) – Late-night charcoal chicken with extra garlic sauce = heaven. It’s fast, filling, and under $15 for a whole meal. We’ve ended more than one beach day by detouring here before heading back to the hostel.
Affordable dining options in Sydney.
Melbourne has an amazing food scene.
Explore Brisbane.
Feeling inspired and ready to travel?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
Top picks in Australia
Ready to book your adventure? Check out these itineraries!
