Travelling Australia on a budget? 7 tips for solo travellers

(This is a guest post by Emma Lewis.)

Thanks to its incredible weather and warm hospitality, Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world for solo travellers of all ages. It’s also a great place to meet new people and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Sydney and Melbourne.

Although Australia is known to be quite expensive to live in, there are many ways to stay here for a few weeks on a tight budget. To make your stay here affordable, here’s a list of the best tips for travelling Australia on a budget, especially if you’re a solo visitor.

Brisbane waterfront

1. Take advantage of the free tours

Unravel Australia’s best-kept secrets with local guides from non-profit organizations who will take you on free tours in major cities. One of the best free tours is the Sydney Sights Free Tour, which is organized by I’m Free Walking Tours and brings travellers to all the main historical landmarks and attractions in Sydney.

Solos travelling Australia on a budget can also visit some of the biggest galleries and museums in the country without paying a fee. Public museums and galleries offer a free entry to their permanent collections.

2. Find cheap eats in Australia

Food is a huge part of culture here in Australia and it doesn’t cost a fortune. Although there are many overpriced dining establishments, finding cheap eats is actually not that difficult. Head out to the Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market or Adelaide’s Central Market that house numerous food stalls where you can purchase freshly prepared meals.

Cooking your own food is also a good way to save some cash. Luckily, many hostels in Australia have their own kitchens that are equipped with all the necessary utensils.

A food stall at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne

3. Rent a room or stay in a hostel

There are many cheap places in Australia to stay for the night. From reasonably priced hostels where you can meet fellow solo travellers, to furnished rooms and apartments for rent on sites like AirBnB and Homestay, there is an abundance of accommodation options to choose from.

If you wish to socialize with other people, I suggest booking a bed in a hostel dormitory. Many hostels in Australia organize everything from free walking tours to pub crawls to ping-pong tournaments, which makes meeting other people easier. Solo travellers who wish to reconnect with nature can also consider camping. Australia is home to many camping sites that offer basic amenities for a small fee.

4. Use public transportation

Getting around cities in Australia by using public transportation will save you loads of cash. There is a wide selection of buses, trams, and trains to choose from, but keep in mind that each city has a different public transportation system. Take advantage of the free rides including free city shuttle services in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, as well as free buses in the city centre of Perth.

5. Download apps on your phone

From offline maps to great food and accommodation recommendations, there are many excellent apps that you can use while visiting Australia. CityMaps2Go lets you download maps of cities in Australia and use them offline, while Wikicamps Australia provides users with up-to-date information on practical points of interest, caravan parks, hostels, and campsites. Solo travellers who wish to take advantage of all the drink, food, and cocktail specials around their location should definitely download the awesome Happiest Hour app.

6. Visit the beaches

A beach in Sydney

No visit to Australia is complete with checking out all the stunning beaches on the continent and maybe even learning how to surf. The good news is that the entrance to most of the beaches here in Australia is free of charge and they can be found in or around many big cities. Whether you are into crowded beaches with basic facilities like showers and toilets or you are looking for a secluded beach where you can have some privacy, there is something for everyone.

7. Keep in contact

If you are a solo traveller, keeping in contact with friends and family is very important. Luckily, many places in Australia offer free Wi-Fi, including restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Social networks like Facebook and Skype are also great for staying close to the people you care about.

To sum it all up, Australia is a great destination for solo travellers and backpackers travelling Australia on a budget. The public transportation is easy to use, cheap foods can be found on every corner, and there are plenty of reasonably priced accommodation options to choose from.

About the author:

Emma Lewis is a loving mother, a devoted wife and a part of the team supporting Spacer – a company helping you find storage space whenever you need it. Emma is also a staunch supporter of the sharing economy and often mentions its benefits.

Note from BigTravelNut

Here are some other articles about travelling Australia on a budget you may want to read:

• A day of free sightseeing in Brisbane
• Melbourne’s laneways (always fascinating and free to explore!)
• 10 free things to do in Perth

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