Winter is well and truly upon us. The days are shorter, the nights are colder and undoubtedly, we’re all in need of a dopamine boost – preferably in the form of a holiday. Between inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, it can feel like our pennies are a bit too pinched to consider such a thing. But that’s where the $50 travel challenge comes into play.
Here, we rounded up five of the best Australian locales to visit on a budget. From a farm stay in Western Australian to a quirky nunnery in Victoria, absolutely nothing is over $50. You’re welcome.
A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY FARM STAY
Set amongst the glorious surroundings of Western Australia’s stunning Coral Coast, Loveland Farmstay is a wildlife sanctuary for mostly orphaned kangaroos that are free to roam throughout the property. Your stay includes a free experience with the orphaned kangaroos, which includes both patting and feeding.
Further afield, you can snorkel at the protected marine park of Jurien Bay to explore underwater caves and coral gardens as well as the stunning marine life. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some rare Australian sea lions sunning themselves on the shoreline. The cost? Just $17 a night for one and $31 for two – total bargain!
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CAMP NEXT TO A BEAUTIFUL BEACH
Want a deserted beach all to yourself, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD? Fancy staying the night for just $34.95? How about a beautiful national park to explore as well? At Putty Beach, part of the Bouddi National Park on the NSW Central Coast, you can set up your tent on the marked grass area and enjoy all of this and more.
There are 20 sites with access to picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, showers and toilets. The beach is great for swimming and fishing, and the amazing bushwalks in the area are up there with some of Australia’s best.
HEAD TO THE SUNSHINE COAST
Located on the banks of the Maroochy River, the palm-fringed Cotton Tree Holiday Park in Queensland has to be one of the best choices for a holiday in Australia for under $50 a night, especially now when we’re seeking sunshine. There’s ample opportunity to sail and fish as well as play a game of beach cricket on the shoreline.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park is also within short walking distance of the patrolled Maroochydore Beach, and there’s a popular Olympic-length pool complex sitting right next door too. Pack swimmers and goggles for the whole family and hit the road.
Oh, and there’s also a bunch of great restaurants to check out nearby. Treat yourself from just $48 a night.
GO TO A NUNNERY
There is no cooler place to stay in Melbourne than Fitzroy, where you can spend days exploring all the bars, independent retailers, traditional pubs, restaurants, cafes and live music opportunities. Would you believe you can stay there for under $50? At the Nunnery, rooms are simple yet stylish and range from double rooms to dormitories.
Built in 1888, this was the former home of the Daughters of Charity and features a grand staircase, stained glass windows and religious artworks. A share room costs from $43 a night.
STAY IN CENTRAL HOBART
Just one block from Hobart’s waterfront, YHA Hobart Central is an easy walk to the MONA Museum ferry at Constitution Dock, where you can explore engaging exhibits as well as the free James Turrell sunrise and sunset sequences. The hostel is also a short stroll away from the popular Salamanca Market, which encapsulates Tasmania’s unique essence with every taste, sight, scent, story and artisanal product on offer.
Every Saturday, more than 300 makers and creators gather to celebrate Tassie’s slower pace of life by producing local goods using traditional or oft-forgotten methods. Clean, simple share rooms at the YHA cost around $45 a night, and family rooms for four $129 (that’s $32.25 per person!).
