Australia is an amazing country with so much to offer, it’s rather impossible to see everything during one short vacation. Unfortunately, more time in the Land Down Under usually requires more money as well – but not always. There are ways to explore Australia for longer than a few days and not break the bank. If this is something that might interest you, here are a few options you should think about.

Camping

Beach camping

If you love spending time in nature, exploring it, and taking some amazing photos along the way, you should definitely think about camping in Australia. There are many free and affordable camping spots – you just need to know how to find them. The price usually depends on the services available on the grounds, like Wi-Fi, toilets, showers, etc. Henty Park Campground in Portland, for example, is completely free and has great facilities. However, this also makes it very popular, which is why you can only stay there for 48 hours. So, do some research about the best and most affordable camping spots before you start your journey, download a few camping applications, and, of course, you can always ask the locals or more-experienced campers if they know any good places.

One of the best things about camping is that you can meet a lot of like-minded people who share your love for nature and wildlife. Finally, camping is also a great way to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the noisy urban centers.

Studying

The University of Sydney

If you happen to be in college, you’re probably familiar with student exchange programs. There are surely some that include Australia as well, so why not spend a semester in this amazing country? This way, you’d have plenty of time to learn about the Aussie culture and enjoy the urban scene of some of the largest Australian cities. Just make sure to gather all the necessary documents on time and look into possible scholarships.

Also, since you’d be staying there for a while, it might be a good idea to do some research and find out the price of accommodation, transport, and other things you need for a comfortable daily life. For example, you can find affordable student accommodation in Sydney, so it’s definitely a city you should consider. Plus, since Sydney – and most of Australia, for that matter – is like a melting pot, you’d get a chance to meet different people from all around the world. This means that studying there would not feel completely unfamiliar, and you wouldn’t feel alone just because you’re far from home.

Volunteering

Koala Sanctuary

Volunteering is a great opportunity for you to get out of your comfort zone, help those who need it, and evolve as a person. In other words, it would be a unique experience from which you would learn a lot. Plus, even though there is usually a lot of work to do, there is also fun and free time. Therefore, you can rest assured that you would have a chance to explore this beautiful country as well, no matter where you choose to volunteer.
This is also a great chance for those who love animals to get familiar with the local wildlife. For instance, you can volunteer at one of the largest koala sanctuaries in Queensland and help preserve these adorable animals. Besides koalas, you’d also get close to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and other animals that are native to the Land Down Under.

Hiking

Hiking in the Tasmanian wilderness

Just like camping, hiking is a great way to explore the Land Down Under if you’re an active person who loves nature. There are many amazing hiking trails in Australia, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your needs and wishes. For instance, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is an ideal hiking trail for all adventurers and nature lovers. It’s not extremely challenging, but it’s still gorgeous enough that you will want to take your time finishing it. Also, since there are more than a few accommodation options on the island, you can enjoy the trail more than once if you wish to – and you probably will. The sceneries along the trail are breathtaking, and you can see some of the most famous natural landmarks as well, like Admirals Arch, for example. In short, if you love hiking, Australia should be on your bucket list and make sure to bring your rain jacket with you.
Australia is a country where you can find anything from beautiful nature to urban centers. However, since there are so many things to see and do, one typical vacation is probably not enough for you to see the best in the country. For this reason, sometimes, you just want to spend a bit more time in the Land Down Under without it affecting your budget too much. So, consider some of the above-mentioned affordable options, and you’re bound to enjoy this country to the fullest.