Australia has long been a dream destination for many travelers, but it’s often dismissed as being too expensive. As someone who has backpacked across this vast country solo, I’m here to tell you that experiencing Australia on a budget is not only possible—it’s incredibly rewarding!
Table Of Content
- Quick Facts About Australia
- Best Cities to Visit for Solo Travelers
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Cairns
- Getting Around Australia
- Where to Stay: Top Hostels for Solo Travelers
- Food & Street Eats
- Must-Try Australian Foods
- Top Things to Do on a Budget
- Meeting People
- Budget Breakdown
- Money-saving Tips
- Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
- My Take: Why You Should Solo Travel Australia
- Planning Your Australian Adventure
With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, excellent infrastructure for travelers, and vibrant backpacker culture, Australia offers the perfect blend of adventure, safety, and social opportunities for solo explorers.
Quick Facts About Australia
Here’s what you need to know before planning your Australian adventure:
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) – Currently 1 USD ≈ 1.50 AUD
- Language: English (making navigation incredibly simple)
- Internet: Widely available but can be spotty in remote areas
- Safety Rating: Extremely high – consistently ranked among the safest countries for travelers
- Public Transport: Excellent in major cities with comprehensive networks
- Drinking Age: 18 years
- Tipping: Not customary (service is included in prices)
- Best Time to Visit: September-November (spring) or March-May (autumn) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
- Visa: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) required for most visitors – apply online before travel
Best Cities to Visit for Solo Travelers
Australia’s cities each offer unique experiences for solo travelers. Here’s my personal ranking based on extensive exploration:
| City | Rating | Best For | Budget Level | Ideal Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 9/10 | Culture, cafés, street art | Medium | 4-5 days |
| Sydney | 8/10 | Iconic sights, beaches | High | 3-4 days |
| Cairns | 8/10 | Great Barrier Reef access | Medium | 3-5 days |
| Adelaide | 7/10 | Affordability, food scene | Low | 2-3 days |
| Hobart | 7/10 | Natural beauty, history | Medium | 2-3 days |
| Surfers Paradise | 6/10 | Beaches, nightlife | Medium-High | 2-3 days |
Melbourne
Melbourne captivated me with its European feel, hidden laneways, and thriving creative scene. The city’s extensive tram network makes exploration a breeze, and there are countless free activities. I spent hours wandering through graffiti-covered alleys, sipping flat whites in hole-in-the-wall cafés, and enjoying free museums. Don’t miss the Queen Victoria Market or sunset views from St. Kilda pier (where you might spot tiny penguins!).
Sydney
While Sydney comes with a higher price tag, its iconic harbor, world-famous beaches, and diverse neighborhoods make it unmissable. I saved money by taking advantage of the city’s extensive coastal walks (the Bondi to Coogee track is breathtaking) and using public ferries as scenic cruises. The Sydney Opera House is even more impressive in person, and relaxing in the Royal Botanic Gardens with the harbor as your backdrop costs nothing but offers million-dollar views.
Cairns
This tropical city serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. What surprised me most about Cairns was its backpacker-friendly vibe and the ease of meeting other solo travelers. The free lagoon pool on the Esplanade became my daily hangout between adventures. While reef tours can be pricey (AUD $150-250 or USD $100-165), they’re absolute bucket-list experiences worth every dollar.
Getting Around Australia
Australia’s vast size requires strategic planning for budget travelers. Here are your best options:
- Domestic Flights: Essential for covering long distances. Look for sales from Jetstar and Tiger Airways. Average cost: AUD $150-300 (USD $100-200) per flight.
- Greyhound Buses: Perfect for exploring the East Coast with flexible hop-on, hop-off passes. I used a 3-month pass (around AUD $500/USD $330) to travel from Cairns to Melbourne with unlimited stops.
- Public Transportation: City transport is efficient and affordable. Consider visitor passes for unlimited travel:
- Melbourne: Myki card
- Sydney: Opal card
- Brisbane: Go card
- Campervans/RVs: For ultimate freedom, consider hiring a campervan. I split this cost with travelers I met in hostels, bringing the daily rate down to about AUD $25-35 (USD $17-23) per person plus fuel.
- Ridesharing: Check hostel bulletin boards or apps like CoSeats for ride-sharing opportunities between major destinations.
Where to Stay: Top Hostels for Solo Travelers
Australia’s hostel scene is world-class, with options for every travel style. Here are my top recommendations:
| Hostel | City | Rating | Vibe | Cost per Night (AUD/USD) | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Up! Sydney Central | Sydney | 9/10 | Social, Modern | $30-45 / $20-30 | Side Bar social events |
| Bunk Surfers Paradise | Gold Coast | 8/10 | Beach, Party | $25-40 / $17-27 | Rooftop pool with city views |
| Tequila Sunrise | Adelaide | 8/10 | Friendly, Relaxed | $25-35 / $17-23 | Free community dinners |
| BUNK Melbourne | Melbourne | 8/10 | Artsy, Social | $28-40 / $19-27 | Central location near Queen Victoria Market |
| Bondi Backpackers | Sydney | 7/10 | Beach, Relaxed | $35-50 / $23-33 | Rooftop yoga with beach views |
| Gilligan’s | Cairns | 7/10 | Party, Pool | $25-40 / $17-27 | Massive pool and nightclub |
I particularly loved Wake Up! Sydney Central for its perfect balance of social atmosphere and sleep-friendly accommodations. Their daily activities calendar meant I never had to explore alone unless I wanted to, and I met travel companions there who I continued journeying with for weeks.
Tequila Sunrise in Adelaide deserves special mention for its homey feel. The owner, Matt, cooks free “family dinners” three times weekly, creating a genuine community atmosphere I haven’t found elsewhere.
Food & Street Eats
Australia offers diverse culinary experiences at various price points. Here’s what you should try:
| Food Experience | Location | Rating | Cost Range (AUD/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Trucks | Melbourne laneways | 9/10 | $10-15 / $7-10 |
| Markets | Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne | 8/10 | $5-15 / $3-10 |
| Pub Meals | Nationwide | 8/10 | $10-20 / $7-13 |
| Asian Eateries | Sydney Chinatown | 7/10 | $12-18 / $8-12 |
| Coastal Seafood | Cairns | 7/10 | $15-25 / $10-17 |
| Supermarket Picnics | Nationwide | 6/10 | $8-12 / $5-8 |
Must-Try Australian Foods
- Meat Pies – The quintessential Australian snack ($5-7 AUD/$3-5 USD)
- Barramundi – Australia’s prized local fish ($18-30 AUD/$12-20 USD)
- Kangaroo – Lean, sustainable meat typically served as steaks or burgers ($15-25 AUD/$10-17 USD)
- Flat White – Australia’s coffee contribution to the world ($4-5 AUD/$3-3.50 USD)
- Tim Tams – Chocolate biscuits perfect for “Tim Tam slams” ($3-4 AUD/$2-3 USD per pack)
- Vegemite on Toast – A divisive but culturally important breakfast ($4-6 AUD/$3-4 USD)
One of my favorite money-saving strategies was cooking communal meals in hostel kitchens. I’d team up with other travelers to prepare large pasta dishes or barbecues, cutting costs to around $5-7 AUD ($3-5 USD) per meal while making new friends in the process.
Top Things to Do on a Budget
Australia offers countless activities for every budget level. Here are my top recommendations:
| Activity | Location | Rating | Cost (AUD/USD) | Why It’s Worth It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Walks | Sydney, Melbourne | 9/10 | Free | Breathtaking ocean views and beaches |
| Wildlife Spotting | National Parks | 9/10 | Free-$10 / Free-$7 | See kangaroos and koalas in natural settings |
| Markets & Street Art | Melbourne | 8/10 | Free | Cultural immersion without spending |
| Beach Days | East Coast | 8/10 | Free | World-class beaches with free facilities |
| Free Museums & Galleries | Major Cities | 7/10 | Free | Cultural experiences at no cost |
| Hiking | Blue Mountains, Tasmania | 8/10 | Free | Access to incredible landscapes |
| Great Barrier Reef | Cairns | 9/10 | $150-250 / $100-165 | Once-in-a-lifetime marine experience |
| Fraser Island | Hervey Bay | 8/10 | $120-200 / $80-135 | World’s largest sand island adventure |
The coastal walks in Sydney became my daily ritual – I’d pack a simple lunch and spend hours traversing the dramatic cliffside paths between beaches. The Bondi to Coogee walk offers swimming spots, dramatic scenery, and charming neighborhoods to explore at zero cost.
For wildlife encounters, I skipped expensive zoos and instead headed to places like Magnetic Island, where I spent an entire day tracking wild koalas in eucalyptus trees. Raymond Island in Victoria is another free koala-spotting paradise that few international visitors know about.
Meeting People
The social aspect of solo travel in Australia exceeded my expectations. Here’s how I connected with others:
- Stay in hostel dormitories rather than private rooms to naturally meet others
- Join free walking tours available in most major cities (tip-based)
- Participate in hostel activities from movie nights to pub crawls
- Book day tours or group activities where you’ll naturally bond with others
- Use travel apps like Backpackr or Travello to find nearby travelers
- Check hostel notice boards for travelers seeking road trip companions
- Join local Facebook groups for event listings and meetups
I found Australian hostels particularly sociable compared to other countries. The communal kitchens became social hubs where conversation flowed naturally. One evening spent cooking in a Brisbane hostel led to a spontaneous road trip with three new friends that became the highlight of my journey.
Budget Breakdown
Here’s a realistic breakdown of costs for solo travelers in Australia:
| Expense Category | Budget (AUD/day) | Budget (USD/day) | Mid-range (AUD/day) | Mid-range (USD/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25-40 | $17-27 | $60-120 | $40-80 |
| Food | $20-30 | $13-20 | $40-60 | $27-40 |
| Transport (Local) | $5-15 | $3-10 | $15-30 | $10-20 |
| Activities | $10-30 | $7-20 | $50-100 | $33-67 |
| Miscellaneous | $5-10 | $3-7 | $15-30 | $10-20 |
| TOTAL | $65-125 | $43-84 | $180-340 | $120-227 |
Money-saving Tips
- Travel during shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) for lower prices and fewer crowds
- Cook most of your own meals – Australian restaurants can be expensive
- Book hostels directly rather than through third-party sites for better rates
- Look for free activities (beaches, hiking, markets, museums with free entry days)
- Purchase alcohol from bottle shops rather than bars, where drinks can cost $12+ AUD ($8+ USD)
- Consider work exchange programs like HelpX or WWOOF to extend your stay
- Join hostel pub crawls which often include drink discounts
- Use public transport concession cards for discounted fares
- Take advantage of happy hours for both food and drinks
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Australia is incredibly safe, but it’s still important to stay vigilant:
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from any uncomfortable situations
- Stay hydrated and sun-protected – Australia’s sun is extremely harsh
- Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches to avoid dangerous currents
- Research thoroughly before heading to remote areas
- Keep valuables secure in hostel lockers and don’t flash expensive equipment
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Download emergency apps like Emergency+ which can share your precise location with services
- Be cautious with alcohol consumption when alone
- Watch out for wildlife – respect crocodile warnings and be cautious in the bush
- Carry sufficient water when hiking or road-tripping through remote areas
During my year in Australia, I never experienced any serious safety issues. The biggest dangers came from environmental factors – I learned the hard way that Australian sun is much more intense than back home when I got severely burned during my first beach day. Always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, even on cloudy days!
My Take: Why You Should Solo Travel Australia
After backpacking Australia solo for nearly a year, I can confidently say it’s one of the best destinations for independent travelers. The combination of safety, ease of travel, and social opportunities makes it perfect for both first-time solo travelers and experienced backpackers.
What I love most about Australia is its diversity—from cosmopolitan cities to ancient rainforests, pristine beaches to the vast outback—every region offers completely different experiences. Solo travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in these landscapes at your own pace.
Yes, Australia can be expensive, but with the budget tips in this guide, it’s absolutely doable. And the memories—watching the sunrise at Bondi Beach, spotting wild kangaroos at dusk, making lifelong friends around hostel dinner tables—are genuinely priceless.
Planning Your Australian Adventure
Ready to start planning your solo Australian adventure? Here are your next steps:
- Check visa requirements and apply for your ETA (most nationalities eligible)
- Book your first 3-5 nights of accommodation to establish a base
- Research seasonal factors for your destinations (wet season in the north, fire danger in summer)
- Join Australia backpacker Facebook groups to connect with travelers and find deals
- Download useful apps: Maps.me (offline maps), Splitwise (expense sharing), Hostelworld, and local transport apps
- Consider travel insurance that covers adventure activities if you plan to surf, dive, or hike
- Pack light but include essentials like a quick-dry towel, universal adapter, and reef-safe sunscreen
Remember that Australia rewards flexibility and spontaneity. Some of my best experiences came from changing plans to join new friends or follow local recommendations. Build some wiggle room into your itinerary and embrace the adventure!
