You don't need to fly halfway around the world to have a proper holiday. Some of the best getaways in Australia cost a fraction of what you'd spend on an international trip, and they're right here waiting for you.
Whether you're after turquoise water, red dirt, rainforest, or a quiet country town with amazing food, Australia has budget-friendly options that genuinely deliver. No tourist traps, no overpriced resorts, just good destinations that won't empty your savings account.
Here are 10 cheap holiday spots around Australia that are actually worth your time and money.
1. Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay has a reputation for being pricey, but it doesn't have to be. Skip the boutique hotels and grab a spot at one of the caravan parks or hostels dotted around town. First Sun Holiday Park is right on the beach and costs a fraction of what the hotels charge.
The best stuff in Byron is free anyway. Walk the Cape Byron Track to the lighthouse for sunrise (it's genuinely spectacular), swim at Wategos Beach, browse the markets on a Thursday evening, and grab a cheap feed from one of the food trucks near the beach. You can easily spend three or four days here without breaking the bank.
Budget tip: Visit midweek outside of school holidays. Accommodation prices drop by 30 to 50%.
2. Magnetic Island, QLD
Just a 20-minute ferry from Townsville, Magnetic Island feels like you've stumbled onto a tropical island that the big resort chains forgot about. Two-thirds of the island is national park, the beaches are uncrowded, and wild koalas are everywhere.
Stay at a hostel or holiday unit in Nelly Bay, hire a topless car (a Magnetic Island tradition), and spend your days snorkelling at Florence Bay, hiking the Forts Walk for wartime history and ocean views, and catching the sunset from Horseshoe Bay. The ferry is cheap, food is affordable, and you'll wonder why more people don't come here.
Budget tip: BYO snorkel gear and pack lunches. The island's small supermarket is expensive.
3. Margaret River, WA
Margaret River is famous for wine, which sounds expensive. But here's the thing: most cellar doors offer free tastings, and you can easily spend an afternoon sampling world-class wines without paying a cent beyond the petrol to get there.
Beyond wine, the region has incredible caves (Mammoth Cave is a self-guided walk), surf beaches that rival anything on the east coast, and some of the tallest trees in Australia at the Boranup Karri Forest. Camp at one of the national park sites for under $15 a night and cook over a fire.
Budget tip: Stock up on groceries in Busselton before you arrive. Margaret River township prices are touristy.
4. Jervis Bay, NSW
Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay holds the Guinness World Record for the whitest sand on earth. Whether or not you care about records, the beach is genuinely jaw-dropping. The water is crystal clear, dolphins cruise past regularly, and in winter you can spot whales from the shore.
Accommodation is affordable if you camp or book a cabin at one of the holiday parks. Booderee National Park has excellent camping, plus walking trails through bushland and secluded beaches that feel like your own private cove. Entry to the national park is $13 per vehicle for 48 hours.
Budget tip: Bring your own kayak or paddleboard. Hire costs add up quickly here.
5. Bright, VIC
Tucked into the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Bright is one of those towns that looks good in every season. Autumn is the standout, when the whole main street turns gold and red, but summer brings cycling and swimming holes, and winter means snow just up the road at Mount Hotham or Falls Creek.
The Murray to Mountains rail trail runs right through town, and it's one of the best cycling paths in the country. Hire a bike for a day, ride through vineyards and farmland, and stop for lunch at one of the small towns along the way. Accommodation ranges from budget motels to caravan parks with mountain views.
Budget tip: Autumn (March to May) is peak leaf season but still cheaper than the ski season. Midweek rates are a bargain.
6. Port Douglas, QLD
Port Douglas gives you the Great Barrier Reef without the crowds of Cairns, and it's surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead. Stay at a self-contained apartment rather than a resort, shop at the Sunday markets for fresh tropical fruit, and eat at the local fish and chip shops rather than the waterfront restaurants.
The Daintree Rainforest is just up the road, and you can explore a fair chunk of it without paying for a tour. Drive the scenic route, walk the boardwalks at Mossman Gorge, and swim at the Daintree River. For the reef, shop around for boat trips as prices vary wildly between operators.
If you've been dreaming about a tropical escape but the budget feels tight, a holiday loan can help you lock in deals before prices go up.
Budget tip: Book reef tours in the shoulder season (April or November). Prices drop and the weather is still great.
