Plan Your Adventure in Australia
Best Travel Tips & Guides

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Welcome to your go-to spot for all things Australia! If you've ever wondered what it's like to sip coffee in a sun-soaked café while watching the world go by, or to float above the Great Barrier Reef's colorful underwater world, you're in the right place. Australia is a land of stunning contrasts - one day you're exploring the vast Outback, the next you're relaxing on a pristine beach with sand that squeaks between your toes.

Here, you'll find genuine tips from our three-month adventure across this incredible country - from discovering hidden coffee gems (trust us, Australian coffee will ruin you for life) to finding those special spots where the tourist crowds haven't taken over. And when you ask a local for directions? Be prepared for the friendliest chat about everything from the weather to why Vegemite is somehow considered breakfast food (it's definitely an acquired taste, and we're still working on it).

So grab your sunscreen (you'll need it!), pack your sense of adventure, and let's explore what awaits you down under. We promise you'll be planning your return trip before you've even left.

Last updated on March 24, 2025
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Merel

About Merel

Budget Travel Expert Budget Travel Specialist, 30+ countries visited across 5 continents, Expert in maximizing travel value
Merel is a passionate travel expert who has been documenting her adventures across more than 30 countries since 2015. With an exceptional talent for budget optimization and a keen eye for authentic local experiences, she specializes in finding hidden gems and securing the best possible deals for every destination. Together with her partner Michael, she has explored countless destinations - from the lush forests of Costa Rica to climbing volcanoes in Indonesia, experiencing the vibrant city life of New York, and taking an extensive road trip across Europe. Merel takes pride in her ability to create luxury experiences at affordable prices and loves sharing her money-saving strategies with fellow travelers while ensuring they don't miss out on the authentic essence of each location.
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Places we adore in Australia

Brisbane

Melbourne

Perth

Sydney
Discover Amazing Places

Our must-sees in Australia

Australia is massive - and we mean MASSIVE. Three months of non-stop travel barely scratched the surface of this incredible country. Our interactive map captures the highlights of our journey across this vast landscape. Hover or click on each pin to explore destinations across Australia. From major cities to coastal regions, these markers provide a snapshot of key travel locations we think you guys will love.

Each point offers a glimpse into the diverse experiences this country has to offer, and hopefully we will be adding much more when we visit Australia again :-) Navigate through our map to get an overview of Australia's most significant destinations and travel highlights. If you have any tips, let us know as well!

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Our personal adventure in Australia

Hey adventurers! Merel here, with what might just be the longest travel report ever on It's Time To Adventure. Michael and I have finally returned from what we call our "once in a lifetime" trip to Australia... although we're already making plans to go back. Because let's be honest: three months was NOT NEARLY enough!

This report is anything but a polished travel guide. It's a chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes embarrassing collection of our experiences. Expect stories about how I nearly had a heart attack when a spider the size of my hand appeared in our campervan, how Michael tried to surf and literally lost his swim trunks, and of course all the magical moments that made us realize why Australia is such a special place.

So grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine, no judgment here), sit back and enjoy our Australian adventures!

Read our story
Merel Michael About Us
Master these phrases and blend right in

Aussie Slang Survival Guide

If there's one thing that caught us completely off guard in Australia, it was the unique language locals speak. Sure, it's technically English, but Australian slang is a whole dialect of its own. We spent our first week nodding politely while understanding about half of what was being said. Knowing some key Aussie phrases will not only help you function day-to-day but also instantly connect with locals who appreciate the effort. Consider this your essential survival guide to speaking 'Strayan - because nothing says "tourist" faster than looking confused when someone asks if you want to "chuck a sickie and head to the bottle-o."

Arvo

"Afternoon" - "Let's grab a coffee this arvo."

Brekkie

"Breakfast" - "I'm heading out for brekkie at that new cafe."

Bloody oath

"Definitely true!" - "Was the concert good?" "Bloody oath it was!"

