You can finally tick that destination off your bucket list. As the restrictions of COVID-19 are starting to loosen up, at least for the vaccinated, Australians can travel in and out of the country without exemptions and quarantine flights.
However, the pandemic has truly been an economic burden, and international tourism suffered losses of $40.7 billion in the year ending in March 2021.
If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of places to visit, and we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest countries to travel from Australia.
Best Short-Haul Budget Destinations Australia
1. Hobart, Tasmania
Plane tickets start from $77* for a direct flight (Sydney)
Hobart is the nearest tourist jewel, located in Tasmania. In Hobart, you can have a cheap summer holiday from Australia – in Australia! It’s a win-win situation: you get to enjoy travelling overseas for a holiday and still stay within the borders.
The best time to visit is during the summer months, December to February. Tasmania is a historical place, and if you wish your trip to be fun but also educational, you shouldn’t skip MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). If wandering around Mount Wellington, Salamanca Place, and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens gets you famished, try the popular Tasmanian truffles and beef, and spend some time in the casual and relaxed Aloft restaurant with a marvellous sea view.
Don’t forget to take an umbrella though, as Hobart is a rainy location!
An average day spend: AU$165
2. Bali, Indonesia
Plane tickets start from $155 for a direct flight (Darwin)
Did you know that you can find some of the cheapest properties in the country in Tasmania’s suburbs?
This tropical paradise near the equator is a world-famous holiday destination all year round since the temperature there rarely goes below 23 C!
More than 10,000 temples are waiting for you to explore, but you can also try something a bit adventurous, like climbing a volcano at Mount Batur or spending some time with temperamental monkeys along the Sacred Monkey Forest walk in Ubud.
The food might differ from what Aussies are used to, and it can vary from seaweed and fish to “babi guling” (roast suckling pig) in a single restaurant’s offer.
The fact that the average monthly paycheck is around USD$140 makes Bali one of the cheapest holiday destinations for Australians, with luxury accommodation that even comes with concierge services for as low as $20.
Although the local transportation is a bit rusty, you can always rent a scooter – the most common transportation method, especially for tourists.
An average day spend: AU$90
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
Plane tickets start from $262 for a direct flight (Melbourne)
Despite being one of the cheapest places to fly from Australia, Queenstown is famous for being the Adventure Capital of the World. You can go skiing, horse riding, snorkelling, bungee jumping, or just relax at some of the sceneries from the original Lord of The Rings movie shooting, like Glenorchy and Paradise.
Of course, what’s an adventure without having the chance to talk about it – Queenstown offers a lot of adventurous hostels to share experiences with other thrill-seekers.
As for the climate, the summers there are cool and breezy, and the winters are really cold – not something Aussies are used to, making Queenstown the nearest skiing destination for a cheap holiday from Australia.
Overall, Queenstown is the ultimate place to be for adrenaline junkies.
An average day spend: AU$130
4. Singapore
Plane tickets start from $279 for a direct flight (Perth)
A futuristic architectural landmark in the tropical islands, Singapore is a refreshing change from regular views and landmarks. A mix of endless green and dazzling skyscrapers, with tons of festivals and events – Singapore is an unusual modern-day wonder of leisure and fun.
What’s there not to like in Singapore? Experience shopping at busy malls, feast at exclusive royal-treatment restaurants, see the breath-taking architectural wonders like the Marina Bay Sands or visit the biggest indoor waterfall at Gardens by The Bay. Afterwards, you can relax at Sentosa Islands. Singapore has it all – for each particular taste.
Singapore can be expensive around Chinese New Year and Christmas, so it’s smart to avoid it in this period. On the other hand, heat and humidity are high between June and August, which makes spring the best period to visit.
Be mindful of some odd rules – you cannot eat or drink in public transport or chew gum in public. The dress code is also rather strict.
The cuisine is a mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay – but you can easily find pizza and burgers on almost every street corner.
An average day spend: AU$172
5. Nadi, Fiji
Plane tickets start from $339 for a direct flight (Sydney)
This world-renowned, majestic palm-tree paradise can easily be one of the cheapest holidays from Australia – only if you plan it right.
First of all, book a flight and accommodation during October or early November – this is the “off-season” period. You won’t be disappointed by the climate, as the temperature never drops below 19 C – even during the winter months!
