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How to Save Money While Traveling in Australia

“Australia is a phenomenally beautiful country, and every time I go away and come back, it never ceases to amaze me” – David Wenham

Australia, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and endless sunshine, has rightfully earned its place as one of the most sought-after travel destinations on Earth. It’s no surprise that once you arrive, leaving becomes the hardest part of your vacation.

But what if I told you that with a little careful budgeting, you could extend your trip and continue enjoying the Aussie good life a bit longer? Let me show you some money-saving tips to make the most of your Australian adventure.

COOK YOUR OWN MEALS

While touring, eating out at hotels and restaurants can quickly add up, straining both your wallet and your health. Instead, consider opting for affordable and healthier options. Many parks in Australia provide free barbecue facilities, allowing you to cook your own meals with groceries bought from nearby shops. If barbecues aren’t your thing, hostel kitchens are a great alternative. Preparing your own food can save you a substantial amount of money.

SAVE ON BAGGAGE FEES

Keep your baggage weight in check to avoid costly fees. Research weight limits and penalties imposed by airlines to make informed packing decisions. It’s also worth comparing different airlines, as some may have promotions or credit card offers that waive baggage fees. Traveling with minimal luggage can help you save money and reduce the hassle of carrying unnecessary items.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

TRY HOSTELS

Accommodation expenses can quickly add up, especially when staying in hotels. Opting for hostels can be a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on comfort. Hostels offer affordable lodging options, ideal for travelers on a budget. Even if you’re exploring outside of the cities, consider camping or checking out the trendy urban pods that have become popular in Australia for an economical yet cozy stay.

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

When exploring cities, public transportation is your best friend. Taking cabs can be expensive, so consider using buses, metros, ferries, and trams to get around. While it may take a bit more time, it’ll save you money and allow you to experience the city like a local.

GET FREE WI-FI

Staying connected is essential for travelers, but data costs can quickly accumulate. Look for free Wi-Fi hotspots in town centers, shopping areas, and libraries across the country. Take advantage of these Wi-Fi spots to browse the web, stay in touch with loved ones, and plan your next adventure without worrying about data charges.

SHOP AT LOCAL MARKETS

Supermarkets in Australia can be pricey, so why not explore the local markets instead? Australians love supporting independent traders, and you’ll find bustling markets in almost every town at least once a week. Shop for fresh produce and unique items while immersing yourself in the local culture. Not only will you get a bargain, but you’ll also be contributing to the local community.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

By following these money-saving tips, you can make the most of your Australian journey without breaking the bank. So, get ready to explore the wonders of the Land Down Under while keeping your budget intact. Happy travels!

Sources: 1 & 2

3 campervan-style stays in Melbourne, Australia from $91/night for your National Day getaway

Did you catch my last post on beachfront rental homes in Perth, Australia?

If you’ve not, you can have a read here:

4 beachfront rental homes in Perth, Australia from $87/night for your National Day getaway

In this post, we’re still eyeing the National Day break since we’ve got some time left till August so there’s ample time to request an official leave and plan your trip.

At the time of writing, I searched and saw a 2-way flight at less than $700 to Melbourne and hence this post.

And if you need a holiday with a twist, why not try these campervan-style stays from $91/night I’m about to introduce to you?

Prices reflected are based on dates selected from 9 to 13 August 2023.

Vintage caravan in a rainforest near Mount Dandenong

Price: $91/night

Step into this vintage caravan, crafted with care in the 1950s. This delightful little home on wheels stretches a cozy 12 feet, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the Dandenong rainforest. Inside, you will find a snug double bed, just slightly smaller than the standard size. This vintage gem comfortably accommodates up to two people, ensuring an intimate retreat.

The caravan also comes equipped with a heater, guaranteeing a comforting, toasty ambiance during the cooler months. Adjacent to the caravan, you will discover a private ensuite featuring a compact fridge, a refreshing hot shower, and a composting toilet.

Cute little caravan in a rural green belt in Wallington

Price: $91/night

Welcome to this adorable little caravan nestled in the serene rural green belt of Wallington. It comes with a cozy queen-size bed, complete with bedding for your utmost comfort. Power is available for essential amenities like lights and charging your phones and small devices.

Outside, a charming deck awaits, furnished with chairs where you can relax and soak in the beauty of nature. You will be equipped with a two-burner stove, grill, and all the essentials, everything you need to whip up delicious meals. When nature calls, the private outdoor shower and toilet facilities are just steps away from your accommodation.