No worries

"You're welcome/It's fine" - Used for literally everything

How ya going?

"How are you?" - Not actually a question about movement

Chuck a sickie

"Call in sick to work" - "The surf's great, let's chuck a sickie."

Heaps

"A lot" - "There were heaps of people at Bondi today."

Reckon

"Think/believe" - "I reckon we should leave early tomorrow."

Bottle-o

"Liquor store" - "We're stopping at the bottle-o before the barbie."

Barbie

"Barbecue" - "Throw another shrimp on the barbie!" (No Aussie actually says this)

Stubby

"Bottle of beer" - "Pass us another stubby, mate."

Maccas

"McDonald's" - "Let's grab Maccas on the way home."

Sanger

"Sandwich" - "I packed a vegemite sanger for lunch."

Servo

"Gas/service station" - "The servo sells decent coffee actually."

Snag

"Sausage" - "Grabbed a snag at the Bunnings sausage sizzle."

Flat white

"Australia's signature coffee" - Not slang, but order this to blend in

The outback

"Remote inland Australia" - "We're heading to the outback for a real adventure."

The bush

"Countryside/wilderness" - "They've got a weekend house in the bush."

Woop woop

"Middle of nowhere" - "Their town is out in woop woop."

Rip

"Dangerous ocean current" - "Stay between the flags to avoid the rips."

Words that mean something different in Australia

Thongs: Flip-flops, not underwear

Root: To have sex (never "root for a team")

Entree: Appetizer, not main dish

Bum bag: Fanny pack (and don't say "fanny")

Aussie Accent Hacks

Add -o to everything: Afternoon → arvo, ambulance → ambo

Add -ie to everything else: Breakfast → brekkie, present → pressie

Up-talk at the end? Many sentences rise in pitch at the end

When We Nailed the Aussie Lingo

"An Uber driver thought Michael was from Adelaide after he perfectly pulled off 'No worries, mate' when paying."

"A barista in Melbourne gave me a free coffee when I successfully ordered a 'magic' and knew exactly what it was."

"We asked for directions to the 'bottle-o' instead of liquor store, and the local gave us insider tips on the best beers to buy."

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More than just bucket lists and guidebooks

Unexpected Aussie moments

Kangaroo High-Five
The Kangaroo High-Five Incident 🦘

Michael thought he was getting a cute selfie—until a kangaroo decided to high-five him mid-shot. His reaction? Pure terror. The kangaroo? Completely unfazed.

Public BBQ
The Public BBQ Olympics 🍖

Australians take their public BBQs VERY seriously. We found ourselves in a cook-off with locals who had gourmet setups. Our sad little sausages didn’t stand a chance.

Time Zone Disaster
The Time Zone Disaster 🕒

Fun fact: Australia has SIX time zones. Somewhere between Sydney and Perth, I accidentally called my mom at 3 AM Dutch time. She thought it was an emergency.

Spider Standoff
The Great Spider Standoff 🕷️

If you think Australia’s wildlife is scary, try dealing with a huntsman spider in your campervan. We abandoned the van until a local named Bruce casually picked it up with his bare hands.

Secret Beach
The ‘Secret’ Beach That Wasn’t So Secret 🏖️

A friendly local told us about a "hidden" beach where we'd "definitely" be alone. When we arrived? About 50 other travelers had clearly been told the same thing.

Australia Weather

What's the weather like in Australia?

Australia's weather is truly as wild and varied as its landscapes. One day you're sweating through your shirt on a 40°C scorcher in the outback, the next you're reaching for a light jacket as the sea breeze cools things down along the coast. We'll never forget that time in Melbourne when we experienced what locals call "four seasons in one day" - we started with sunscreen at breakfast, grabbed umbrellas by lunch, and were huddled in our warmest layers by evening. Meanwhile, up in Queensland, we'd be swimming in December while our friends back home were building snowmen!

