How to Road Trip Australia on a Budget

I’m a solo travel expert, having spent the last decade travelling to over 50 countries, and I was lucky enough to spend two years exploring and backpacking Australia. I worked, travelled, and learned how to road trip Australia on a budget for an authentic way of seeing the country. To budget road trip Australia, there’s a lot to think about, but that’s what I’m here for! To show you how to cut costs, the best road trips to take, and everything you need to know about hiring the right vehicle. 

Planning a road trip in Australia? Here's where you'll find:

1. Why Should You Road Trip in Australia?
2. What is the Most Affordable Way to Travel in Australia?
3. Travel Insurance for Australia Road Trips
4. Planning a Road Trip in Australia
5. What is the Best Month for a Road Trip in Australia?
6. How Much Money Do You Need for a Road Trip in Australia?
7. Do I Need a 4WD to Travel Around Australia?
8. Hiring a Car for an Australia Road Trip
9. Hiring a campervan in Australia
10. How to Road Trip Great Ocean Road on $150 Per Person
11. 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Australia Road Trip
12. 10 Best Road Trips in Australia

Why Should You Road Trip in Australia?

Ever since I touched down in Australia, it was a goal of mine to road trip across the country. Granted, the continent is huge, but taking in wondrous sights of mountains, coastal cliffs, and the ocean while tootling along in a car or camper offers an authentic Aussie experience. Road-tripping Australia takes far longer than plane hopping around different cities, but it offers unique opportunities like camping in nature, picking up hitchhikers en route, and catching hidden gems you would miss on a plane!

Road trips during my time in Aus were what inspired me to buy a campervan. I loved the simplicity of driving from one place to the next, stopping along the way for a brunch re-fuel before continuing. The luxury a campervan can provide is unbeatable. I mean, how incredible to have a bed, kitchen, bathroom, heating, and water on board! Feeling like a camper might be the missing piece to your adventure? Check out my guide to buying a campervan and essential things you may not have thought about. 

Australia’s east coast is home to the famous Great Ocean Road which I road-tripped with some friends. It only took us a couple of days and by splitting the rental and fuel costs, it ended up being an insanely cheap adventure, costing us just AUD 150 each! But it was another road trip that truly made my heart sing, and that was tackling over 4,000 km across Western Australia. This epic adventure literally changed my life and cemented my desire to buy a camper in the future. 

My road trip in Australia didn’t end on the West Coast. I still hadn’t got my fill of adventure, so my final road trip was 10 days cruising around Tasmania. The island was magically unspoiled and had a very different feel to the bustling east coast full of backpackers and tourists. On my Tassie trail, I explored Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Mountain, and the stunning Freycinet National Park.

Don't forget to check out:

• Solo Travel in Australia: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
• A Guide to Australia’s Working Holiday Visa for UK Citizens
• My ultimate Australia travel guide with tips for all budgets
• The Ultimate Western Australia Road Trip Planning Guide

What is the Most Affordable Way to Travel in Australia?

One of the easiest ways to road trip Australia on a budget is to buddy up with friends and split the driving time and total costs. I did exactly this for all of my Aussie road trips and it saved hundreds of dollars over the course of my two-year stay (supported by my Working Holiday Visa). If road-tripping isn’t an accessible option for you, trains and buses will be your best friends, offering cheap and reliable travel solutions around the country. 

For meeting other solo travellers who may want to share a road trip experience, check out Welcome to Travel. They are a tour operator based in Sydney who understands the anxieties that can come with moving to Australia for a year or more. By providing welcome tours in Sydney, Melbourne and up the infamous East Coast, they help unite travellers with each other, boosting confidence and encouraging friendships. They've given me some exclusive discount codes for you to save up to $150 on a trip to Australia:

• AUD 50 discount on Welcome Tours using code LUCY50
• AUD 100 discount on East Coast Tours using code LUCY100
• AUD 150 discount on Package Tours using code LUCY150

Taking a welcome tour when you touchdown in Aus gives you a great perspective of cities and everything they offer. If it’s your first solo trip abroad, these tours are fantastic opportunities to help you settle into the new environment alongside other backpackers doing exactly the same thing. 

