You have probably heard by now that Australia is notoriously expensive for tourists. And that can be true for people who are accustomed to luxury and a certain type of comfort. But if you are willing to compromise, you can easily turn Australia into a budget destination. Here is how to do it.

Book a Flight as Early as Possible

If you want to visit Australia next summer, then book a flight now. The sooner you book a ticket, the better price you can get. Also, be flexible and compare various airlines to get the best deal possible.

Travel in Late Spring or Early Fall

Those willing to travel during winter will get the best deals. However, if you don’t want to experience Australia’s cold side, then your best chance to have a great time and save some money is to travel in late spring or early fall.

Use CouchSurfing

Australia has a large CouchSurfing community, especially in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Use this to your advantage and get free accommodation while also meeting new people. The alternative is to hit the hostels because everything else will make a huge dent in your wallet.

Get Your Food at Grocery Stores

Food is really expensive in Australia, even if you are just hitting a street food joint. To get around this, get your food at grocery stores. Many of them have frequent discounts, which will allow you to eat well for a fraction of the price you would pay in a restaurant.

Focus on Free Tourist Attractions

The great thing about Australia is that the museums, galleries, parks, and nature reserves are mostly free to visit. Use this to your advantage and hit as many of the free tourist attractions as you can.