Winter down south means crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons - perfect for exploring without melting. Though if you venture to Tasmania, pack those extra layers - the wind there cut right through us despite what the "mild" forecast promised. And a word of warning about those tropical "showers" in the north - they're nothing like the gentle rain you might be used to. When it rains in places like Darwin or Cairns, it POURS, turning streets into temporary rivers in minutes before the sun reappears as if nothing happened. The locals just laugh and say "that's Australia for ya!"

Australia Weather
When to travel

The best season to travel to Australia

January

It's summer in Australia, and the sun is shining bright! Expect warm weather, perfect for hitting the beaches and enjoying the great outdoors.

>Average temperature: 25-30°C

February

Still basking in summer vibes, February can get pretty steamy. It's a fantastic time for water activities, but be prepared for some high humidity.

>Average temperature: 26-31°C

March

As summer starts to fade, March brings milder temperatures and lovely sunny days. It's a great month for outdoor festivals and exploring nature.

>Average temperature: 23-28°C

April

Autumn kicks in with comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Perfect for those who enjoy sightseeing without breaking a sweat!

>Average temperature: 20-25°C

May

May brings cooler temperatures and a chance of rain, especially in the southern regions. Ideal for cozy indoor activities or wine tasting tours.

>Average temperature: 17-22°C

June

Winter arrives, and it's time to bundle up! The south can get quite chilly, while the north remains warm and appealing for sun-seekers.

>Average temperature: 10-20°C

July

July is the heart of winter, and the southern regions can experience quite a bit of cold. However, it's a great time for skiing in the mountains!

>Average temperature: 8-18°C

August

Still in winter mode, but temperatures begin to rise towards the end of the month. A perfect time for indoor activities and warm drinks.

>Average temperature: 9-19°C

September

Spring is here! September brings blooming flowers and rising temperatures. It's a lovely time to explore Australia's natural beauty.

>Average temperature: 12-22°C

October

October is all about sunny days and pleasant weather. The perfect month for outdoor adventures and enjoying the stunning landscapes.

>Average temperature: 15-25°C

November

With summer just around the corner, November heats up nicely. Ideal for beach lovers and those looking to relax in the sun.

>Average temperature: 18-28°C

December

Summer officially begins in December! The festive season is in full swing, with plenty of events and activities to enjoy under the sun.

>Average temperature: 22-30°C

Pack the essentials

What to know for Australia

Before you pack your bags and hop on that long-haul flight, here are some essential things you need to know that will make your Australian journey smoother. These practical tips saved us from several headaches during our three-month adventure!

  • Visa Requirements: You'll need the right visa to enter the country - most visitors qualify for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or need to apply for a Visitor Visa. We tried to help some fellow travelers at Brisbane airport who hadn't sorted their paperwork, and trust us, you don't want to start your holiday that way!
  • Sun Protection: The UV rays here are among the strongest in the world, even on cloudy days. We carry SPF50+ everywhere, wear hats whenever we're outdoors, and invest in quality sunglasses. That British family we met in Bondi spent two days of their holiday in their hotel room with severe sunburn - don't be them!
  • Wildlife Awareness: Yes, you'll likely see kangaroos and possibly koalas, but approaching wildlife too closely can be dangerous for both you and the animals. We've watched rangers patiently explaining to excited visitors why feeding wild animals or getting too close for selfies isn't a good idea. Enjoy from a respectful distance.
  • Driving Rules: If you're renting a car, remember Australians drive on the left. This took us some getting used to, especially at roundabouts and turning into the correct lane. Just take it slow at first and you'll soon adjust to this different way of driving.

These practical considerations might seem small, but they'll free you up to enjoy the incredible experiences waiting for you! Now, speaking of making the most of your Australian adventure, let's dive into how to get around this massive country...