7. Kangaroo Island, SA
Kangaroo Island is one of Australia's best wildlife destinations, and it feels a world away from the mainland even though it's just a short ferry from Cape Jervis. Sea lions, koalas, echidnas, and kangaroos are everywhere, and you don't need a tour to see them.
The island took a hit during the 2020 bushfires, but the recovery has been remarkable. Flinders Chase National Park is open again, Remarkable Rocks is as photogenic as ever, and the local businesses are keen for visitors. Camp at one of the national park campgrounds, stock up on supplies in Kingscote, and take your time exploring.
Budget tip: The SeaLink ferry is the biggest expense. Book well ahead and look for off-peak fares.
8. Airlie Beach, QLD
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, and while a sailing trip through the islands is the dream, the town itself is a solid budget destination. The free lagoon pool on the waterfront is excellent, the nightlife is fun without being expensive, and the views from the walking trails above town are stunning.
If you want to get out on the water without spending a fortune, look at day trips rather than overnight sailing packages. A day trip to Whitehaven Beach is usually under $200 and includes lunch and snorkelling. It's one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and a day is enough to soak it all in.
Budget tip: Hostel dorms start from around $25 a night. The YHA has a pool and is a two-minute walk from the lagoon.
9. Cradle Mountain, TAS
Tasmania is full of affordable destinations, but Cradle Mountain stands out. The national park entry is $25 per vehicle (or free with a parks pass), and once you're in, the hiking is world-class. Dove Lake circuit is the most popular walk, a flat 6km loop around a glacial lake with Cradle Mountain towering above. It's spectacular in any weather.
Stay at the Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park for budget-friendly cabins, or camp if you're geared up for it. The area is quiet, the air is clean, and you'll see wombats wandering around the campground at dusk. It's the kind of place that makes you wonder why you'd ever leave.
Budget tip: Buy a Tasmania Parks Pass if you're visiting for more than a few days. It covers all national parks and saves you a fortune.
10. Coober Pedy, SA
If you want something completely different, Coober Pedy is it. This outback town in the middle of the South Australian desert is famous for being underground. Most of the homes, a church, and even a hotel are carved into the rock to escape the extreme heat. It's bizarre, fascinating, and unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Stay in an underground hotel room (it's cooler than it sounds, literally), visit the opal mines, and drive out to the Breakaways for some of the most dramatic outback scenery you'll ever see. The town is a popular stop on the Adelaide to Alice Springs drive, so it works perfectly as part of a bigger road trip.
Budget tip: Fuel up in Port Augusta before the drive. Petrol prices in Coober Pedy are steep.
Planning Your Budget Holiday
The biggest costs on any Australian holiday are usually accommodation and getting there. Here are a few general tips that apply no matter where you go:
- Travel in the shoulder season (just before or after school holidays) for the best prices
- Camp or stay in holiday parks rather than hotels. Many have excellent facilities
- Cook your own meals for at least half the trip. A good camp stove pays for itself in one weekend
- Look for free activities first. National parks, beaches, walking trails, and markets cost nothing
- Book flights and ferries early. Prices climb fast closer to the date
If you've found the perfect deal but the timing doesn't line up with your pay cycle, a small personal loan can help you lock it in before prices go up. Sometimes the cost of waiting is more than the cost of borrowing, especially with last-minute price hikes on flights and accommodation.
For more tips on stretching your dollars further, check out our guide on money saving tips that actually work.
Key Takeaways
Australia is full of affordable holiday destinations if you know where to look. Here's a quick recap:
- Byron Bay, Magnetic Island, and Airlie Beach deliver tropical vibes on a budget
- Margaret River and Bright are perfect for food, wine, and nature without the big price tag
- Jervis Bay and Port Douglas offer some of the best beaches and reef access in the country
- Kangaroo Island and Cradle Mountain are wildlife and wilderness experiences that rival anything overseas
- Coober Pedy is one of the most unique towns in Australia, and surprisingly affordable
- Travel in shoulder season, camp where you can, and book early for the biggest savings
The hardest part of any holiday is actually booking it. If you've been putting off that trip, maybe it's time to stop scrolling and start packing. And if the budget needs a little help, MoneyBuddy's holiday loans are designed to get you there without the stress. Quick, simple, and no judgment.
