10 road trip hacks to save you thousands

A cost-of-living crisis doesn’t mean staying home. Follow our tips for a cheap and cheerful road trip.

Road tripping can be an excellent budget holiday option - if you follow our tips. Picture: Jaxon Foale/Tourism SA

I was 18 when I found myself bouncing along corrugated outback roads in a Ford Falcon XA station wagon amid a Whitsundays-Uluru-Melbourne epic with a boyfriend. Dust turned my hair red and we slept unceremoniously in the back of the car (plenty of leg room) yet that journey was notable, not only for its wondrous beauty but the sense of freedom and discovery it evoked.

There’s a thrill to road-tripping that is unmatched by other methods of travel. It’s not just about the destination; the fun starts as soon as you click the seat belt, grab the wheel and see that open road ahead.

Even short trips inspire that same sense of anticipation, and there are many ways to hit the road and get your fix of fun without breaking the bank.

1. Choose the right van

Wheels are a must, but what sort? You could opt for a motorhome, caravan or camper-trailer and carry the works with you, or go light and nimble in a car while staying in tents and motels. A DIY campervan fit-out can be as simple as rolling out a mattress in the back and getting a few storage boxes. Facebook groups like Van Life Australia and Planning a Lap of Australia are great for hints and tips on how to get set up.

Rent a van from $1 a day

Rent an RV, camper or car from $1 a day? You read that right. Rental companies often need to relocate vehicles and rather than paying drivers to do it, Immova offers you the wheel. The downside is that you’ll need to be flexible enough to fit in with vehicle availability, routes, and delivery deadlines, but the upside is that you could score a camper for a week from Broome to Perth for $7 and get $500 towards fuel. 

Imoova's relocation rentals start from $1 a day.

Try the 'Airbnb of caravans'

There are a lot of campervans and caravans sitting in driveways and Camplify connects you with their owners. Renting privately can save dollars, plus you don’t need to pick up from capital cities. Even more appealing is the chance to nab something with character such as a vintage caravan or Insta-worthy VW Kombi camper like “Tully” in Narrabeen, NSW.

VW Kombi camper “Tully”, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is among vans available through Camplify.

2. Cut costs on fuel

Fuel costs can vary greatly so download the Fuel Map Australia app to find the cheapest, says seasoned road-tripper Glenn Marshall. 

3. Find a campsite to suit your budget

From outback waterholes to towering forests and remote beaches, there are countless opportunities to park up or pitch a tent. Holiday parks such as Big4 and Discovery Parks charge a modest fee, but if you’re happy to forgo fancy facilities you can find camps for nothing or thereabouts – national parks are often good bets. Many country pubs, such as the Cradock Hotel in the Flinders Ranges, let you set up out back for the night in exchange for buying a few beers. Ultimate Campsites Australia by Penny Watson has 75 great ideas. 

Camp for free in Tasmania's Bay of Fires

You’ll have to pinch yourself to believe you’re allowed to camp just metres from one of the country’s most beautiful beaches for nada (four weeks is the limit). Dazzling white sand, aqua water and orange lichen-encrusted granite boulders make the Bay of Fires a paradise for swimming, fishing, walking or soaking up the serenity. BYO drinking water.

Camping is free in Tasmania's Bay of Fires Conservation Area. Picture: Tourism Tasmania

Stay at an award-winning Margaret River campsite for $38 

Hipcamp has been described as like Airbnb but for camping, letting you stay at some pretty cool and often secluded locations (private waterfall, anyone?). Recently awarded WA’s best is Fair Harvest, a demonstration permaculture farm where you can camp under shady trees, enjoy organic produce, do yoga or walk in its forest. On the doorstep are Margaret River’s famous wineries, beaches and bushwalking. 

Score a resort-style stay from $35 a night at Goolwa, SA

Pull up at Discovery Parks Goolwa and you’ll get far more than just a powered site for the night. We’re talking resort-style swimming pool, waterpark, bouncing pillow and sports facilities – that’s entertainment covered. Tear yourself away to explore the Fleurieu Peninsula’s famously white beaches, Mediterranean-blue water, rolling hills and wineries.

The waterpark at Discovery Parks Goolwa.

4. Spend $8 to save a stack

WikiCamps app is the best $8 you’ll spend, reckons grey nomad Anne Griffin. Filters let you search for anything from free campgrounds and holiday parks to info centres, toilets, showers and more.

5. Think outside the box for cheap accommodation

There are benefits to booking accommodation. Driving a regular car is generally fuel-efficient, plus you can save dollars by using kitchens and laundries at your digs. Hostels have evolved and are especially appealing for singles after a bed without the single price – if you don’t mind sharing – or families seeking a large room on the cheap. Membership with YHA unlocks a host of discounts. Pubs often have affordable rooms with the bonus of a hearty meal downstairs, and, for extended trips, consider registering with Aussie House Sitters to stay free in other people’s homes.  

