The Real Cost of Traveling Australia’s East Coast for a Month
So, is it actually possible to travel Australia without totally blowing your budget? We followed one real backpacker who took on the iconic East Coast route from Sydney to Cairns—and tracked every dollar. Here is what it really costs to backpack Australia for a month—and how to do it smarter with budget hacks from someone who lived it.
The Route
Jack booked his trip through Dundee Adventure Travel, which helped him plan everything in advance—from must-do tours to where he’d sleep each night.
The route looked like this:
Sydney → Byron Bay → Gold Coast → Brisbane → Noosa → Fraser Island → Airlie Beach / Whitsundays → Magnetic Island → Cairns
- Length of trip: 4 weeks
- Style: Budget hostels, Greyhound Bus pass, Backpacker group tours, and a few well-placed splurges.
The Full Cost Breakdown
| Category | Approximate Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostels) | $1,500 ($50–$60/night avg) |
| Transport (bus pass + ferries) | $475 |
| Food & Drinks | $840 |
| Activities & Tours | $1,834 (Fraser, Whitsundays, snorkel trips, etc.) |
| Extras (SIM card, laundry, souvenirs) | $150 |
| TOTAL | $4,799 AUD |
🎒 “I could’ve easily spent $1,000 more if I hadn’t booked everything ahead with Dundee. They knew exactly when to book Fraser and Whitsundays to avoid high prices—and helped me snag a bus pass that saved tons on transport.”
Here’s how he kept costs low without missing out on the fun:
1. Get the Greyhound Bus Pass
Australia’s buses can get real pricey if you book last minute.
The move? Grab a 30-day Greyhound Pass and lock in your transport cost from day one. It’s flexible, reliable, and saves you a ton over buying bus tickets stop by stop.
2. Rethink Your Drinks
Alcohol in Australia? Yeah, it’s not cheap. Jack’s advice stick to hostel bar deals and happy hours, buy wine (or goon) from the bottle-o for nights in, and if you do go out, pre-drink smart and save the bar for one (or two) rounds.
3. Aldi = Your Best Friend
Cooking in hostels is your wallet’s hero. Aldi will give you the cheapest ingredients so you’ll have more money for adventures. Pesto pasta is life. So is peanut butter toast. So are noodles. It’s also fun seeing what other backpackers from different countries whip up. The hostel kitchen is a great place to make friends.
4. Be a Budget Baddie with Hostels
Accommodation is a huge cost, so this is where to save: Choose hostels with kitchens and free breakfast. Don’t be afraid of a cheaper hostel if it has solid reviews. Look for extras like free surfboards, walking tours, or shuttle buses
5. Book with Dundee = Big Savings
Booking all your essentials with Dundee Adventure in a backpacker bundle or group tour can save you major dollars—and decision fatigue. With Dundee you get insider prices on tours like Fraser & Whitsundays, avoid surge pricing and sold-out stress, and have everything’s lined up for you (no last-minute chaos).
Top 6 Group Tours in Australia for the Budget Backpacker
6. Soak Up the Nature (It’s Free + Amazing)
Australia’s natural beauty is unreal, and a big reason we all come here to explore. There’s endless FREE adventures to be had in all the popular spots such as Byron lighthouse walks, Noosa National Park’s fairy pools, and snorkeling on Magnetic Island.
7. Pack Light and Versatile
Think neutral, mix-and-match clothing that works for the beach, hikes, and city days. Less stuff means fewer “oh no, I forgot…” purchases.
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8. Book the Big Stuff in Advance
Tours like Fraser Island and Whitsundays? They will sell out—or cost more if you wait. Dundee Adventure can help you book early and at the best price, so you can lock in your dream trip without breaking the bank.
9. Consider Off-Season Travel
Winter in Australia still has plenty of beach days and the off-season has lower prices, fewer crowds, and some surprisingly epic moments.
10. Walk Whenever You Can
Under 25 minutes? Walk it. You’ll save money and see more. Also use public transport, it’s way cheaper than Ubers.
Australia isn’t the cheapest country to visit—but with a little planning and a few clever hacks, it’s totally doable on a backpacker budget. Jack did 4 weeks of adventures, beach days, parties, and iconic experiences for $4,799 AUD—without missing out.
