How to Road Trip Australia on a Budget
There’s nothing quite like a trip around Australia—especially when you’re going by car. It’s the 6th largest country in the world by land area, and within you’ll find everything from modern, multicultural cities to vast, untouched wilderness. It’s an epic undertaking, but it can also be an epic strain on the bank balance. That’s where a low-cost, low-fuss Ace rental car comes in handy, plus a few more tips from us for how to save a bit of money along the way. Let’s find out how.
Choose Your Journey
Australia’s massive size means that doing it all in one trip will take a long time—therefore cost a bit of money. If you’re looking to save, you may want to consider focusing on a single region. For example, a trip along the east coast gives Australia’s biggest and best cities—Sydney and Melbourne—plus national parkland and some of the world’s best beaches. It’s only one part of the country, but you'll cover a lot of ground. Understand what kind of Australia you’re looking for, then plan accordingly.
Mix Free With Treats
Much of what makes Australia special won’t cost you a thing. Whether you’re lounging at the beach or wandering through ancient rainforests, you can take it all in without taking out your wallet. You may occasionally have to pay a small entry fee for some National Parks, but it’ll always be a small price to pay for such an unforgettable experience. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth splurging here and there. Join a paid snorkelling tour, or a crocodile-feeding cruise, and you’ll probably find it was well worth it.

Save on Food Along the Way
Eating out three times a day adds up quickly. Along your journey, stop at markets and shops, stocking up on local produce. It’s cheaper than eating out, it’s plenty delicious, and all you need to do is stop somewhere scenic and set up a picnic when hunger strikes. Many parks and beaches even have public electric BBQs, allowing you to add meats and veggies to your shopping list. When it comes to eating out, particularly in major cities, you’ll find an incredible range of Asian restaurants that are just as tasty as they are affordable. And if you do want to splurge on something really special, balancing it out with some low-cost eats will make it easier to justify.
Drive Smart, Cut Costs
At Ace, we proudly provide rental cars that are budget-friendly, so that travellers can get the most out of their time here in Australia. But how you drive also makes a difference to how much you spend. Petrol is one of those annoying but necessary costs that we often forget to factor in, so downloading an app that tracks fuel prices can help keep that cost down. When you’re in the cities, try leaving the car at your accommodation and take a walk instead.

Know Your Freebies
Many of Australia’s highlights, like museums, are totally free. Find these places, add them to your list, and spend an afternoon without spending a cent. This way, you’ll have more to spend on the many non-negotiable treats these cities will throw at you.
More Ways to Save, One Way to Go
Australia is one great big country, with endless places to see (and spend money on). But with some smart planning, you can get the most out of your time here without the financial regret. And when you’re travelling with an Ace rental car, you can add one more savvy cost-saving decision to your list. Book your ride today, and save your cash for the moments that matter most.