Travel Insurance for Australia Road Trips

Adventure means everything to me. It’s a way of life and I’d be lost without it, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. Instead, I put my faith in SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance which provides coverage in 175+ countries and offers flexibility with policy start and end dates. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too which is awesome since I carry a laptop and camera with me!

You may not need to make a claim or face any hiccups, but this is your safety net. There’s somewhere to turn if something goes wrong which is ideal as travelling isn’t always smooth sailing. SafetyWing provides Travel Insurance for Nomads which includes global coverage that you can purchase while outside your home country, with a simple claims service and 24/7 human support. Their cover provides the following:

• Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
• Emergency dental care up to $1000
• Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
• Coverage for lost checked luggage
• Flights home if something bad happens
• Continued coverage for visits back home
• Coverage for motor accidents
• Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

At the beginning of my solo travel adventures, I didn’t think much about insurance. After a decade of venturing around the world, it’s now something I don’t go on a trip without. You can read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers and get clued up on various providers and policies. 

Planning a Road Trip in Australia

So, you’re planning to budget road trip Australia but don’t know where to begin? Firstly, why not think about the area you want to explore? Taking on the entire continent is possible, but will likely require you to live full-time on the road to squeeze everything in. Not to mention it would take a long time which isn’t wise if you don’t have long on your visa. I road-tripped the East Coast, Western Australia, and Tasmania which allowed me to see Australia’s diverse landscapes in the comfort of a car. 

It’s possible to utilise other methods of transport alongside your road trips. Interstate railways connect Cairns to Sydney and Melbourne to Adelaide, so taking a train and hiring a car when you arrive can cut fuel costs and allow for some downtime. If you’re on a strict time frame, internal flights will help cut down travel time. Budget airlines like Bonza and Jetstar tend to be the cheapest, and you can arrange a car rental for further travel when you touch down.

What is the Most Beautiful Road Trip in Australia?

The Great Ocean Road was a breathtaking road trip and one of the biggest highlights of my trip. Winding down the east coast was magical, unearthing sights of rich forests and contrasting widespread ocean views and rugged cliffs. It was a dreamy experience that led us to incredible places like the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Teddy’s Lookout, and more.

What is the Best Month for a Road Trip in Australia?

March to May are the ideal months for an Aussie road trip because the autumn weather is pleasantly mild and there are fewer tourists around. Travelling in a car during the height of summer isn’t advisable as the heat can be intense and make for uncomfortable travel conditions. If you’re taking internal flights and picking up rental cars in various locations, prices are far cheaper in autumn and spring than in summer so you can save some dollars too!

How Much Money Do You Need for a Road Trip in Australia?

The cost of your Australian road trip really depends on your daily mileage expectations, type of car rental, activities, and the accommodation you’ll be staying in. Hiring budget wheels, limiting driving to a few hours per day, and opting for cheap accommodation (if you’re not camping) will bring costs down to around AUD 600 per month. 

If you can gather up some friends, things get a whole lot cheaper as you can split the costs of fuel and rental fees. This is what I did for the Great Ocean Road and I saved a few hundred dollars compared to taking the trip alone. It also meant taking part in group activities and tours which can be cheaper than solo excursions. 

What is the Cheapest Way to Drive Around Australia?

Hiring a car is perfect for a road trip, but renting a campervan offers so much more. Initial costs may be higher, but you’ll gain these back quickly. You can cook from scratch and sleep in your van which curbs restaurant and hotel stays. Finding free camping or cheap campsites is possible all over Aus, and is a safe bet since wild camping is illegal.  

Do I Need a 4WD to Travel Around Australia?

