How to Save on Australia Travel

[SarahS]

Got tips for saving money on Australia travel? We do! Check out our Top 25 Ways to Save on Australia Travel and then post your own suggestions here.

[shubhranshu]

I went through 25 Ways to Save on Australia Travel . It is really a practical and valuable information.

[Metravellongtime]

Hi,

I agree -- the 25 Ways to Save in Australia is great! I've always thought of Australia as an almost impossible vacation due to the length and cost of the flight, and the jet lag issue.

Plus, Australia is so big that it seems like it would be difficult to see enough of the country in just a week or two. I like the tip "Keep your focus" tip, which suggests that travelers shouldn't try to cram the whole country into one trip. It does make sense -- after all, can you imagine spending a week in the U.S. and trying to see everything? Impossible!

Someday I'll plan a trip Down Under (when I can save up the vacation days at work, that is), and I'll be sure to concentrate on one location.

[LSKahn]

Well, I did see my suggestion on your list: Home exchanging.

For the summer of 2009, I went down under July 10-September 18th on a mega trip. I spent the first 8 days in Fiji (3 days) and Sydney (5 days). I then had 3 home exchanges arranged back-to-back to do the trip. My was in Kawana Waters on the Sunshine Coast. I then had one in Brisbane City. While in those home exchanges I only had 3 nights out in hotels! I got as far north as Fraser Island but decided to keep the Great Barrier Reef for a future trip. When you decide to exchange, you do have to decide how much time you are going to spend out of the exchange. The more time out, the more money you spend.

From Brisbane, I flew to Auckland. My home exchange there was in Northland in Whangerai (about 2 1/2 hours Northwest of Auckland). I drove all over the Northland area and got as far south as the Waitomo caves and Lake Taupo and the spectacular volcanoes. I did decide to restrict the trip to the North Island. Heck, I didn't even see half of it in the 2 1/2 weeks I was there.

I do hope to return to Australia and/or NZ at some point, but not for awhile. I don't know if I would do 3 home exchanges like this again because I really was away too long for business reasons. Maybe 2 next time with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Anyone wanna swap? I live in a close in suburb of Washington, DC.

[taninaus]

My tips -
1. unless you are travelling in the peak time - for Australia this is around Christmas, all of January, and Easter - book your accommodation last minute (up to 14 days prior) for great discounts.

Use companies like
www.lastminute.com.au
www.wotif.com.au
www.needitnow.com.au

if you are game try the mystery hotels, I haven't heard anyone get a bad deal - in fact they have stayed a great hotels cheaply.

2. Find out where the local Woolworths, Coles or other large grocery store is and buy your own breakfast items (juice, bread, yogurt etc) to save a lot on hotel breakfasts and have a healthier meal than McDonalds.

3. check your banks charges on ATM/Credit as larger towns in Australia have great access to ATM's and most places take credit and debit cards - this may be cheaper than travellers cheques.

4. Look out for local bulk travel options like day passes or limited trip passes for the local busses, ferrys or trains.

5. Be brave and talk to the locals - most of us are friendly and more than happy to let a tourist know where to eat, how to travel.

[LSKahn]

And, as noted on other threads, I will returning to Australia during the (American) summer of 2010. This time my exchange is in Melbourne. I will be doing Tasmania (probably just Hobart and Port Arthur) before going home--unless I get a second exchange down under.

I will probably be the only person who goes to Australia twice who hasn't been to the Great Barrier Reef or Uhluru.

[Footloose Canuck]

I have heard the best way to see Australia is renting a camper but driving on the wrong side of the road may be a challenge for this Canadian. How can I seek out a companion/driver that might like to do some free traveling in January? Spending a month in Hotels and eating restaurant food is not my idea of a good holiday. Your suggestions are welcome. Larry@saltspring.org .

[LSKahn]

You will adjust to driving on the left after a couple of days. It really is not a problem. The steering wheel is on the opposite side which helps you get used to it. Take it easy for the first couple of days and you will be fine.

[BlackEyes]

That's a good article to have a practical mind when travelling. Always do your homework and search for a great deal on Google. Some website are very reliable and always prefer flight promos coz' I can save as much as 40% of regular cost.

[LSKahn]

A word on the prices for zoos in Australia. The prices are astronomic. If you want to see marsupials, go to one of the smaller places and avoid places such as Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin's zoo and the most hyped). Individual entry to Australia Zoo is now $55 Australian. If you shop zoos, you should be able to find a cheaper alternative and see all the koalas, echidnas, platypus you want.