How to road trip around Australia on a budget!
We think it’s safe to say that Australia is one of the best countries to in the world to road trip. The people are friendly, the scenery is stunning and the roads just keep on going.
However, what’s not necessarily safe is your budget. Though some people have all the money in the world, there are likely more of us who are holidaying on limited funding. We don’t want you to miss out on the awesome experiences Oz has to offer, so here are our road trip tips for the cash-conscious traveller.
Tip 1: Choose your attractions carefully
There is an uncountable amount of famous attractions around Australia, but you don’t need to see them all to have a great time. To stick to the budget, you need to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really need to see that attraction?
- What is within driving distance to my starting point?
- What could I do for free?
For example, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a sight to behold, but driving there is a challenge. You would probably have to fly, which could cost around $150-$250 from Sydney (one way), using Virgin Australia’s current prices as an example. Increase that for the return fare, then consider how many tickets you would need for your group. It might make more sense to not visit the famous landmark, and instead see the more unique sights closer to where you are.
Examples of free attractions:
- Nature bush walks in a national park, of which the Aussie government says there are over 500 around the nation
- Check out our 4 natural attractions along the Great Ocean Road
- Check our blogs for FREE, Cheap and Affordable things to do on your road trip
- Our favourite beaches
- Exploring Melbourne on a Budget
- Free activities to do in Cairns
- Free Things to do in Darwin
- Top free activities to do in Brisbane
- Cheap & Affordable Blogs
- Museums and other exhibits are also in some case free, so do a little research before you get to where you are going
Tip 2: Find ways to cut costs
Just because you are on holiday doesn’t mean you can go crazy on spending. There are two main areas in which you can cut costs when road tripping:
Food and drink
Are you expecting to eat out for every meal? Perhaps think again. Even if you only eat dinner out each day, at an average of $18 per meal, after a week travelling you’ll have spent $126 on food alone. This is excluding drinks and snacks, and anyone else’s meal in your party. On the other hand, for the same price you could purchase a pile of groceries to make your own meals, which would feed everyone.
Accommodation
Lastly, where are you planning on staying? Though motels and hotels vary in price, the accumulated costs can really mount up. Have you considered camping? Many of Australia’s national parks have camp sites with toilet, shower and barbecue facilities freely available. Pop a tent in the boot, check which sites don’t have a fee and you’re good to go!
The money saver
Our Super Saver rental car models will keep your wallet happy. These feature rental cars that range in age, all of which have been selected to balance a smooth driving experience with cost efficiency.
Car Hire Deals
Check out our deals page for current promo codes and special offers.
Branch Locations
We have rental car locations all over Australia so no matter where you plan to pick up your car rental or drop off your rental car we will be able to accommodate your needs, our locations are all open 7 days a week and with arrangement offer after-hours Rental car pickups and drop-offs.
Adelaide Airport, Brisbane Airport, Cairns Airport, Cairns CBD, Gold Coast Airport, Melbourne Airport, Sydney Airport and Perth Airport
Rent The Experience
A rental car’s a rental car. A moving metallic shell capable of travelling at relatively high speeds from one point to another, safely harbouring people and said people’s material goods en route. It’s a means of getting from A to B, a functional requirement, a literal vehicle to something much bigger. An experience.
An experience is something that helps to define us, that inspires us, that makes us more alive, more human. It’s a breath of mountain fresh air. The feel of a wind on our face. The filtered orange glow of a breaking dawn. The pulse-racing rush of adrenaline, the quivering anticipation of a journey unknown.
An experience is something that validates our sense of who we are. It becomes weaved into the fabric of our existence. It can be brought to mind on a whim to help us escape to a better time. It lives on in us. Forever.
Ace Rentals Cars. Rent the experience.
Check out: Rent The Experience
