While you conjure up images of Uluru, the Sydney Opera House, and the famous Bondi beach, your wallet is probably crying out in agony as any of the aforementioned spots would require a hefty chunk of your savings. Known as the country with an exceptionally high standard of living, quality of life to match their prices, and the laid-back lifestyle, it’s perfectly natural to want to visit this splendid continent for an adventure of a lifetime. Still, we refer you back to the screaming wallet.
In order to make yourself and you budget happy, let’s take a look at less touristy, and more prudent and thrifty methods of travel that will have you booking a flight to the Land Down Under in a matter of moments!
Join a work and travel program
Luckily for the rest of the world, Australia sure has plenty to offer when it comes to different jobs, including those that do and don’t require qualifications or even experience. Simply put, there are jobs you can apply for even if you’ve never done them before, and you don’t need to get a degree or anything of the sort – it’s enough to get a few days of basic training when you arrive, and you’ll be good to go.
In addition to versatility, another beauty of this type of traveling across Australia is that you’ll most often have paid lodging and a portion of your meals will be covered. Some programs even include other perks, such as fieldtrips or free access to certain events.
Dig up your inner digital nomad
Then again, if you don’t need a visa to access the country, and you already have a solid amount of experience working online, then why abandon a tried and tested plan? If you don’t need to work in the same time-zone as your clients and if you have the freedom to manage your own time, then paying for your trip on the go by providing digital services is one of the best ways to minimize your expenses.
In this scenario, you’ll need to restrict your visit to urban areas that have a reliable Internet connection, so perhaps this is less favorable for those whose dream is to spend a week in Uluru and go around visiting their vast national parks. Weekend trips to these areas may be an option depending on your location, so make sure to do your homework before you chose where you’ll reside.
Go wild and untamed
If you’re not addicted to a high level of comfort and you’re happy to sacrifice some of your high-end café trips, then camping in the great outdoors all across Australia is a dream-come-true for you. Some of the most alluring spots include the Blue Mountains National Park, Mt Franklin, and Split Rock Dam, and what makes them even more attractive is that they’re free of charge.
However, since you’ll be relying predominantly on your own skills, remember to stock up on the right food, find durable outdoor camping gear for your endeavors, and get to know the area before you go. Australia is famous for the many spider and snake species roaming around, so knowing your way around their natural habitats is best for your as well as your travel companions!
Do some good on the go
Pair the best of both worlds, travelling and making a difference, by joining a volunteer program that will take you to some of the most beautiful places on the continent. This time, you can see spots such as the Great Barrier Reef from an entirely different perspective, and help clean the ocean, protect some of their precious marine species, and learn so much about their breathtaking nature.
Other opportunities include working in Zoos, saving and taking care of their different wildlife species such as turtles, koalas, and kangaroos, while you can also work with the indigenous people, helping their communities thrive and survive.
Continue your education
Known for their world-renowned universities and colleges, Australia is often the first choice for many international students who wish to broaden their horizons in an entirely new environment. These schools offer a wide range of programs, scholarships, and accommodation options that will make your experience all the more budget-friendly. And, let’s not forget that you’ll have an invaluable set of skills together with a degree by the end of your academic education in Australia.
You can check if you can apply for a scholarship to make your journey more affordable, but also keep in mind that your student visa allows you to work 40 hours per fortnight during the semester, while you can work as much as you like when it’s time for a break.
Have you seen something amazing during your travels? Write about it and have it published on Backpackways.com Know How To!
