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How to save money on an Australian holiday: tips for budget-friendly travel
A great holiday doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. With thoughtful planning, savvy timing and a little creativity, Aussie travellers can enjoy memorable trips without overspending.
Whether you're dreaming of a weekend escape in regional Victoria, a relaxed coastal break or an interstate adventure, there are plenty of ways to stretch your dollar further while still enjoying everything a holiday has to offer.
Holidaying on a budget is not about missing out. It's about making choices that maximise value, minimise stress and allow you to travel more often without financial strain. From booking smarter and travelling off-peak to embracing low-cost experiences and cutting everyday expenses, here's how to enjoy a rewarding getaway without blowing the budget.
Tips for saving money on holiday
Set a realistic budget - and stick to it
Travellers who set a budget early are far more likely to stay on track and avoid unnecessary costs. A realistic holiday budget accounts not only for travel and accommodation but also for meals, fuel, activities, tolls, parking, travel insurance, and any unexpected expenses that may arise.
Flexibility also plays a major role in saving money. People who remain open to alternative dates, transport options, destinations and accommodation styles often unlock significant savings.
By adjusting your expectations around peak travel periods or shifting a mid-summer trip to early autumn, you could secure lower prices and enjoy a more relaxed holiday experience without crowds.
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Choose off-peak dates for substantial savings
Time of year is often the single biggest factor affecting holiday costs. Travelling outside peak periods, such as school holidays, long weekends and major event weeks, can reduce accommodation and flight prices dramatically. Off-peak travel also allows holidaymakers to enjoy quieter attractions, easier restaurant bookings and shorter queues.
Regional Victoria, for example, becomes more affordable in shoulder seasons like early spring or late autumn, when wineries, nature trails, and boutique stays are just as enjoyable but significantly less crowded. Road trippers also benefit from reduced fuel consumption when traffic is lighter and conditions more predictable.
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Book early, compare widely and look for member discounts
Booking well in advance is one of the most reliable ways to secure a good deal. Although last-minute bargains do exist, they are unpredictable and often limited. Early planning provides access to a wider range of accommodation types, flight times, rental vehicles and public transport options at competitive prices. Small savings accumulated throughout your travel planning can add up to a substantial discount across the entire holiday.
Comparison websites can help travellers understand the market, but it's always worthwhile checking directly with hotels, airlines or holiday parks for exclusive offers or bundled packages. RACV Members can access discounts on accommodation, attractions, tours, car hire and more.
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Be strategic with accommodation
Accommodation is often the largest holiday expense, but it's also the easiest to tailor to your budget. Travellers who can adjust their expectations or consider alternative options have far greater control over costs.
Holiday parks like RACV Cobram Resort offer excellent value, providing cosy cabins, powered sites, communal facilities and family-friendly activities at lower prices than many hotels. Self-contained cabins and serviced apartments allow guests to cook their own meals, reducing food costs dramatically.
Mid-week stays are almost always more affordable, and many properties offer discounted rates for longer stays.
Selecting a stay slightly outside major tourist hubs can also make a noticeable difference in price. A hotel a few streets back from the waterfront or on the fringe of a popular regional town can still offer convenience and comfort without the premium cost.
RACV Members save on stays at resorts across Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.
Choosing off-peak dates and booking flights early can lead to substantial savings. Image: Getty
Spend smarter on meals
Food and drink can quickly inflate holiday expenses, especially in tourist-heavy areas. A little planning helps you enjoy great meals without overspending. Self-contained accommodation or holiday park kitchens allow travellers to prepare breakfast, lunch or even a couple of dinners, freeing up the budget for a few special meals out. Packing snacks, refillable water bottles, picnic supplies and easy lunches also helps avoid the temptation of pricey convenience foods.
In regional towns, local markets offer affordable produce that provides an authentic flavour of the community. Many wineries and farm gates offer low-cost tastings or seasonal produce with picnic-friendly pricing. Choosing restaurants away from the main tourist strip often leads to better value and a more laid-back dining experience.
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Research fuel, flights and transport
Transport can be a major holiday cost, but with the right strategy it becomes more manageable. For visitors flying interstate or overseas, flexible dates and secondary airports often provide lower fares. Early-morning or midweek flights usually come at reduced prices and may allow you to avoid the busiest travel times.
For those driving, fuel comparison apps can help you locate the cheapest petrol prices along your route, which is especially useful during long road trips. Maintaining steady speeds, checking tyre pressure and reducing unnecessary weight in the car can also improve fuel efficiency. Carpooling with friends or family is an excellent way to share travel costs while turning the journey itself into a social experience, whether you're driving your own car or hiring a rental car.
Public transport offers unbeatable value in many cities, with affordable day passes, tram networks, shuttle services and regional trains connecting travellers to key attractions. Choosing central accommodation near major transport hubs can eliminate parking fees and reduce fuel usage during your stay.
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Make the most of free and low-cost experiences
Some of the most memorable holiday moments cost nothing at all. Nature walks, national parks, beaches, lookouts, playgrounds and scenic drives offer exceptional value for families and solo travellers alike. Museums, galleries and cultural centres often feature free exhibitions or community events, particularly during off-peak seasons.
Visitors to regional Victoria can enjoy an impressive array of no-cost attractions: waterfalls, wildlife reserves, heritage precincts, coastal trails and charming historic towns. Many wineries offer free entry and self-guided walks through vineyards. Numerous gardens, markets and seasonal festivals also welcome visitors at little or no cost.
If you're travelling with children, free activities such as bike rides, beach games, local parks and nature scavenger lists provide entertainment that keeps costs to a minimum while encouraging exploration and creativity.
Staying at a holiday park like RACV Cobram Resort can offer excellent value for money.
Plan activities and bookings to avoid unnecessary costs
Pre-planning activities is one of the best ways to avoid overspending. Many attractions and experiences offer early-bird pricing for online reservations. Pre-booked tickets also prevent impulse purchases that may not offer good value on the day. Also investigate bundled passes, which can provide access to multiple attractions at reduced rates.
Those planning to visit multiple national parks should consider an annual parks pass, which can be more cost-effective than buying separate daily passes. Guided tours can also vary widely in price, so comparing companies and selecting shorter or small-group tours may provide a better balance of value and experience.
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Pack efficiently to avoid last-minute purchases
Packing well is an underrated money-saving strategy. Holidaymakers who bring everything they need - from appropriate footwear and weatherproof clothing to sunscreen, hats, chargers and toiletries - are less likely to spend money replacing forgotten items at tourist-inflated prices.
Carrying reusable items such as coffee cups, water bottles, shopping bags and lightweight picnic supplies helps reduce the need for takeaways and disposable products. A small first-aid kit also prevents unnecessary pharmacy visits for basic items while on the road.
Be mindful with souvenirs and shopping
Holiday souvenirs often provide lasting memories, but they can also lead to budget blowouts. Instead of purchasing multiple items from tourist stores, travellers can focus on meaningful, practical or locally-made products. Visiting regional markets supports local artisans and often provides better value than large retail outlets.
Some families choose to set a souvenir budget for each child, allowing them to pick one special item rather than several smaller purchases. Photos, postcards and free pamphlets can also become simple yet delightful keepsakes without adding to overall expenses.
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Use travel insurance to avoid unexpected costs
Travel insurance can save thousands of dollars in the event of flight cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage and other mishaps. An smaller upfront cost can help provide substantial financial protection, especially for longer holidays or trips involving flights and pre-booked experiences.
