Exploring Australia on a budget? While the Land Down Under is often perceived as an expensive destination, the country is becoming more affordable for UK travellers. As Australia's airlines, hotels, and tour operators continue to offer significant discounts, the perception of high costs is gradually changing.
If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation options, tophotels.com provides a wide range of choices across Australia, allowing you to find comfortable stays without breaking the bank.
Recent developments, such as the opening of new hotels, a thriving dining scene, and expanded air services, have resulted in a wider range of choices for travellers. To make the most of your trip to Australia, where endless adventures await, it is wise to plan ahead. Here are some helpful tips for saving money in Australia, along with specific travel advice for the main capital cities.
Transportation methods
Via skies
Considering Australia's grandeur, it's likely that you'll need to avail of air transportation at some point. The internal air transport market is intensely competitive, where Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia (virginaustralia.com) reign as predominant operators, joined by the budget-friendly Tigerair. Early booking of your tickets is highly advocated if feasible.
Traveling to Australia on a budget? Don't worry, it may not be as expensive as you think. There are several ways to save money and make your trip more affordable.
If you plan on flying frequently during your visit, consider purchasing an air pass like the Qantas Explorer Pass along with your flight. This pass offers discounted rates and can help you save on multiple flights within Australia. For more information on booking flights, refer to our comprehensive flight booking guide.
Alternatively, if you prefer to explore Australia by road, renting a car can be a cost-effective option. Apex Car Rentals offers competitive rates starting from just £30.58 per day, without any additional fees for extra drivers or surcharges for drivers under 25. They also provide discounted insurance rates. To find the best deal on car rentals, explore options from reputable companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty.
Retro-style van excursions, extremely popular in the 70's, have made a stellar comeback and are here to stay. Firms like Jucy Rentals and Wicked Campers have injected a fresh vibe into the camper van industry with their respective offerings, the latter even providing vehicles starting from as low as £18 a day. Further, affordable yet modern vehicles can be found at Britz, Apollo, Mighty Campers, and Maui - providing a wide variety of options for every traveler, with prices varying from £28 per day for a compact van to £63 for a larger, more spacious camper.
Coined as one of the most breathtaking road trips globally, the Great Ocean Road offers an unparalleled driving experience.
If you're keen on exploring the eastern coast, inter-city coaches are a budget-friendly choice. Take an example, an early bird ticket for a single journey from Sydney to Byron Bay is approximately £57. The primary service provider is Greyhound Australia, which you can visit at greyhound.com.au.
Via Rail
Travelling by train is another wallet-friendly choice, even though Australia’s inter-state railway system comes off as rather old-fashioned sometimes. It does, however, offer a distinct perspective to appreciate the country. Great Southern Rail operates several routes including the Ghan, the Indian Pacific, and the Overland, and they offer seasonal special fares at greatsouthernrail.com.au. These trains traverse some of the most mesmerizing landscapes, adding a touch of adventure to your travel.
A little-known fact is that the Great Ocean Road was built by returned soldiers and is the world's largest war memorial. Travelling across Australia, you'll also get a chance to immerse yourself in the rich Aboriginal heritage that resonates in its landscape.
Exploring Australia's Culinary Delights on a Budget
Indulging in the culinary scene is an absolute delight when visiting Australia. However, it's no secret that dining out can be pricey. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to travelers on a budget, ensuring that you can savor the flavors without breaking the bank.
American-style food vans dot the streets of Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, and Brisbane, offering delicious and affordable "street food" options. If you're craving Asian cuisine, you're in luck! Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and Malaysian food is often reasonably priced, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal without straining your wallet. For a quick and affordable Asian feast, explore the local food courts found in almost every city, where you can savor brilliantly fresh and spicy dishes at affordable prices. Moreover, many suburban restaurants happily allow patrons to bring their own beverages, enabling you to save even more.
Exploring Australia's diverse and vibrant food scene doesn't have to drain your finances. By taking advantage of midweek specials, attractive dégustation offers, and venturing into the world of street food and food courts, you can experience a range of mouthwatering cuisines without putting a strain on your budget. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a flavorsome culinary adventure across the stunning landscapes of Australia.
Lodging Options
While it's true that housing in hotels can prove to be quite expensive in Australia when viewed on a global scale, it's also worth noting that the practice of offering discounts is becoming increasingly common, even among the most prestigious hotels rated with five stars. Notable chains such as Travelodge, Adina, and Holiday Inn serve as cost-friendly alternatives. Some top-tier and high-end boutique hotels resort to marking down their rates significantly during off-peak seasons for tourists. If you're aiming to snag these deals, websites like wotif.com can be your initial go-to for these promotional offers.