Packing list for Australia

  • Sunblock
  • Swimwear
  • Insect repellent
  • Hiking boots
  • Flip flops
  • Vegemite
  • Emergency dance moves
Transportation tips

How to get around in Australia

Getting around Australia isn't rocket science once you know the basics. We tried everything from buses to bikes during our trip, and each option has its own quirks.

Public Transport

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have great networks of buses, trains, and trams. Grab an Opal or Myki card for easier payment. Just watch those timetables – we got stranded once when the buses stopped earlier than we expected!

Expect to pay between $2.50 and $5.00 per trip, with daily caps for unlimited travel. Weekly passes make sense if you're staying put for a while and plan to explore different areas.

Taxi Services

Taxis are everywhere in cities, but we usually opted for Uber – it was cheaper and easier. Always verify your car details before jumping in, though! We've had some awkward moments approaching the wrong vehicle.

Taxi fares start around $4.00 plus roughly $1.50 per kilometer. Rideshare prices fluctuate with demand – we got caught in a surge after a rugby match and nearly walked home instead!

Biking

Cycling is fantastic in Australian cities, especially those with good bike lanes. We loved riding along Brisbane's South Bank. Remember that helmets are mandatory – they actually enforce this rule here.

Bike rentals cost about $10 per hour or $30 daily. Bike-sharing options charge roughly $2 to unlock plus $0.20 per minute – perfect for short trips and burning off all those Tim Tams!

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How Australia became a global coffee capital

One Caffeine Hit at a Time

The first time we ordered coffee in Sydney, the barista looked at us like we'd asked for moon dust in our cups. "Just a coffee" apparently means nothing in Australia. Here, coffee is serious business - a daily ritual that locals perfect with religious dedication. Forget what you know about quick caffeine fixes; Australian coffee culture moves at its own pace, where baristas remember your order, milk is textured to microfoam perfection, and "taking away" often means lingering outside the café for an extra 15 minutes chatting with the person who made your drink. This coffee wonderland runs on its own delicious rules, and understanding them will transform your Australian experience!

The Coffee Code

Australia's secret language

Flat White

Double espresso with velvety microfoam milk - Australia's gift to the world

Long Black

Hot water topped with espresso - NOT an Americano

Magic

Melbourne's secret handshake - double ristretto with perfect milk

Cold Drip

Slow-brewed for 12+ hours - liquid gold in Sydney summers

Coffee Culture Shocks

Price Tag Panic

$5-7 for a coffee isn't unusual. Quality costs, and Australians gladly pay it. Think of it as fine wine, not just caffeine.

The Waiting Game

Each cup is made with individual care. Impatient toe-tapping will earn you side-eye from locals who know good things take time.

Chain Rejection

Starbucks famously failed here. Aussies prefer independent cafés with character, where baristas remember your name and order.

Temperature Control

Ask for "extra hot" and watch baristas wince. The ideal milk temperature preserves sweetness and creates perfect microfoam.

Coffee Geography

Melbourne

The undisputed coffee capital. Hidden laneway cafés, warehouse roasters, and baristas who compete internationally. Look for their signature "magic" - not on menus but ordered by those in the know.

Sydney

Coffee with ocean views. Sydney blends beach culture with coffee expertise. Birthplace of the flat white (though New Zealanders dispute this). Stunning café designs complement the harbor scenery.

Brisbane

Coffee in the subtropics means excellent cold brews and iced options. Airy warehouse conversions and riverside spots where coffee culture merges with Queensland's outdoor lifestyle.

Perth

Isolated innovation in the west. Perth's Mediterranean climate means alfresco coffee year-round with a strong focus on sustainability and local sourcing.

Your First Order

Sound like a local from day one

Say: "Flat white, please"

Say: "Small long black"

Say: "Could I try the single origin?"

Never say: "Regular coffee"

Never say: "Americano"

Never say: "Extra hot"

Pro Tip: The Coffee Window

Many cafés have takeaway windows where regulars grab their daily fix without queuing. Check side alleys and street frontages - often the quickest way to get your caffeine without the wait.

