30 Awesome Budget Adventures in Australia You Can’t Miss

30 Awesome Budget Adventures in Australia You Can’t Miss

 

Despite the rumours, Australia really is a budget traveller’s dream destination.

I mean, just take a look at this lot …


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#1 Snapping Uluru at Sunset

Australia, Uluru, Sunset

This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you’ll never forget.

And all you have to do to capture those awesome Outback colours bouncing off Australia’s best-loved icon, Uluru, is pay a $25 entrance fee.

 

#2 Driving the Great Ocean Road

The ultimate Australian road trip is a non-stop ride of adventure that, with a campervan and a few mates, will cost you next to nothing.

Must-sees include the epic 12 Apostles, London Bridge and Lord Ard Gorge.

Check out my list of the top 12 highlights here.

 

#3 Soaking up the Atmosphere in Trendy Fremantle

Australia, Fremantle, Hostel

Definitely one of my favourite places in the whole of Australia, just taking an alfresco seat at one of the many coffee shops to watch the people and the world go by is pure magic in Fremantle … and that’s not to mention the great markets, heritage or hitting the beach!

Here’s my list of the 18 best things to do in Fremantle that the locals love.

 

#4 Croc Spotting in Kakadu

If there’s one place you’re going to spot the giant, prehistoric-like figure of a croc, it’s going to be in Kakadu National Park.

Australia’s largest area of pristine wilderness, an entrance ticket here will basically guarantee you days of fun and a croc or 2!

 

#5 Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef

Australia, Magnetic Island, Florence Bay

While scuba diving can definitely be pricey at the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling is way more affordable, especially off the beautiful spot of Magnetic Island.

Here you can snorkel the reef right from the shoreline, meaning you’ll only have to pay a few dollars for mask and fins in order to spot turtles, tons of fish and perhaps even a mini shark or 2!

 

#6 Indulging on Great Coffee in Melbourne

Melbourne is famous for its great caffeine output and nowhere does it better than in the city’s famous Laneways.

While you’re here, check out the great street art too – it’s a really cheap way to get into the spirit of this cultural city.

Learn more about ho to see Melbourne on a budget here.

 

#7 Walk to Australia’s Most Easterly Point

Australia, Byron Bay, Lighthouse

In the hippie haven of Australia, Byron Bay, there’s nothing like a good morning coastal stroll to start the day. And what better place to head than the country’s most easterly point where the sun rises first.

Yes, Cape Byron, topped by a gorgeous lighthouse, makes the perfect place to walk to and welcome the day, maybe with a sun salutation to top it all off!

 

#8 Experiencing Darwin’s Mindil Markets

Australia sure does a market well, and there’s few better than Mindil Markets in Darwin.

Set just back from the beach, you can get a delicious and cheap dinner here before heading onto the sand for a free sunset spectacle, normally complete with live local music.

 

#9 Kayaking up Katherine Gorge

Australia, Northern Territory, Katherine Gorge

Up in the Northern Territory, Kathrine Gorge, otherwise known as Nitmiluk National Park, is a striking ravine cut deep into an ancient and remote landscape.

Spending a few days here exploring the scenery is a great budget activity to enjoy in Australia, especially from the seat of a kayak.

 

#10 Relaxing in the Hot Springs at Mataranka

Australia, Mataranka, Hot Springs

Elsey National Park near the town of Mataranka in the Northern Territory has some incredible natural hot springs that are free to enter.

Set within lush jungle surrounds, relaxing here, as the healing properties of the water immerse you, is the ultimate way to relax.

 

#11 Seeing the World’s Whitest Sand in Esperance

Down on the southern coast of Western Australia, the sands of Cape Le Grand National Park have been deemed the whitest in the country, if not the world.

Get down here to snap some seriously stunning coastline and maybe a friendly kangaroo or 2 if you’re lucky!

Check out my ultimate west coast Australia road trip itinerary for more info.

 

#12 Camping in the Whitsundays

Australia, Whitsunday Islands

Not known for their budget-friendly price tag, Queensland’s Whitsundays are generally more associated with luxury tourism.

But did you know you can camp on the most famous beach here for only $6.60 pppn.

Yes just hopping on a ferry to the island and setting up camp for a few days, means you’ll have one of the world’s top-rated beaches all to yourself after the day tippers depart!

 

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#13 Learning to Surf in Agnes Waters

A trip to Australia just wouldn’t be the same without you learning to surf now would it?! But did you know the cheapest place to learn?

Well I’m here to let you know that the bargain beach to grab a surfing lesson Down Under is in the small town of Agnes Water. Get it on yer list!

 

#14 Free Wine Tasting in Margaret River

Australia, Margaret River, Vineyard

If you thought wine-tasting was just for snobs, then think again!

Every man and his dog loves a good wine tasting in Australia and there’s few places better to give it a go that Western Australia’s Margaret River – known for its delicious grapes.

If you’re on a budget, it’s perfect too – simply head along to some of the many vineyards in this area and enjoy their open cellar doors for free!