Road tripping around Australia allows you to see incredibly diverse sites like the Great Barrier Reef, the deep outback, and endless dense rainforests, but what kind of vehicle do you need? Depending on your budget and planned driving route, it may be necessary to hire a 4WD, especially if you plan on venturing off the beaten track to national parks like the Bungle Bungle Range in the Purnululu National Park. 

Hiring a Car for an Australia Road Trip

Hiring a car is necessary if you want to travel outside of metropolitan areas where public transport becomes more scarce. Driving a car makes remote areas accessible, so you can venture deeper into the Australian wilderness. Car rental can be daunting, especially when it means driving in unfamiliar locations, but it’s also such an opportunity for growth and new experiences without relying on public transport. 

Here are some of my car-hire tips:

1. Opt for Unlimited Mileage

Look out for the maximum mileage allowed for rental, and for Aus, I’d recommend going with the most flexible option. You can rack up lots of miles without really realising when you’re just cruising around. But going over the limit can lead to additional costs, making your budget road trip in Australia less affordable. 

2. Take Photos on Collection

Taking photos when you pick up your rental is vital, as it proves the car is being returned in the same condition. Check for any existing scratches or dents and take pics before driving off, as this proves you weren’t the culprit and prevents any surprise fees!

3. Book Accommodation with Parking

Once you’ve collected your rental, it’s time to hit the road! I usually don’t travel with a car, so accommodation choices are practically endless, but this isn’t the case with four wheels alongside you! When searching for accommodation, book the ones with available, secure parking so you can breathe easy knowing your rental is safe while you sleep. 

4. Use DiscoverCars:

DiscoverCars is the place to go for cheap car hire in Australia and beyond. The company offers a range of cars with flexible pick-up and drop-off locations and free cancellation. The renting process is easy and offers choices like 4WD cars, compact economy cars, and larger SUVs ideal for family or group road trips. 

Hiring a campervan in Australia 

Being able to cook, eat, shower, sleep, and work all in the space of a campervan is a dream. Accommodation and restaurant costs dissipate as life on the road encompasses budget travel at its finest. 

What does a campervan hire include?

Hiring a campervan or motorhome comes with different conditions, and some companies may charge extra fees for bed linen, and camping equipment. Check the finer details of your rental before going ahead, as additional items can quickly rack up costs. Some vans are manual while others are automatic, so this is worth considering too! Jucy offers great rates, flexibility, and styles of campervan ideal to budget road trip Australia.

What side of the road will I drive on?

In Australia, you’ll drive on the left side of the road- the same as in the UK. But road rules can differ so it’s wise to brush up on your Aussie knowledge covering signs, lights, and general rules for the open road.

How far can I drive?

Your driving limit will be disclosed in your contract and is worth a look before signing any papers. You’ll be a mile-muncher in a campervan rental, so make sure your contract allows for enough mileage before incurring fees. It’s also important to find out the kind of roads you can drive on such as dirt tracks in remote locations, as some companies don’t allow for these kinds of journeys. 

How to Road Trip Great Ocean Road on $150 Per Person 

When I told my friends and family back home that I’d be taking on the Great Ocean Road in a car rental, they thought it would set me back a fortune. They weren’t wrong because taking on the trip solo would have been a hefty amount of money, but that’s why I did the trip with friends. 

Here’s how we managed to travel the Great Ocean Road for AUD 150 per person:

Rent a Car with Friends

The three of us rented a small, modern Yaris and hit the road worry-free and filled with holiday vibes and anticipation for the journey ahead. We took on the Great Ocean Road over a weekend and split the cost of car rental and fuel between us, making things way cheaper.

Bring Food and Essentials

We packed warm clothes, hiking shoes, duvets, a tent, and plenty of food to keep us going without needed supermarket stops. It wasn’t a glamorous menu, but we had more than enough to fuel our daily adventures! We packed tins of tuna, salad, wraps, fruit, bread, rice, crackers, chocolate spread, and peanut butter which kept our bellies happy as we cruised along the road with summer tunes blaring out of the speakers!