Experiencing the opulence of a renowned hotel like Pier One Sydney Harbour does not need to empty your pockets.
Choosing an apartment hotel or opting for an Airbnb space might be more economically feasible, particularly for families planning to manage their own cooking and laundry. The Ibis Budget hotel chain, with locations found near most urban airports, is exemplary for utilitarian, budget overnight accommodation. You might find these hotels a better fit than numerous backpacker-oriented hostels, with double room rates starting at £43 per night.
New fact: The Ibis Budget hotels offer conveniences such as free internet, relaxed dining options, and sometimes, pet-friendly rooms.
Seaside regions like Byron Bay, the Mornington Peninsula and Noosa offer an impressive collection of elegant vacation homes and apartments. Opting for self-catering is a practical strategy to control your everyday expenses. Make use ofaustralia.com to find suitable accommodations or refer tostayz.com.auwhich houses more than 40,000 property listings, ranging from beach houses to deluxe apartments across Australia.
New fact: Australia’s Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its wineries, golf courses and spa retreats – a perfect destination for luxury-seeking tourists.
Airbnb has a vast presence in Australia like most other regions worldwide, providing a plethora of lodging choices in urban cities and tranquil countryside locations, all at attractive prices.
Explore each city
Keep in mind that major cities in Australia now provide discounted transportation passes for tourists, including rail, bus, and ferry options. Additionally, many cities offer free bike-hire programs. For detailed information about transportation options in each city, consult the respective tourist office.
Exploring Cuisine in Sydney
Indulging in Sydney's gastronomy is a pleasure not to be missed, though one should be prepared for its top-notch restaurants to be somewhat costly. If you are seeking guidance, our handbook on the finest eateries to explore Sydney's rich culinary diversity can serve as an excellent starting point.
Sydney hotels for under £100
Pensione Hotel - from £57 a night
A characterful budget hotel in a 19th-century building, renovated with a European vibe, moody lighting and tasteful furniture. Close to Chinatown and Central Station.Read the full review.
Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection- from £95 a night
Benefitting from a superb location beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge, this hotel occupies a historic building that has been updated with bespoke fittings and has a nonchalant yet elegant vibe.Read the full review.
The Kirketon Hotel - from £63 a night
Moody décor and excellent in-house dining make this boutique hotel of 40 rooms a stylish option in the centrally-located Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst.Read the full review.Park8 Hotel - from £75 a night
A diminutive business hotel in the centre of the city, Park8 mixes design savvy features with excellent service and the convenience of being close to everything. Read the full review.
Official website: sydney.com
•The best budget hotels in Sydney
Discover Melbourne
A trip to Melbourne offers a budget-friendly cultural feast, showcasing its many museums, open-air art galleries, and city parks. It's a haven for those who want to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. Highlights like the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the State Library offer free access. For nature enthusiasts, don't miss out on a relaxing afternoon at the Royal Botanic Gardens, another valued attraction without any admission fees.
Experience the metropolitan delights without the steep costs
Discover the urban charm of Australia hassle-free riding at no charge on the freeCity Circle Tram; it's a perfect way to acquaint yourself with the heart of the city. Melbourne's dining scene can be a pocket-burner, however, you can relish delectable treats at one of its many intimate bars and eateries without worrying about your budget. Trusted choices include Mamak, Middle Fish, and ShangDong MaMa. You can refer to our comprehensive roundup of Melbourne's culinary hotspots for a better insight.
Make your stay more special by indulging in several cost-free activities on offer; go ahead and check: Our compilation of free pastimes in Melbourne
Experience Melbourne's Hotels at Reasonable Prices
At Docklands' heart lies Peppers Docklands, which you can book at a rate starting from £89 per night. It provides spacious and sleek rooms along with a laid-back bar and restaurant, serving dishes that draw great inspiration from Asian cuisine. Check out the entire review here.
Adina Apartment Hotel is another excellent option providing relaxed and pleasant accommodation just within your reach to all attractive spots in Melbourne's favorite beachside area, St Kilda. You can avail rooms here starting at £61 per night. Detailed review available.
