Are you dreaming of a deserted island? Fixin’ for a fun-filled fiesta? There’s nothing better than getting away from it all and enjoying your own mini-holiday, but sadly there’s one little thing that all too often gets in the way of our enjoyment: money. Luckily, there are several ways in which you can enjoy the thrill of a holiday without the sting in your back packet! From cheap NZ getaways to lazy beach breaks in Stradbroke Island, here are five great getaways that won’t break the bank, no matter where you are in Australia.
Brisbane – Stradbroke Island
If you’re living in Brisbane and want to get away for a long weekend or mid-week trip, Stradbroke Island is the perfect solution. Accessible via ferry and featuring some of the most amazing natural scenery, Stradbroke Island (‘Straddie’, to the locals) is the perfect place to unwind. Not only is it not too far away, making it cheap on transport costs—it’s easy to enjoy the beauty of Stradbroke Island on a budget! Grab your camping gear and head out to the bush for a while, and we promise that by the time you return you’ll feel like a new person.
Melbourne – Great Ocean Road
If you’re a Melbournite who craves a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, we don’t blame you! As beautiful and vibrant as the city lights are, sometimes you have to get away from it all and look at the stars instead. This is where the Great Ocean Road comes into it. Featuring more darling little towns than you can poke a stick at and some of the most breathtaking natural vistas in the country, the Great Ocean Road is an inexpensive getaway that’ll have you feeling a million miles from home.
Sydney – Auckland
Feeling like an International getaway but can’t afford Paris or Rome? New Zealand—that’s right folks, a whole other country—is just a three-hour flight away. The increasing airline competition and frequency of flights means that it is now possible to pick up a flight across to the Land of the Long White Cloud for under $100, so there’s really no excuse to hang around and dream about it! Pump up your adrenalin with a jet boat ride or explore the fascinating cultural traditions of the Maori people in Auckland—either way, you’re in for a treat!
Adelaide – Barossa Valley
While it might not seem like the cheapest of getaways, it’s actually possible to have an inexpensive holiday in a high-end wine region—you just have to have a few tricks up your sleeve! Instead of staying in a hotel, rent a holiday home for the weekend, and instead of heading out to high-end vineyards for dinner, purchase your own fresh, quality produce at local markets, and whip yourself up some amazing meals at home instead!
Perth – Bali
If you want somewhere truly exotic, luxurious, tropical and relaxing, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage to get there! Perth is just a three-hour flight to Bali—less time than it takes to get to Sydney—ad as such, flights are extremely inexpensive. Once you’ve arrived, your Aussie dollar stretches a very long way, so it’s possible to enjoy luxury accommodation and service on a shoestring budget.
If you do your research, stick relatively close to home and think outside the box a little, it’s possible to have a truly amazing holiday without it costing you an arm or a leg. What’s more, the feeling of relaxation from your trip will last a lot longer when you get back and realise you’ve still got some change left over in that piggy bank!