Book Cheap Accommodation 

With so many stunning hotels along the East Coast, we could have easily spent a couple of hundred dollars on luxury accommodation, but we didn’t want to sacrifice our budget. Instead, we booked cheap campsites and saved money for essentials like petrol, food top-ups, and of course, some cheeky drinks!

10 Ways to Save Money on Your Australia Road Trip

Australia is one of the most expensive places I’ve travelled to, but taking a road trip is a fantastic way to get around on a budget and encounter amazing sights from behind the wheel. Although renting a car and road-tripping can offer more affordability, it can still cost a substantial amount. Don't forget to read my best tips for saving money when travelling!

Here are my top 10 ways to cut costs on your Aussie road trip:

1. Book with a Reliable Company

Dependable car rental companies make the process of car hire effortless by offering great rates, flexible mileage, and a range of cars for various needs. Every car I hired in Aus was backed by a trustworthy company who offered cheap prices and modern, comfortable cars. 

2. Get Friends Involved

Road-tripping alone isn’t half as fun as taking on the open road with friends! Not only can you split the costs of renting and fuel, but having multiple drivers means the responsibility of the wheel isn’t left down to one person. 

3. Couchsurf

Couchsurfing is a fun way to meet new people and save an impressive amount on accommodation. Websites like Worldpackers give travellers the chance to collaborate with hosts in exchange for a place to stay and other potential benefits like food and activities. For animal lovers, trusted housesitters offer unique free global accommodations in exchange for pet sitting - how adorable!

4. Join Facebook Groups

Social media is an ideal way to get to know other solo travellers, and joining Facebook Groups is the perfect way to meet other people taking on an Aussie road trip too! Maybe you can make some friends online and rally together for the trip of a lifetime, made more affordable with several people.

5. Pack Enough Food

Supermarkets encourage one thing - SPENDING! So, instead of relying on shops, pack plenty of food in the car for driving snacks, quick breakfasts, and nourishing dinners to fuel every mile of the journey without costing a single dollar.

6. Stay at Campsites

Hostels and hotels can be tempting, especially if you’re road-tripping in Aus during autumn or winter, but they can make a big dent in your budget. Opting for campsites isn’t just cheaper, but also offers the tranquillity of being at one with nature and camping under the stars.

7. Go at Your Own Pace

Munching hundreds of miles in a short space of time is one to quickly rack up fuel costs. Instead, why not limit driving to a few hours a day so fuel stretches further, and you can slow the pace, absorbing every magnificent sight? 

8. Make a Great Playlist

Organising a playlist may not be much of a money-saver, but it helps keep vibes and energy high so everyone has a good time. Rotate between everyone’s playlists to keep spirits up and dance away in the backseat like no one's watching!

9. Don’t Over Plan

If a decade of solo travelling the world has taught me one thing, it’s that uniting spontaneity with planned aspects is a winning combo. Planning too much can lead to stress and pressure to be in certain locations by certain dates etc. This can make the trip seem rushed, with more fuel stops and less freedom to just go with the flow. 

10. Work Together

Group road trips are only successful when everyone works together as a team. Driving shifts should alternate as should cooking responsibility and equipment management. Work together as a unit and everyone will be happy and not rushing off to a hotel to escape any dramas!

10 Best Road Trips in Australia

Even after spending two years exploring Australia, I still didn’t manage to see every corner of the country! It’s such a mammoth country, but combining road trips with in-country flights, buses, and trains makes Australia a whole lot more accessible. Here are the road trips you do not want to miss: 

1. Great Ocean Road

The few days I spent along the Great Ocean Road with friends are some of my most cherished memories from my Aussie adventure. The drive spans along the East Coast and is best completed over the spring and autumn months when the chance of rain is minimal and temperatures aren’t too high. 