The Cullen, priced from £85 per night, is a hotel that pays homage to the late Australian artist, Adam Cullen. Offering rooms that are more akin to apartments adorned with unique and bold contemporary art, it is nestled in one of Melbourne's most hip districts. Find more about it in the comprehensive review here.
For more information, visit the official Melbourne site: visitmelbourne.com
Did you know Melbourne consistently ranks as the world's most liveable city? Moreover, it's also recognized for its mix of modern architecture and heritage buildings.
Exploring Perth
Packed with attractions that are easy on the wallet, Perth is an ideal destination for budget travelers. Dipping your toes at the city's serene surf beaches is a fantastic way to spend your time. Affordable surfing lessons are available at Go Surf Perth costing just £23. A cloudy day in Perth is seldom, but if it happens to be overcast, venture over to Northbridge. Here, you'll find the city's cultural hub dotted with the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australia Museum, and the State Library. For these attractions, you're only required to make a donation of a gold coin for admittance.
Enjoying the beauty of sunsets won't put a dent in your wallet.
Famed for its heritage pubs, open-air cafes, and bustling weekend markets, Fremantle, or "Freo," is a crowd favorite tourist spot. You can discover the hidden gems of the town by foot guided by local insights from the Fremantle Visitor Centre (fremantlewa.com.au), by renting a bicycle, or by taking advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus service.
Craving more adventure? Check out the list of no-cost activities available in Perth.
Affordable Accommodations in Perth
The heritage-infused Melbourne Hotel, for less than £100 per night (£96 to be exact), is a renovated edifice of significant cultural value. This revamping did nothing but enhance the charm of the city's landmark.Click here for the full review.
Enjoy a perfectly managed, well-furnished stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Perth at just £75 a night. With its spacious rooms, top-notch facilities such as an in-house dining place, bar, and a stunning rooftop swimming pool, this 278-unit hotel has been polished to perfection.Get all the details in the full review here.
With rates starting from £58 a night, Tribe Perth is a novel game-changer in the hotel industry. It dismisses traditional hotel practices such as bellboys and minibars in favour of creating rug-cutting shared spaces, easy Wi-Fi for all, no password required, and complimentary bikes for all the hipsters out there.Soak up the full experience in this review.
For more information, head to the official Fremantle tourism website: visitfremantle.com.au
Brisbane
In the glittering, upwardly mobile capital of Queensland, a bunch of volunteers, known as Brisbane Greeters, will give you an expert – and free – introduction to the city. Alternatively jump aboard one of the regular CityCat ferries that ply the Brisbane River (translink.com.au).
Brisbanehas a dynamic retail scene, a rich cultural life and plenty of great food, from dumplings to tapas. Popular cheap eats include Mrs Luu, Vietnam House, The Fox and The Post Office.
Consider bringing your children to visit Streets Beach.
In case the temperature is feeling a touch high, consider journeying to South Bank to cool off in some of their complimentary swimming facilities. A great option for kids is Aquativity, a water playground that encourages interactive play (visitbrisbane.com.au).
For additional suggestions on free-action packed experiences, have a look at:Free things to do in Brisbane.
Affordable Accommodations in Brisbane
The Next Hotel Brisbane starts at a nightly rate of £80. It's a modern renovation of an old-established establishment in Brisbane, where guests can experience the cutting-edge technology of keyless access, mobile check-ins, and a special 'in transit' area with sleeping pods. Check out the comprehensive review.
Starting from £90 a night the Hilton Brisbane stands tall, located above the vivid shopping scene of Queen Street Mall. It has been a constant choice for business travelers and tourists for over three decades due to its trusted level of comfort. Click to read the detailed review.
The TRYP Fortitude Valley Hotel stands out with per-night accommodation priced at £66. Approachable from the outside, Brisbane's first-ever art-themed hotel intrigues guests with its colorful graffiti spread across almost every area, embodying an urban, industrial-cool atmosphere. Access the complete review here.
Exploring Adelaide
As a haven for cyclists, Adelaide, coated in its even topography and basked in a weather pattern akin to the Mediterranean, provides an exceptional opportunity for exploration on two wheels. Avail yourself of the no-cost bike service provided by the city itself, conveniently located across the city center and suburbs (check bikesa.asn.au for more info). For a memorable day trip, follow the cycling path adjacent to the Torrens River leading all the way to the beautiful Henley beach. Don't forget to mark your calendar for the much-anticipated annual biking event, Tour Down Under, transforming Adelaide into a cyclist's paradise every January.