You can sunbathe at a dreamy Wailoaloa Beach, or relax in the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, after visiting the colourful breath-taking Sri Siva Subrama Swami Temple. A simple visit to the local food market is sure to amaze you, with unusual foods and Kava, the Fijian national drink.
The educational aspect of your visit can be satisfied with a street tour, or by booking a visit to the Fiji Culture Village. And don’t even think about going home before taking a stroll along the handicraft market.
An average day spend: around AU$200
Best Long Haul Budget Destinations from Australia
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Travelling tips: Best Ways to Take Travel Money Overseas
The crowded marketplace in the capital can be a jiggling adventure for your eyes, and visiting Thai malls won’t affect your finances much.
From Bangkok, you can fly cheap to the famous Phuket island, or Koh Samui for the more relaxing part of your holiday.
Aside from trying original Thai food, you mustn’t miss the temples in one of the cradles of Buddhism. The Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Mahathat, as well as the colourful Sri Mahamariamman Temple, are on the top of Bangkok’s must-see list, and the unique wooden Pattaya Temple is located around 150 km south from Bangkok.
You can easily rent accommodation for somewhere around AUD$330, and that’s for the entire month. Don’t be surprised if you make it through the day with under $150 – shopping included.
An average day spend: around AU$100
2. New Delhi, India
The cost of living in Delhi is around AUD$400 per month – making it one of the cheapest holiday destinations from Australia.
To have the best holiday experience, avoid the rainy period from July to September, and plan your trip between October and March. Flowers are blooming and the weather feels like spring, which offers a variety of possibilities – from sightseeing and visiting famous monuments and temples, meditating at the Lotus Temple, to going boating at the Old Fort without breaking a sweat.
Since accommodation, transport and food are not financially straining, you can only focus on planning your next adventure in Delhi! Get a henna tattoo, enjoy the exciting Indian cuisine at the crowded marketplaces, or make up your own tourist route – the possibilities are endless.
An average day spend around AU$60
3. London, United Kingdom
London is world-famous for its historic monuments, where you can explore the history of the nation that settled Australia. One way to look at it is that you’re visiting your ancestor’s hometown.
Famous for its foggy weather, London is best to visit in spring – from March to June. The winter period, however, is the cheapest time to travel, so choose the one that suits you best.
Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge are quite the sight, and visiting one of the most famous museums in the world – the British Museum – is a definite must.
Ride the London Eye and explore the town from above, but don’t miss wandering around Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. If you’re one of the Australian beer drinkers, all that roaming will make you either stop to taste the famous crafted beers in one of the 3,500 pubs across the city, or you’d prefer a royalty-like dinner in some of London’s elite (but pricey) restaurants.
An average day spend: around AU$250
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Plane tickets start from $262 for a direct flight (Melbourne)
Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills – so aside from enjoying the majestic views, be sure to take some comfy shoes, as there’ll be a lot of hiking!
One of the cheapest periods to travel is around May and June when the weather is pleasant and warm enough for a swim on some of the beaches located only 20km south of Lisbon. The famous Tamariz Beach is a real jewel, with a mediaeval fortress right on the coast with turquoise water.
Before heading to the beach, don’t miss the architectural side of Lisbon – Parque das Nações, the gatekeeping fortress Torre de Belem, as well as many other iconic and romantic places. Labyrinth through authentic, narrow streets with delicious food and drinks on each corner.
An average day spend: around AU$160
Before You Hit the Road
Australians are lucky, as the Australian passport will take you to more than 180 countries visa-free, which makes international trips a piece of cake. Moreover, with the average weekly pay of $1,344, Aussies have plenty of destinations to choose from.
Don’t forget to review your travel insurance coverage in case of emergencies.
1. Where is the cheapest place to fly from Australia?
The exotic island of Bali is the cheapest overseas place to visit from Australia. Alternatively, cruises to Asian countries and within Australia are available too.
2. What are the 5 closest countries to Australia?
The nearest country to fly from Australia is East Timor, then come New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.
3. What are the best budget destinations for Australians?
The cheapest places to travel from Australia are Bali and Singapore, but you might want to check out the adventurous Hobart in Tasmania if you don’t wish to travel across the border.
