Australia has a lot to offer during the summer between beaches, deserts, and mountain ranges (come back for the snow in winter, we’re not joking it’s amazing!) However, you might have heard it is super expensive. Well after plenty of years as a broke student, we know all the best budget things to do in Australia! Here are some favorites!
Master the Art of Surfing
Surfing is more than a sport in Australia it is a lifestyle. Take a surf lesson, it may not be budget, but once you master it, it’s free for life! Try to stand, fall, try again, perseverance and persistence create grit which is a necessary personality trait for any Australian. Nothing beats the sense of achievement when you succeed.
Hang Out in Byron Bay
Byron Bay, you might have heard of this idyllic town, that is now home to many famous people. But its reputation is rightly so, it is bloody beautiful! Azure blue water, the softest sand you’ve ever touched, and a beautiful beachside village. It can be pricey in these types of spots, lucky there is lots of opportunity to house sit. It can be competitive so find out the best tips to getting started.
How About Some Shopping?
Melbourne is famous for its shopping. If you’re after cheap boutique finds head to Smith St in Collingwood or Greville St in Prahran. Both streets are full of treasure troves of designers. If you come at Christmas time, you have to head to Myer, they are famous for their beautiful window displays as well as stocking all the best brands! If you’re looking for some bargains, head to DFO. You wouldn’t believe the location. It’s set on the side of the Yarra River, with lovely restaurants overlooking it. The perfect place for an afternoon espresso martini, you can pick them up at happy hour for around $4.
Swimming Under a Waterfall
The Blue Mountains in rural NSW have some beautiful waterfalls. There are many tracks, so enjoy the bushwalk to a beautiful waterfall then strip down to your togs and jump in. The walking tracks are endless here so make sure you grab a national park map!
Get Lost on a Road Trip
Australia is best seen from the road. If you fly you miss out on all the best beaches and parks. Head off on a road trip, you can find looks of cheap/ free cars and campers by searching for relocation cars.
Snorkel While it is Still Here
Snorkeling is something typically enjoyed at the great barrier reef, but you can also enjoy it further down the coast as well. Just be mindful where ever you are of rips and sharks. The Aussie coastline is beautiful, but it can also be quite dangerous. Not only that the coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reefs are quickly declining, so make this a high priority.
Get an Ice Cream from Mr. Whippy
In summer there is a tune that is music to everyone’s ears. That wonderful tune is that of Mr. Whippy. You will find him at the park, at the beach, and if you are lucky enough you will find him cruising down your street. He is the sound of summer. He is at times, a lifesaver. No day at the beach is complete without an ice cream from Mr. Whippy.
Your first time can be overwhelming, with a picture board with 20 – 30 different combinations and styles it’s hard to choose. Do you go for the standard flake cone or go all out and get the banana split? A local favorite is the standard flake cone dipped in a crispy chocolate layer. Do yourself a favor and see Mr. Whippy before the summer is out and he is parked up for the wintertime!
Eat Fish ‘n’ Chips
Having a ‘feed’ of fish ‘n’ chips is about as Aussie as you can get. However, the fish ‘n’ chips are not the kind that comes served in an ironic serving basket for $35.99 at your local fine dining restaurant. We’re talking about the real fish ‘n’ chips! This is going to your local fish shop, ordering a $20 family pack and heading down the beach to eat it with your hands while watching the sun go down.
Every fish ‘n’ chip shop has a $20 Family pack; however, they can differ from place to place. You will usually find they contain something along the lines of 4 pieces of crumbed fish, 2 scoops of chips, a couple of hot dogs & a small army of potato cakes. This delicious pack of deep-fried goodness will always come wrapped in last week’s newspaper, which is used as your table at the beach! Always remember you can of tomato sauce and lemon to get the full experience.
There you have it, all the best things to do in Australia just like a local. Not only that, there won’t cost you an arm and a leg. So, what are you waiting for?