Cozy caravan in the valley of Dandenong Ranges

Price: $105/night

This cozy caravan is nestled in the picturesque valley of the Dandenong Ranges, positioned in the lower section of the host’s hillside property. You will find a comfortable double bed adorned with high-quality linen. Bedside tables, a small wardrobe, and cupboards are available to store your barang barang and keep them organized.

You will also find a table inside the van, perfect for enjoying meals indoors. The kitchen area is well-equipped and stocked with plenty of plates, bowls, cutlery, utensils, and basic supplies, so you will have everything you need for meal preparation. Venture outdoors and you will discover a BBQ shelter complete with a BBQ grill and a picnic table, providing a delightful space for outdoor dining. For your convenience, the campsite offers a long-drop toilet, along with a separate cubicle featuring a hot water shower.

Your National Day getaway in Melbourne, Australia is waiting with these inviting campervan-style accommodations. Starting from just $91/night, these cozy havens offer a unique way to explore Melbourne’s stunning surroundings. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in the rainforest near Mount Dandenong, a rural escape in Wallington’s green belt, or a charming stay in the valley of Dandenong Ranges, these campervans provide a touch of wildness for the adventurous at heart. Book your stay today before they get snapped up!

Scoot offers VTL flights to Melbourne and Sydney from S$199 one-way. Book by 7 Nov 21

Travel to Australia with Scoot

Vaccinated Singaporeans can now travel to New South Wales and Victoria as Australia reopens borders in the new VTL arrangements with Singapore. The new measures means that vaxxed Singapore passport holders can enjoy quarantine-free travel from 21 November 2021.

Scoot will be offering special one-way sale fares to Melbourne and Sydney from S$199 all-inclusive when you book by 7 November, 2359h.

For more information on travelling into and out of Australia, please click here.

Click here to access the sale fares.

Share this news with your friends and loved ones!

Pack Your Bags Now for These 4 Amazing Spring Travel Destinations in Australia

Like filet mignon and fine wine, Australia and spring go well together. Oz is comfortably warm throughout the season of new beginnings. Fun events and cultural celebrations are everywhere you look.

Whether you’re an Aussie traveling within the country or an international visitor, here are four Down Under destinations best experienced when spring is in bloom.

And remember, northern hemisphere dwellers, the Australian spring is your late summer and autumn–September 1 to November 30.

Hunter Valley

There’s no better springtime destination Down Under for foodies and wine lovers than Hunter Valley. Located north of Sydney on the New South Wales coast, Hunter Valley has served as a major wine-producing hub since the early 1800s.

Visitors flock here in September for the Spring Festival of Flowers at Hunter Valley Gardens. The month long seasonal celebration boasts entertainment, wine tastings, tours, and fun activities. With more than 250,000 annuals in bloom, the gardens offer lush vistas of botanical beauty.

November at Hunter Valley features the annual Sculpture of the Vineyards arts and culture fest with guided sculpture and Aboriginal history tours.

The Whitsunday Islands

Situated between the northeast shores of North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are a spectacular chain of 74 islands. This is a special kind of paradise, perfect for if you enjoy pristine white sand beaches, hiking through the rainforest, or snorkeling.

September is the perfect time to visit the Whitsundays, when temperatures average a comfortable 26°C / 78.8°F. Humpback Whale watching is also best in September, and it’s awe-inspiring to see these majestic ocean dwellers migrate through the Great Barrier Reef.

Add a seaplane tour to your itinerary for the ultimate Whitsundays viewing experience.

Photo by Chris Phutully / CC BY 2.0

Melbourne Cup Carnival

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and is Australia’s most famous Thoroughbred horse racing series.

Each November, four races–The Victoria Derby, The Melbourne Cup, VRC Oaks, and VRC Stakes–serve as the centerpiece to a week long party at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse and surrounding area.

Over 100,000 revelers regularly attend for horse racing, entertainment, high fashion, cuisine, and drink. There are a few customary things to know before you attend–be sure to dress fashionably in the season’s latest trends, and make smart bets trough the Melbourne Cup race odds.

Alice Springs

Set in the heart of the Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, Alice Springs is a gateway town to Red Centre, Australia’s interior desert. It’s also home to springtime festivals celebrating the indigenous culture of the region.

The Desert Song Festival in September presents concerts, workshops, and choirs of local performers paying homage to the music of Central Australia. The festival culminates with the beloved A Cappella in the Gorge concert.

Held every September and October, Desert Mob is a comprehensive showcase of Aboriginal art. The series boasts art exhibits, symposiums with artists, and a marketplace for purchasing works inspired by Central Australia’s natural beauty.