How to get around on a budget
Do you long to travel in Australia cheaply but have been put off by the insane cost of it all?
Yes, us too.
Through a range of transport methods, we travelled the whole loop of Australia on a budget to prove that it’s possible. After a lot of trial and error- here are 5 useful tips.
1. Relocating a CamperVan/ Car
Did you know you could relocate cars and campervans for almost free?
There are a number of websites you can use, we chose Imoova and everything worked out well. We have used this method twice. The first time from Broome to Perth, where we relocated a fancy SUV for $1 a day and again from Melbourne to Sydney. On this route we had a Hippie Camper from Apollo, which cost $5 a day( not too bad, ay!).
We were always jealous of those backpackers travelling in the campers but didn’t want to spend a small fortune to have this experience- so this was perfect. We worked this trick out a little too late in our trip, but you could basically travel this way from city to city to save $$$
There is a catch though; you have to travel at selected times and on limited days. However, if you have a lot of time and enjoy fast, comfortable travel, then this option is for you
2. Buy a car
Ok, so you might be thinking I can’t buy a car. Surely that’s not travelling Australia cheaply? Well, think again. In Australia we bought and sold 3 cars in total due to travelling abroad.
We bought and sold all of them through Facebook Marketplace, but Gumtree and Backpacker Facebook groups are a valid alternative too..
Personally, we found this one of the cheapest ways to travel. The most we spent on a car was $2500 and we sold the cars after a few months of travelling for almost the same amount. It’s an investment and could potentially cost you if it breaks down. Although, the benefits are that you can visit more places, you have more flexibility and you can go at the speed you want.
It’s also worth noting that a lot of people buy campervans. If you’re after a more comfortable and hippie travel experience, then buying a one-second hand or renovating one yourself is definitely an option (4/5000$ budget). However, this can be time consuming and sometimes more difficult to sell at the end. Again, look at Gumtree and Facebook to see for yourself.
3. Share rides
Imagine… maybe you’re in a hostel and everyone you meet has different plans to you, or there are not really people you can see yourself travelling with. Maybe you booked yourself into a hotel or you’re staying with friends or family? Well, don’t worry because this option can help you search for people across a city/ state that have similar plans to you.
I know, I know… don’t get into a car with strangers. So if you’re worried about that, maybe pair up with someone else too?
We used this option from the perspective of the car owner.
It’s really easy. Simply go to an Australia backpacker’s Facebook group (there are plenty) and post saying you have travel plans to travel from X to Y between certain dates. Ensure you allow for a little flexibility. Remember to put a description and picture of yourself (some people even show their car) as this will help show people who you are and what it will be like to travel with you.
Or if you don’t have a car, you could post asking to see if you can get a lift from X to Y? Why don’t you offer to split the fuel, share travel stories and be the DJ? That’s an offer any budget traveller can’t refuse.
4. Greyhound bus
If you are not interested in driving around or you do not want to have a commitment of a vehicle then this is the option for you. It allows you to hop on and hop off as long as you are going in the same direction, using a travel pass. Remember to book your ticket in advance.
Most commonly travellers use them to travel up the iconic East Coast, but there is a limited but valid version of it on the West Coast as well.
5. Buddy Up
If you know people already travelling in Australia, then this is certainly an option to explore. I knew that a friend of mine was in Australia and had plans to travel from Melbourne to Cairns. Now, this is where you have to be lucky. He bought the car and camping equipment, so all I had to pay was fuel and food, (as we stayed mostly in free camps).
This is definitely a way to travel in Australia cheaply if you have limited funds.
Keep in mind that this ‘person’ or ‘group’ could also be someone you meet in a hostel too. Perhaps they have a car and they want to split the fuel? It’s always worth asking because if there is one thing a backpacker wants to do is save those precious $.
Well what are you waiting for? Start planning now to travel in Australia cheaply.
Leave a comment below if you have budget tips to share. We’d love to hear from you.
If you are on a working holiday and want to know the best backpacker jobs to save money click here.
All along I am only thinking of travelling Australia using a campervan. Never in my mind to use some other mode of transportation, until I read this post! You guys are awesome. Thanks for sharing this article Nico and Rachel you guys rock!