Food Pairing Essential

Coffee isn't just a drink here - it's half of a perfect pairing. Look for house-made banana bread, avocado toast, or the café's signature breakfast to complement your brew.

Did You Know? Aussie Coffee Facts

Impress locals with your insider knowledge

World Champions

Australians have won the World Barista Championship more times than any other country. They're the All Blacks of coffee competition.

Billion Dollar Industry

Australians spend over $800 million on coffee beans and more than $2 billion on café coffee annually. That's around $1,000 per coffee drinker each year.

Global Takeover

Australian-style cafés are now in New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo, with expat Aussie baristas bringing their coffee culture worldwide.

Starbucks Failure

Starbucks opened 84 stores in Australia in 2000-2008, but closed 60+ due to competition from superior local cafés. Australians still see this as a point of national pride.

Instant Rejection

While 75% of coffee consumed at home worldwide is instant, Australians increasingly use espresso machines, pour-over, or at least coffee pods at home.

Latte Art Masters

Australian baristas were among the first to popularize latte art. If your coffee doesn't come with at least a basic pattern, you're probably not at a good café.

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Latest blogs

Blogs about Australia

Why is everything so expensive in Australia? How to avoid blowing your budget

March 17, 2025

Travelers often find themselves gasping at the prices in Australia. You might think that a loaf of bread should not cost as much as a small yacht, but

The 5 must-visit dining spots in Brisbane's food scene

March 11, 2025

Brisbane is like that friend who knows all the best places to eat but insists on keeping them a secret until you ask (and even then, they might still

Sydney’s ferry system: The best way to explore the city like a local

March 2, 2025

Why ferries are your best bet Forget about those overpriced harbor cruises that promise the world but deliver nothing more than a mediocre glass of c

The top 5 must-try dishes in Sydney's food scene

February 22, 2025

When you think of Sydney, what comes to mind? The Sydney Opera House? Bondi Beach? Maybe a kangaroo hopping through a cafe? While all those are cool,

View all blogs
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Australia Budget Calculator

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Plan your journey

Ready-to use itineraries for Australia

Browse our itineraries and find the perfect plan for your trip!

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Links to save

Useful sources when travelling to Australia

Australian Government Travel Advice

Planning an international trip? Smartraveller, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, provides essential travel advice, destination-specific safety updates, and tips to ensure you stay informed and prepared for any situation while abroad.

Visit Smartraveller

Visa and Immigration

If you're traveling to Australia, this is the go-to resource for visa options, entry requirements, and application procedures. Whether you're visiting for tourism, work, or study, find everything you need for a smooth arrival.

Visit Department of Home Affairs

Entering and Leaving Australia

Before you pack your bags, check this site for customs regulations, quarantine requirements, and border clearance guidelines to avoid any surprises when entering or leaving Australia.

Visit Australian Border Force

Official Tourism Website

Australia has it all—stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes. Tourism Australia's official website is your ultimate guide to destinations, attractions, events, and travel itineraries to help plan your dream trip.

Visit Tourism Australia

Travel Health

Stay healthy on your travels! This site provides up-to-date information on vaccinations, health advisories, and disease prevention for travelers heading to or within Australia.

Visit Australian Government Department of Health

Australian Passports Office

Need a new passport? Whether you're applying for a new one or renewing an existing one, the Australian Passports Office has all the details you need to ensure you're ready for international travel.

Visit Australian Passports Office

Travel

For Australians traveling overseas, this site offers essential resources, including consular services, travel advisories, and emergency assistance in case things don’t go as planned.

Visit Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

National Parks

Explore Australia’s natural wonders! Parks Australia provides everything you need to know about visiting the country's breathtaking national parks, from hiking trails and wildlife encounters to visitor guidelines.

Visit Parks Australia

Public Transport Information

If you're exploring Sydney or other parts of New South Wales, this site has all the details on public transport options, including trains, buses, ferries, and light rail, to help you get around with ease.

