Cheapest Ways to Travel Australia in 2026
Australia is one of the world’s greatest roadtrip destinations but it’s also known for being expensive. Between accommodation, transport, food, and tours, costs can add up quickly for backpackers and budget travellers. The good news? There are now more ways than ever to explore Australia cheaply without sacrificing the experience. From campervan relocations to overnight buses, here are the cheapest ways to travel Australia in 2026.
Alannah F
Marketing Manager

1. Campervan Relocations
One of the biggest travel hacks in Australia is using relocation deals through Imoova.
Rental companies constantly need campervans, motorhomes, and RVs moved between cities. Instead of paying expensive transport costs, they offer travellers the chance to drive the vehicle for as little as $1 per day.
You’ll regularly find routes like:
Sydney to Brisbane
Cairns to Melbourne
Adelaide to Darwin
Perth to Broome
Hobart to Melbourne
You're able to hit all the tourist hotspots like the East Coast, Outback Australia, Ningaloo Reef or the Great Ocean Road.
Some deals even include:
Fuel allowances
Ferry tickets
The option to add on extra travel days
For flexible travellers, it’s easily one of the cheapest ways to experience Australia. Plus, you get to combine accomodation and travel into one!

2. Overnight Buses & Coaches
Long-distance buses remain a great affordable transport methods for backpackers. Companies operate routes between most major cities and tourist towns, especially along the east coast.
Popular backpacker routes include:
Sydney to Byron Bay
Brisbane to Airlie Beach
Cairns to Townsville
Melbourne to Adelaide
Travelling overnight can also save money on accommodation. The downside? You miss the freedom and scenery you’d get on a roadtrip.

3. Budget Airlines
Domestic flights in Australia can sometimes be surprisingly cheap if booked early.
Routes between major cities regularly go on sale, especially:
Melbourne to Sydney
Brisbane to Cairns
Adelaide to Gold Coast
Budget airlines often release flash sales throughout the year, making flying cheaper than driving in some cases.
Just remember to factor in:
Checked baggage fees (especially if you're a backpacker with a heavy hag!)
Accommodation after landing
Transport into the city from the airport

4. Car Sharing & Ride Boards
Many backpackers reduce travel costs by splitting fuel expenses.
Facebook groups, hostel noticeboards, and backpacker forums are full of travellers looking for:
Extra passengers
Drivers
Shared fuel costs
This option works especially well on popular routes like:
Cairns to Sydney
Darwin to Perth
Adelaide to Melbourne
You’ll save money and usually meet other travellers along the way.

5. Cheap & Free Camping
Accommodation is usually the biggest travel expense in Australia.
That’s why roadtrippers often combine relocations with:
Free campsites
Low-cost holiday parks
National park camping
Beachfront camps
Many regional areas offer free overnight camping facilities with toilets, showers, and BBQ areas. Using a campervan means you can combine transport and accommodation into one cost.

6. Working While You Travel
Many travellers extend their budget through temporary work.
Popular options include:
Farm work
Hospitality
Remote tourism jobs
Seasonal event work
Working holiday travellers often combine short work periods with roadtrips between destinations.
Australia doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little flexibility, travellers can explore huge parts of the country cheaply using relocation deals, overnight transport, camping, and budget-friendly routes. For many backpackers, Imoova has become one of the easiest ways to turn transport into an actual roadtrip experience, without spending thousands on vehicle hire.

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