Set off on a journey around "Radelaide"
If you're in search of a quiet, thoughtful exploration, visit the serene North Terrace, where you'll find the lush expanse of the Botanic Gardens and the delightfully unique Museum of South Australia. The best part about these scenic spots? No entry fee! Dining in Adelaide can be cost-effective too, all thanks to the array of food vans stationed across the city - Victoria Square and North Terrace, to name a few. Discover a van at weekendnotes.com. To delve deeper into Adelaide's food scene, our Adelaide restaurant guide has some handpicked recommendations for you.
Excellent Lodging Options in Adelaide Below £100
The Franklin Boutique Hotel – starting from £72 a night
A common stomping ground for trendsetters with a taste for exotic craft beer and hearty comfort food. The austere room selection upstairs features a blend of modern sophistication and unconventional artwork against distinctive black walls. Explore the detailed review here.
Majestic Minima Hotel – initiates at £61 a night
This hotel is a refreshing spot known for its contemporary and chic atmosphere, showcasing rooms painted by proficient South Australian artists. Dive deeper into the review here.
InterContinental Adelaide – commencing at £81 a night
Though the InterContinental Adelaide sports a design reminiscent of the 1980s, this is complemented by its meticulous service and prime location on the river, wedged between the city's cultural hub and Convention Centre - an ideal hub while exploring Adelaide. Uncover more in the comprehensive review.
The official tourism portal for more info:southaustralia.com
Hobart
Tasmanians are frugal types, which makes the capital of their island state a highly affordable type of city. There are plenty of municipal parks, galleries and museums to enjoy. But since its opening in 2011 MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) has tended to overshadow everything else. Allow at least two hours to explore this artistic and architectural extravaganza – entry costs £16 for adults (mona.net.au). Regular ferries operate from Constitution Dock.
Australia's best islands – and their fascinating facts
For a true perspective on this city, take to two wheels. You can cycle around the city solo for free or book yourself on to the Mount Wellington Descent, a 13-mile escorted bike adventure from the summit to the Hobart waterfront. Adult tickets cost £48. Afterwards, relax at Lark Distillery and sample some of Tasmania’s malt whiskies (larkdistillery.com; from £45.50 for a tour and tasting).
Affordable Accommodation Options in Hobart
Find an engaging blend of art and hospitality at the Hadley’s Orient Hotel, starting from £66 per night. This hotel, built during the Victoria era, gives utmost priority to personalized service, presenting a unique dining space and catering to art enthusiasts through their year-round gallery and annual art exhibits. Click here for a detailed review.
The Mantra Collins Hotel provides an enticing mid-city stay starting at £71 per night. The hotel stands out for its serene, bright rooms, and its prime location makes it an ideal choice for those who want to delve into the thriving life of Hobart City. Refer here for an in-depth review.
Visit the official website of Tasmania for more information: discovertasmania.com.au
Explore other best-rated accommodations in Australia.
Did you know: Tasmania hosts the world's largest wooden boat festival? Or that Hobart, being the second oldest city in Australia, is filled with historic charm like nothing else? Travel to this part of the world and discover immaculate beauty in simplicity.
The Exclusive Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort
HOTEL in Newnes, New South Wales of Australia
One of Australia's premier conservation-focused resorts nestled within a national park.. Starting at £1,455 per night. Verify for Availability. All rates are courtesy of Booking.com.
For those seeking a luxurious stay amidst the pristine beauty of Australia, the Queensland Hotel & Motel near Hope Island offers a stunning escape. Nestled in a serene location, this resort provides a perfect blend of tranquility and opulence, promising an unforgettable retreat for discerning travelers. Check options here - http://www.queenslandhotelmotel.com/en/near-hope-island-dr284182/.
Saffire Freycinet
Saffire Freycinet is a luxury hotel in Tasmania, Australia. With its stunning views of Freycinet National Park, it offers a truly breathtaking experience. The hotel features stylishly laid-back and ultra-private suites that provide the perfect retreat for guests. Whether you want to unwind in the spa, explore the surrounding nature, or indulge in exquisite dining, Saffire Freycinet has it all. The starting price for a night's stay at this remarkable hotel is £1,140.
Luxury Accommodation at Darwin Waterfront
Located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Experience the essence of coastal ambience in our deliberately designed and top-tier comfort 17 apartments... Starting from £144 per night Verify available slots Rates are facilitated by Booking.com