5 Important Tips for Backpacking Australia on a Budget

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Are you ready for an incredible adventure backpacking Australia on a budget?

Australia is a breathtaking destination with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and fascinating wildlife.

From the iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef to the hidden gems like the Blue Mountains and the Kangaroo Island, Australia offers something for every type of traveler.

And if you’re on a budget, backpacking around Australia can be a fantastic way to explore the country without breaking the bank.

But before you begin your backpacking adventure, here are some essential tips and advice to help you plan a memorable trip that’s affordable.

CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn the most important tips tips about backpacking Australia on a budget, including:

Essentials Tips for Backpacking Around Australia
1. Get Prepared
2. Choose Transportation Options
3. Pick an Accommodation That Suit Your Needs
4. Be Savvy About Safety and Law
5. What Should You Not Bring to Australia?
Final Thoughts on Backpacking Australia on a Budget
Next Steps

Essentials Tips for Backpacking Around Australia

Australia is a gorgeous country with vast expanses of natural wonders, sandy beaches, and colorful wildlife.

And whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned traveler, exploring Australia’s landscapes, beaches, and cities on a budget can be an incredible experience.

But like any backpacking trip, it requires careful planning and preparation.

Let’s talk about essential tips and advice for backpacking Australia on a budget, so you can enjoy a trip you’ll never forget!

1. Get Prepared

First things first: make sure you’ve got all the right documents.

This includes your:

ID
Passport
Travel documents like visas

If you don’t have a visa, don’t worry. Australia offers an eVisitor visa for tourists, which is valid for a year.

However, you can stay up to three months on every visit. That means if you’re planning a longer vacation, you’ll need to get a longer-lasting visa.

Once you have all your documents in hand, find out how many Australian dollars (AUD) you can get for your currency. This way, you won’t have to pay steep conversion rates while trekking across the Great Victoria Desert.

And while we’re talking about trekking, pack wisely.

This means making sure what you bring on your trip will fit into your luggage and serve its purpose. If it’s not necessary or helpful while traveling — leave it out!

You also want to avoid carrying extra weight when exploring new places or doing outdoor activities like hiking or swimming in natural pools. You’ll only get tired faster.

Finally, consider buying comprehensive car coverage from a reliable local provider like ROLLiN’ Insurance if you plan to drive during your trip. This way, you’ll stay covered against damage from theft, natural disasters, and animal accidents.

2. Choose Transportation Options

When it comes to transportation, backpackers in Australia have a lot of options available. This includes train, bus, and ferry service.

Let’s take a closer look at each of themost affordable choices for backpacking Australia on a budget.

Train Service

If you want to soak up the scenery, train travel might be the perfect option.

Some popular train journeys include the Indian Pacific, which travels from Sydney to Perth, and the Ghan, which runs from Adelaide to Darwin.

Bus Service

When you’re on a budget, bus travel is an excellent way to explore Australia without going broke.

The Greyhound bus network operates throughout the country (it has over 180 stops!) and offers affordable fares.

Ferry Service

Ferry travel makes exploring Australia’s coastal regions and islands easy.

You can take a ferry to popular destinations like Rottnest Island, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania.

3. Pick an Accommodation That Suit Your Needs

Your home away from home can make the difference between an I-can’t-charge-my-camera-battery trip and a take two-thousand-pictures one.

So, choose an accommodation that makes your backpacking trip a blast.

Depending on what you’re looking for, several different types of accommodation options are available.

For instance, hostels are the most popular and affordable choice for backpackers in Australia. They offer shared dormitories or private rooms with communal facilities. You’ll have access to such common areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and lounges.

Hostels are also the cheapest option, with prices starting from as low as AU$106.

But if you’re looking for a unique experience, why not try glamping?

For the best rate, you can pick from one of the National Park campsites as they’re pretty inexpensive and cost around AU$4 to AU$12 per night.

Regardless of your choice, when looking for affordable and safe accommodation, do your research and book in advance.

Websites like Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Airbnb offer a wide range of affordable options and allow you to read reviews from other travelers.

It’s also a good idea to check the location and facilities before you make your reservation. Finally, read up on any safety tips for the area you plan to stay in.

4. Be Savvy About Safety and Law

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world.

But you never know when you might break a local beer law or illegally jump a fence to pet a koala. That can be an avoidable circumstance that could cost you a lot of money!

So, keep these tips in mind when backpacking around Australia:

Know the Laws

Knowing local laws is a good way to ease anxiety when traveling alone.

For instance, drinking in designated alcohol-free zones is illegal in Australia.

So, if you’re caught with a glass of wine or a can of beer in your hand while walking along a no-alcohol beach or park, it could cost you up to AU$2000.

Don’t be that backpacker!

Stay Safe From Animals

The Lucky Country is home to thousands of dangerous animals, among them:

Snakes
Spiders
Crocodiles.

If you’re camping or hiking in remote areas, find out where these creatures live and plan your trip accordingly.

Stay Connected

If you find yourself in trouble, dial 000 immediately to let the police, fire, or emergency responders know where you are and what’s happening.

Even if your cell mobile network provider does not have coverage in the area, you’re call should go through to the authorities.

Hopefully, you won’t have reason to call for an emergency, but it’s important to know this number if you do.

5. What Should You Not Bring to Australia?

If you’re already aware of the essential things to plan for your trip, remember it’s also important to know what items you should not bring into the country.

Why?

Because by using them, you might inadvertently cause harm to the environment or get fined.

Here’s a list of items to steer clear of.

Diary Products

Australia strictly regulates dairy product imports.

Butter, cheese, and other dairy products with unknown origins aren’t allowed into the country. That’s because they can carry diseases that could affect the local agriculture industry.

Dried Fruits and Sweets

Like dairy products, you can’t take dried fruits and sweets to Australia because they may carry pests and insects that could harm the local environment.

Spices

Spices are a tricky one.

While some spaces are allowed, others like cumin, coriander, fennel, and dried chillies or capsicum are prohibited.

This is in response to protect against khapra beetle, a highly invasive pest that threatens Australia’s grains.

Fake Designer Goods

If you’re a fashionista on a budget, you might be tempted to bring along a fake Gucci belt or two.

Don’t do it!

These items are illegal in Australia. So, skip packing or wearing them on your trip to Australia if you want to avoid hefty fines or prosecution.

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Australia on a Budget

Backpacking Australia on a budget can be one of the most joyous things an adventurer experiences.

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities of Australia, surfing the waves of the coast, or hiking through the rugged wilderness, these tips for backpacking in Australia will ensure your trip is safe, comfortable, enjoyable — and affordable.

So, gather essential documents, pack your bags, turn on your GPS, stuff some cold beer in your bag (don’t take it out in no-alcohol zones), and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Next Steps

For more useful tips about backpacking and a trip to Australia, read the articles below, next: