Australia on a budget? It can work
“Australia isn’t exactly a bargain destination, but you can make your money go further if you know where to spend it there, and where not to,” said John Cantrell, an Australia specialist with New York City travel company Indagare. His tips:
■ Fly in-country, don’t drive: Auto rentals in Australia can be expensive. Domestic flights, on the other hand, on carriers such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tigerair, are reasonably priced. Round-trip airfare between Sydney and Melbourne, for example, can cost as little as $150. “You’ll find several dozen flight options a day from multiple destinations around the country,” Cantrell said.
■ Join the locals: Some agencies and operators that arrange trips to Australia try to sell tourists pricey experiences, such as a private charter of a luxury catamaran to sail around Sydney Harbor, an excursion that can run $1,000 or more. Most of these tours aren’t worth the money, Cantrell said.
Much of the same view can also be enjoyed on the ferry that transports Sydney residents from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. Similarly, there’s no need to splurge on prime seats for the opera or a concert, even at the Sydney Opera House. Plenty of lastminute, inexpensive tickets are available.
■ Stretch your dining budget: Cantrell encourages picnic lunches and suggests families take advantage of the country’s many lively cafes. They’re a big part of the local culture and offer tasty and inexpensive meals.
■ Compare prices at upscale hotels: Five-star hotels in Australia have a wide range of pricing, even within a region. Near the Great Barrier Reef, for example, a stay at Heron Island Resort comes at a much lower price than at other hotels nearby. Before you commit to a hotel, Cantrell said, be sure that you’re getting the most value for your money by comparing rates.
■ Skip the hotel: Get the true flavor of Sydney and Melbourne by renting an apartment instead of booking a hotel room. “Both Sydney and Melbourne have many picturesque neighborhoods, where apartment rentals can be inexpensive,” Cantrell said. Peruse the options on sites such as Airbnb and Luxico.