Visit Transport for NSW

Victorian Road and Traffic Information

Driving in Victoria? Check VicRoads for the latest road conditions, traffic updates, and driver licensing information to ensure a smooth and safe journey through the state.

Visit VicRoads
Get to know Australia

Frequently asked questions about Australia

Can I bring my beloved Vegemite on the plane?

Absolutely, but... You might want to check your destination's customs rules first. Australia is super strict about bringing food in, but taking it out? It's a bit of a gray area.

Vegemite is a national treasure, but if you're flying out of Australia, you can pack it in your luggage. Just know that some countries have restrictions on importing food products, especially spreads. For example, the US might give you a hard time. So, check the customs regulations of the country you're heading to, or you might end up with a confiscated jar and a sad face.

Why are the public toilets in Australia so weirdly clean?

Because they actually care! Seriously, public toilets here are like the Taj Mahal of restrooms.

Australia takes cleanliness seriously, so you’ll find that many public toilets are well-maintained and often equipped with free toilet paper, soap, and even automatic hand dryers. Some even have a “cleaning in progress” sign to keep you from walking into a mess. Just be prepared for the occasional “long drop” style toilet in rural areas, and always check for a toilet seat before you sit down. You never know!

Can I swim at Bondi Beach in winter?

Sure, if you're part seal! Seriously though, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Bondi Beach in winter is a whole different ball game. The water temperature can drop to around 16°C (61°F), which is brisk to say the least! If you’re brave enough to take a dip, just know that it might be a shock to your system. Locals do it, but they’re usually in wetsuits. If you’re looking for a more comfortable experience, stick to sunbathing or grabbing a hot chocolate at a nearby café instead.

Why does my phone keep switching to Australian time?

Because it’s a time zone rebel! Seriously, Australia has more time zones than you can shake a stick at.

Australia spans three time zones, and during daylight saving time, it can get even more confusing. If you're traveling across states, be prepared for your phone to do some gymnastics with the time settings. Make sure you manually check the time zone settings when you land in a new city. And if you’re in Queensland, remember they don’t do daylight saving, so your phone might be a bit off if you’re coming from Sydney or Melbourne!

Can I pay with cash anywhere in Australia?

Not really, mate! Cash is a bit of a dying breed here.

Australia is moving towards a cashless society faster than you can say “G’day.” Many places prefer card payments, and some even don’t accept cash at all. If you want to use cash, your best bet is at markets, smaller shops, or rural areas. But don’t rely on it too much; always have a backup card handy. Plus, contactless payments are everywhere, so just tap and go!

What’s the deal with tipping in Australia?

It’s optional, but appreciated! Don’t stress too much about it.

Tipping in Australia isn’t as mandatory as it is in the US. While it’s becoming more common to leave a tip (10-15% is nice), it’s not expected. If you’re at a café or a pub, rounding up the bill or leaving your change is perfectly acceptable. Just remember, if you do tip, it’s a sign of appreciation rather than an obligation. So, tip if you feel like it, but don’t feel pressured to do so!

Want to learn more? Check out our ultimate FAQ about travelling to Australia!
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Community Q&A

Got a question about Australia? Fire away!