• Start: Torquay
• End: Allansford
• Miles: 150 miles (243 km)
• Days: 2- 3 days
• 4WD: No

2. Coral Coast Highway

Taking on the Coral Coast Highway between March to October will reward you with endless stretches of pristine beaches and blue water, dramatic gorges, and colourful wildflowers. If driving the route during summer, ensure you have plenty of water available to battle any soaring temperatures.

• Start: Perth
• End: Exmouth
• Miles: 776 miles (1250 km)
• Days: 2 weeks +
• 4WD: Yes

3. Grand Pacific Drive

Kicking off just south of Sydney is the Grand Pacific Drive, providing a stunning route through the Royal National Park at any time of the year. Stopping off en route is ideal for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the wild landscape by bushwalking, cycling, surfing, or hiking through the mesmerising scenes. 

• Start: Sydney
• End: Shoalhaven 
• Miles: 86 miles (140 km)
• Days: 1- 2 days
• 4WD: No

4. Great Barrier Reef Drive

It’s possible to explore the Great Barrier Reef Drive throughout the year but the months between May and October offer warm water and pleasant temperatures. It’s a dreamy route where visitors can marvel at the Coral Sea and enjoy charming villages like Port Douglas and Mossman.

• Start: Cairns
• End: Cape Tribulation
• Miles: 86 miles (140 km)
• Days: 1- 2 days
• 4WD: Yes

5. Nullarbor Plain 

Is there anything more iconic than the Nullarbor Plain with limited trees, expansive views, and the straightest stretch of road in the country? It’s an epic route that’s best enjoyed outside of summer as temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees. 

• Start: Ceduna
• End: Norseman
• Miles: 745 miles (1200 km)
• Days: 1 week
• 4WD: Yes

6. Gibb River Road

Hiring a 4WD car for the Gibb River Road is a wise plan as it allows for veering off deeper into the wilderness. It’s best to take on the route between April to June as it’s closed during the wet season. You’ll lose yourself in the endless swimming and water holes, and captivating gorges. 

• Start: Derby
• End: Kununurra
• Miles: 410 miles (660 km)
• Days: 1- 2 weeks
• 4WD: Yes

7. Red Centre Way

Central Australia has a unique charm that’s best explored by the Red Centre Way. Driving allows you to get an up-close experience of the Northern Territory and all its wild scenery. May to September are ideal times to visit when temperatures aren’t too high and driving conditions are comfortable. 

• Start: Alice Springs
• End: Uluru
• Miles: 434 miles (700 km)
• Days: 7- 10 days
• 4WD: Yes

8. Explorers Way

The monumental journey from South Australia to Alice Springs crosses diverse scenes, where the landscape gradually changes the further you head north. Take on the journey outside of the summer months to escape the intense heat, and immerse yourself in jaw-dropping views of iconic spots like Watarrka, Karlu Karlu, Nitmiluk National Park, and the Litchfield National Park. 

• Start: Adelaide
• End: Alice Springs
• Miles: 932 miles (1500 km)
• Days: 7- 10 days
• 4WD: No

9. Epicurean Way

The Epicurean Way crosses the wine regions of McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa, and Clare Valley where visitors can relish some of the world’s best wine. You can take on the drive at any time of the year, and enjoy sipping on fine wine while camping under clear night skies.

• Start: McLaren Vale
• End: Clare Valley
• Miles: 138 miles (223 km)
• Days: 4- 6 days
• 4WD: No

10. Tasmania’s Southern Edge

There are many reasons to love Tasmania’s Southern Edge including the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs and The Neck Lookout, which both offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences in sheer Tasmanian wilderness. The drive takes around seven days and is best completed during spring or autumn when driving and weather conditions are reliable and not too intense compared to the summer months!

• Start: Huon Valley
• End: Bruny Island
• Miles: 372 miles (600 km)
• Days: 7 days
• 4WD: No