 

#15 Platypus Spotting in Tasmania

Australia just wouldn’t be Australia without its unique wildlife and there’s few creatures more unique than the platypus!

This weird and wonderful mammal lies eggs and swims, making it very different and very Australian.

There’s a few popular places to spot them across the country, but top of the list has to be Tasmania!

Learn more the top 8 places I recommend visiting in Tasmania here.

 

#16 Enjoying the Adelaide Fringe

Happening every year in March, the Adelaide Fringe is the time this small city in South Australia really comes to life.

There’s lots of shows and events offering good priced tickets, especially on the day, but if even that is too much of a stretch, you can just enjoy the heaps of free entertainment and performances happening right in the street.

 

#17 Strolling Sydney Harbour

Australia, Sydney Opera House

Come on! It’s an Australian icon and it’s free to wander, snap and insta to your heart’s content!

Got to be done!

Plus there’s a ton of great day trips around Sydney too.

 

#18 Revelling in the Bondi Beauty

Sticking with the Sydney theme, you almost certainly have to visit the country’s most famous beach when in the city.

Revelling in the glamour and eyeing up the lifeguards as much as you like is free!

 

#19 Whale Watching from Noosa National Park

Australia, Noosa, National Park

My old-stomping ground, Noosa National Park is hard to beat when it comes to free national parks.

Even better is during the winter whaling season, when passing humpbacks can be seen breaching from the park’s lookout on a daily basis!

 

#20 Dolphin Feeding at Monkey Mia

It’s a tourist classic, but the daily dolphin-feeding at Monkey Mia in Western Australia is just one of those $10 treats it’s too hard to turn down!

Check out other top things to in Shark Bay while you’re there.

 

#21 Swimming under Litchfield’s Waterfalls

Litchfield NP, Florence Falls

Be it Wangi Falls, Florence Falls or the Buley Rockhole, take your pick from Litchfield National Park’s magnificent swimming opportunities complete with waterfall shower!

 

#22 SUPing on the Gold Coast

One of the best places in the whole country for stand-up paddleboarding, Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast is a stunning place to test your balance and board rental is pretty cheap too … a good thing if you keep falling off!

 

#23 Hanging out with Roos at Cape Hillsborough

Wallabies on Beach at Cape Hillsborough

It’s pretty rare to see kangaroos and wallabies right on the sand, but that’s just what you can do in Queensland’s Cape Hillsborough National Park, where, every morning at dawn, these hopping hungries make it onto the beach here for breakfast.

 

#24 Hot Springing on the Mornington Peninsula

Set right down in Victoria, the beautiful hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula are some of the best I’ve ever visited – especially when you get to enjoy a stunning sunset from the top pool!

 

#25 Sandboarding on Fraser Island

75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island

Lake Wabbi on Fraser Island sits at the bottom of a massive white sand dune and there’s no better, or quicker, way to make it down there than sandboarding your heart out!

 

#26 Admiring Broome’s Sunsets

Broome’s Cable Beach sunsets are world-famous and rightly so. Best of all, they won’t cost ya a cent!

 

#27 Cassowary Spotting at Mission Beach

Trying to spot one of these massive and prehistoric birds is a lot of fun up in the tropical north Queensland town of Mission Beach … until you see one and realise just how scary and huge they are!

 

5 ESSENTIAL PACKING ITEMS FOR AUSTRALIA

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Australia and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous country justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000, which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Australia – from cities to national parks! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers. Perfect for stylish strolling, I love mine.

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Australia edition is well put together.

#4 Good Water Bottle – Travelling in hot old Australia can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because tap water is drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Sun Hat – And there’s no denying you’ll need a good sun hat for protection in Australia too. In my opinion you can’t go past this Hello Sunshine one, which is both gorgeous and ideal for keeping the rays off your face.

 

#28 Having a Beer in an Outback Pub

If there’s one thing beside red dirt that the Outback is famous for, it has to be a good watering hole!

Recover from the heat by downing a frosty one yourself in a character (and memorabilia) filled Outback pub.

 

#29 Cycling Rottnest Island

Rottnest Bike Hire

If you’re going to pay for a ferry over to Rottnest Island from Perth, then you have to spend a few extra dollars to get a bike as well.

Cycling round this car-free island is so much fun and the hidden beaches you’ll discover are even better!

 

#30 Hiking Cradle Mountain

Known for its gorgeous landscapes, national parks and hikes, Tasmania joins the best of them all together in the form of the stunning Cradle Mountain. DO NOT MISS!

 

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Have you visited Australia on a budget?

What was your favourite thing to do?

Have I missed any good ones?

 

3 thoughts on “30 Awesome Budget Adventures in Australia You Can’t Miss

  1. Dori says:

    Hey 🙂
    You forgot Aurora in Tasmania in Winter 😀

    And also skying in Threbbo or Perisher is quite something… Many people don’t know we got snow here in Australia ahah.

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