Answer:
Hey Jessica!
Oh my goodness, the campervan question brings back so many memories! Michael and I absolutely LOVED our campervan experience in Australia, even with all the chaos it sometimes brought.
Our bright yellow campervan "Dingo" was truly our home on wheels for six incredible weeks along the east coast. Was it sometimes challenging? Absolutely! Try living in a space the size of a bathroom with someone for weeks and you'll discover things you never knew about each other (like Michael's sleep-talking about football statistics, which I now tease him about mercilessly).
The freedom a campervan gives you is unbeatable though. Some of our most magical moments happened because we could just pull over whenever something caught our eye - like that empty beach near Byron Bay where we watched dolphins at sunrise, or the random country town in New South Wales where we ended up at a local festival and made friends we still keep in touch with.
Hotels give you comfort, yes, but with a campervan, your accommodation AND transportation are sorted in one go. Plus, you discover these amazing holiday parks with facilities that are often right on beaches or in national parks - locations where hotels simply don't exist. Some even had swimming pools, communal kitchens, and barbecues where we met other travelers and locals.
That said, it's definitely not for everyone. If you need your personal space, can't handle basic cleaning (the post-spider incident cleanup was... dramatic), or want consistent luxury, maybe mix it up with some hotel stays in the cities. We actually did this in Sydney and Melbourne, which gave us a nice break from van life.
My biggest tip? Get a van slightly bigger than you think you need! Those few extra square meters make a world of difference, especially during rainy days (we had a full week of rain near Coffs Harbour and learned this lesson the hard way).
So overall? Despite the occasional relationship test and that one massive huntsman spider that nearly made me book an early flight home, I'd choose the campervan adventure again in a heartbeat!
Liefs, Merel
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Answer:
Ah, the famous Australian dangerous animals question! Let me share my experience: Yes, there ARE dangerous creatures in Australia, but it's not nearly as dramatic as the internet makes it seem. During our three-month adventure, I encountered exactly ONE huntsman spider in our campervan (which I'm still having nightmares about, honestly), but no deadly snakes, no box jellyfish, and definitely no crocodiles outside of wildlife sanctuaries.
Most Australians I met actually laugh about the reputation their country has! They have a saying: "Everything here can kill you, but nothing actually will." The reality is that with basic common sense (like not swimming where there are crocodile warning signs, wearing protective footwear when walking in bushland, and checking your shoes before putting them on), you'll be completely fine.
The locals are also super helpful about safety. They'll always warn you if there's a genuine concern in an area. The most dangerous thing we encountered was actually the sun - Australian UV radiation is intense! My sunburn lasted for weeks. So while the dangerous animal stories aren't completely myths, they're definitely exaggerated.
Love, Merel
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Answer:
Hey Victoria!
Australia is expensive. And when I say expensive, I mean REALLY expensive. For a Belgian traveler, the prices might make your wallet cry. A coffee costs €7. A simple lunch? Around €20. A dinner out could easily set you back €50-60.
Our total three-month trip cost about €15,000 per person. That covered flights, accommodation, food, activities, and those delicious Tim Tams we smuggled home by the truckload.
When we first started planning our trip, the costs nearly made us cancel. Sydney and Melbourne hit our budget the hardest. We learned quickly that survival meant getting creative. We rented a bright yellow campervan we affectionately named Dingo, which became our home and our biggest budget hack. Cooking meals in the campervan, using free public BBQs in parks, and choosing budget-friendly accommodations helped us stretch our euros.
Michael became a master of finding cheap thrills. We'd grab fresh produce from local markets like Queen Victoria in Melbourne, picnic in stunning national parks, and take advantage of free city walking tours. Wineries in the Yarra Valley offered affordable tastings, and we discovered that some of the best experiences cost nothing at all - like watching the sunset at Cape Leeuwin or hiking through breathtaking landscapes.
Working holiday programs can be a game-changer for budget travelers. Many young Europeans offset their travel costs by picking up temporary work. We met backpackers who funded months of travel by working in hostels, farms, or local cafes.
Our top budget survival strategy was flexibility. We were willing to trade luxury for experience. Sometimes that meant instant noodles for dinner so we could afford an incredible whale-watching tour. Other times, it was camping instead of hotels to save money for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
Is Australia worth the astronomical cost? Absolutely. The memories we created are priceless. From encountering wildlife to making friends with locals who taught us about "no worries" culture, every expensive moment was worth it.
My final piece of advice: Set a budget, then add another 30% for unexpected expenses. By the way: you can also try our Budget calculator on our pages, have you tried that yet? :-)
Love, Merel
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