Score a $40 bed in Byron Bay

The Surf House Byron Bay epitomises what great hostels are all about. Modern, coastal chic and 50m from the beach, its bunkroom beds start at $40 a night or upgrade for a private double. With free surfboards and a rooftop that offers everything from free yoga and sausage sizzles to bargain dinner specials, you’ll want for nothing more.

Accommodation at The Surf House Byron Bay starts from $40. Picture: Amy Whitfield

Snag a historic pub room for $80 in Omeo

Is anything cosier than a corner pub in Victoria’s High Country? Built in 1940, The Golden Age Hotel is a landmark in the historic town of Omeo, so if you’re driving the Great Alpine Road – en route to fly-fish the Mitta Mitta River, hike Mount Hotham or other mountain adventure – drop in for a bed, a meal and a yarn. Budget rooms start at $80.

Stay at Albury’s coolest retro motel for $99 

Plenty of motels have received the Palm Springs-style retro makeover, although their rates can sometimes be comparable with mid-range hotels. Not so at The Astor Albury where you can still snag a room at the nostalgic price of $99. A clever refurb styled up the exterior, restaurant and bar, with rooms getting a simple refresh. Midway between Melbourne and Sydney, this is prime road-trip stopover territory. 

The Astor Albury has had a Palm Springs style makeover.

6. Sign up for extra savings

Join holiday park memberships such as Big4 Holiday Perks+ or G’day Rewards to receive 10 per cent discount on stays and other offers, says keen traveller Christina Koullas.

7. Eat better for less  

When it comes to eating on the cheap, it’s hard to beat making your own meals. Staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, making use of free gas barbecues in parks, and getting a plug-in car fridge can make life easier. If you’re super-organised, consider freezing or vacuum-sealing meals before you leave home. When eating out, keep your eyes peeled for specials. Lunch deals at pubs are often cheaper than dinner, and going vego can save you money.

Don’t miss the markets in Cairns

Markets are great for stocking up and filling your belly with food-van goods. Rusty’s Market is a Cairns institution and it has 180 stalls absolutely brimming with fresh produce (including the exotic) along with fresh bread, dairy, seafood and more. Prepare to be tempted by the likes of French crêpes, German sausages and Vietnamese banh-mi. 

Fill up at a Burleigh Heads’ best bakery

Bakeries are a trove for hungry travellers and The Paddock Bakery is a favourite of those driving the east coast. Fresh sourdough will fill you up, but, let’s face it, you’ll probably be tempted by the apple and pistachio sausage rolls or butter-chicken pies. Actually, eat a few of the gooey Nutella-filled cookies or a crème brûlée doughnut and you probably won’t need to eat for the rest of the day. 

BLT sourdough sandwich from The Paddock Bakery in Burleigh Heads.

8. Think ahead with shopping 

Grocery shopping is cheaper in larger towns so stock up before you hit the backroads, says Catherine Knight, a regular at exploring solo in her campervan.

9. Make the most of free attractions

Whether it’s following a self-guided snorkel trail on Magnetic Island, counting koalas on Gippsland’s Raymond Island, cycling the Barossa Trail or lolling beneath one of the NT’s countless waterfalls, you can’t beat nature for free entertainment. For indoors entertainment, art galleries and museums are good bets. Self-guided walking tours can bring another level of understanding to historic towns such as Stanley in Tasmania or Armidale in NSW (visitor centres offer maps). Guides such as Ultimate Road Trips Australia by Lee Atkinson are packed with ideas.

Add an adventure into your road trip itinerary with the Glenelg River Canoe Trail.

Paddle the Glenelg River Canoe Trail

Whether for one day or four, paddling Victoria’s Glenelg River Canoe Trail, near the SA border, makes an excellent adventure. Limestone cliffs hug the water and peaceful riverbanks are home to myriad birds and wildlife. Tandem canoes can be hired from Paestan Canoe Hire ($60.50 a day) and there are seven campsites en route ($5.80 a night). Stuff your camping gear in the waterproof barrels provided and go! 

Go watersliding in Darwin

Perhaps they don’t want you swimming with crocodiles but Darwin has kindly created a few fantastic public water parks that are absolutely free. Palmerston’s headliner is a 14m-high, 100m-long, six-lane racer water slide, but there are tame pools and water play too. Leanyer Recreation Park has three wiggly water slides and pools, plus skate park and basketball court. 

The Bibbulmun Track at Quarrum-Owingup Nature Reserve, WA.Picture: Tourism Australia

Hike and stay free in South West WA

The Bibbulmun Track is arguably Australia’s best long-distance walk and though you might not be up for the entire 1000km, there are loads of options for one-day or short multi-day sections (campsites are free). Drive the route, between Perth and Albany, and let the trail be your guide. You’ll discover giant tingle trees, pristine beaches, towering karri forests, spectacular ocean clifftop trails and much more.

10. Buy a multi-pass for cheaper deals

Check with local visitor centres for any multi-attraction pass discounts on offer, says Catherine Best, author of Ultimate Caravan Trips Australia.

Originally published as 10 road trip hacks to save you thousands