How to take budget-friendly trips in Victoria alone
Embarking on a solo escapade to Victoria, Australia? But your finances are playing hard to get and you know Australia has harsher living expenses. Well… with thoughtful planning, you can create a budget-friendly trip in Victoria alone, that allows you to savour the beauty of Victoria’s landscapes, explore its vibrant cities, and immerse yourself in the local culture without breaking the bank. From affordable accommodations and economical transportation options to exploring free or low-cost activities, this guide will provide you with insights on how to make the most of your solo journey in Victoria while keeping your budget intact. Whether you’re drawn to the artsy and quirky streets of Melbourne, the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road, or the tranquility of regional towns, these tips will empower you to create a memorable and cost-effective solo travel experience in this captivating Australian state.
1. Visit in the off peak season
Visiting a destination during the off-season can offer several advantages and unique experiences that you might not find during peak tourist times.
Usually there are less crowds in off-peak season and things are more affordable. The beaches are usually super congested during summer and on very hot days. However, there’s so many hidden beaches that are really great if you want some time away from people.
In Melbourne and Victoria in general, peak travel times are during the summer, where our weather is most consistent and everyone is on holiday. This is usually between December to February.
However, due to the scorching heat it is not necessarily the best time to go. I would say End of February-March and end of November are great off-peak seasons. This is when the weather is still warm and people have just gone back to school and work, or are just preparing to finish up before Christmas. If you don’t mind cooler weather, however, going in June-August where it rains is also an option. People in Melbourne and parts of Victoria are used to the the fluidity of our weather patterns, which means many local business owners have curated and provided winter-friendly activities to do during this time.
For example, we have indoor rock climbing and ice skating. If you go in off peak times, you may even receive a discount.
You can also research when school holidays are. This is so you are not overwhelmed with children and teenagers everywhere you go.
2. Stay in Hostels/ Housesitting
In hostels, you typically stay in shared dorms with other travellers, so staying there is usually very affordable.
It’s perfect for a budget friendly trip alone. But it’s also a great place to make friends and potentially buddy up so you can budget your travels better.
If you have never been to a hostel and want to know what goes on there and how to properly adapt to the hostel life. Read my blog 12 Hostel Etiquette Travel Tips that will change your life
Reading this will help you to transition into a more budget-friendly and less luxurious experience whilst travelling alone.
Furthermore, With house sitting, you can receive accommodation in exchange for taking care of someone’s house, especially if they have pets. You may have to pay a fee to use the app Trusted house sitters. However, it’s worth it if you are getting free accommodation.
Furthermore, I would get a reference from a family member or friend that will help aid you in getting chosen to house sit.
3. Road Trip
Yes sometimes renting out a car, RV, and/or caravan is more affordable that staying in a hotel. However, when you are road tripping alone the car expenses can be pricey. (Depending on how long you go for).
Amazingly, Kayak and Car rentals do affordable prices, especially if you are only going for a week or two. You can save so much more money, than staying in a hotel, which can cost thousands.
Unfortunately, for Australians it is more expensive for them to travel through Australia, compared to somewhere like Thailand.
You will also find it more inexpensive in rural areas than in the city areas. There’s also better beaches, thriving wildlife, resplendent nature, and niche activities in those rural areas, that you probably wouldn’t find in the cities.
In those rural areas, you can do many things like hiking, surfing, dining, wineries, explore wildlife sanctuaries, and many more.
One of my favourite places to road trip is the Great Ocean Road!
4. Go Camping
Going camping or going on a weekend trip is one of my favourite things to do in Australia. Yes, it is probably better with other people. However, you can find some great places to camp out that are close to activities, beaches, other people, and nature.
There’s many places that allows you to camp for free. For example, Allenvale Mill Bush Campground. This is not only free, but is close to beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails. You can also go and see the Split Point lighthouse on the way there and the 12 apostles (now only eight left). Both are free to visit.
Just make sure to bring some bug spray (stingoes) and make your own food. Most camps have a barbecue there for you to use. However, just be aware if you are going in the summer or very hot weather, of the fire dangers. Our summer is quite arid in Victoria and many bush fires happen around that time of year, annually.
5. Try to take public transport
Public transport in Australia is known to be very good in Australia. There’s a train called the V line that you can take from Melbourne to Sydney and back. There’s also cheap buses called Firefly you can take as well.
You will need a Myki card, which you can get at the train station. Embarrassingly, we’re a bit behind, as other states like NSW use there credit card to tap on and off, without having to top up or get fined for not having a Myki card.
Rumour has it that there will be changes to this in Victoria as of 2024.
Nevertheless, if you’re deciding to explore the city and surrounding suburbs, hiring a car, mixed with insurance, road tolls, paying for parking, and expensive petrol adds up and puts a whole in your purse. Whereas, taking public transport is much more affordable. Amazingly, Melbourne city have free tram zones and most things are walking distance. The council have also recently installed scooters you can ride around the city in as well.
6. Don’t stay in the city
Okay, so this may sound like a contradiction because I literally just said that there are free options in the city. However, there is a difference between staying in the city and visiting the city. Unfortunately, Melbourne has one of the worst cost of livings in the world and if you are not making a decent income it’s basically impossible to rent in the city. Furthermore, the most inexpensive place you can get in the city are hostels (as stated previously). However, because of the small variety of cheap accommodation options, during peak travel periods, they can fill up pretty quick. It’s also still expensive for Australians and Kiwis, and due to the conversion rate a lot better priced for the U.S and Europe.
7. Beach trips
You can visit places like Sorrento Beach, St Kilda Beach, Brighton Beach, or Lorne. There’s so many beaches you can visit in Victoria. In fact, it would take around 27 years to visit a different Australian beach every day.
So, what does a beach trip consist of? Beach trips are affordable and can consist of staying in your car, camping on or near the beach, or if people are lucky renting out an airbnb.
Like most places going to the beach in Australia is free. And going to the beach is a great budget-friendly trip to relax alone. As well as partake in some fun and exciting activities, such as surfing, and other water sports.
Just make sure to research beach safety in Australia. Our aquatic marine life can be unpredictable and so can our oceans.
8. Find free or affordable activities to do
There’s many affordable and free community events and places you can go throughout Victoria.
Places like NGV (National Gallery Victoria) have free access and is right near Flinder’s Street station and Federation Square. Moreover, sometimes if you’re lucky they will put on free shows at Federation square.
There’s also cat cafe’s, board game cafe’s. Many thriving restaurants and pubs, as well as outdoor cinemas.
You can even take a trip to Phillip Island and walk with Penguins.
As stated previously, you also have more outdoorsy activities such as hiking, camping, visiting waterfalls, relaxing by the beach, seeing wildlife in zoos or sanctuaries. These are all very budget-friendly trips and activities you can take in Victoria alone, whilst not feeling so awkward or like you have to spend so much money.
By combining these tips, you can create a budget-friendly trip around Victoria alone. Research and plan ahead to maximize your budget and make the most of your time exploring this beautiful region. Also, don’t be afraid to make friends with other travellers, especially if you are staying in a hostel. This can be a great option if you prefer to find people to road trip with or explore with. Yes, you are travelling alone, but that does not mean you can’t make friends along the way.
