Travel, but make it savvy
This is the bit where we craft a budget and head off on an adventure around Victoria, without draining our bank accounts. While a 10-course degustation might not be on the agenda, an affordable getaway doesn't have to be all supermarket hauls and digging holes to use the toilet. There are lots of cost-friendly activities (did someone say nature and free art galleries), and a range of accommodation you can snag for less than $200 a night.
Are you ready to escape the mundane with a short break in Victoria's regions? Here are our top tips for taking a trip on a budget.
Entertain yourself for free (or affordably)
Entertain yourself for free, or for a small park entry fee, in state and national parks across Victoria. In Gippsland, take a peaceful stroll through Tarra Bulga National Park, and take in views of the canopy from the Corrigan Suspension Bridge. Or, at the southernmost tip of the region, hike to the summit of Mount Oberon in Wilsons Promontory National Park. Why not head out early (or late) and watch the sunrise or set from a scenic lookout point.
Image: Watching the sunset in the Yarra Valley
Visit the Grampians to spot wallabies and kangaroos in the wild. You often see them hopping across the footy oval in Halls Gap, or along the countless walking trails in the area. While the Great Otway National Park along the Great Ocean Road is home to thundering waterfalls, like Hopetoun or Beauchamp Falls.
Search for art in the wild and journey along the Silo Art Trail to see old grain silos repurposed into mammoth art displays.
Bid adieu to the great outdoors and seek your fix of all things culture and art in an art gallery. Some top spots are the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Geelong Art Gallery or Warrnambool Art Gallery. Alternatively, discover a slice of history, whether it be bushranger, colonial or First Peoples and visit a museum, heritage park, rock art site or historical landmark across the state.
Image: Warrnambool Art Gallery
The list of things to do for free, or cheaply, goes on and on… visit a market, cycle a rail trail, meander through a botanic garden…
Wine & dine on a budget
Having fun is hungry work, but when it’s time to refuel, keep your finances in check and dine smart. First stop, a local farmers’ market. Fill a picnic basket with everything from fresh produce to baked goods and sweet preserves and find yourself a sunny spot to enjoy a farm to table feed. The best part is that there’s bound to be leftovers.
Image: Island Whole Foods, Phillip Island
Cafes and bakeries are another go-to. Island Whole Foods in Phillip Island offers delish plant-based food for a reasonable price. Pick up some smashed avo for brekkie for as little as $12, while Born and Bread Bakehouse in Geelong will curb your sweet cravings or tide you over between lunch and dinner with a sweet or savoury pastry. If you find yourself in Victoria's High Country, pop into The Other Place at Rutherglen for a cheerful $20 burrito bowl.
Image: Born and Bread Bakehouse, Geelong
Pubs, breweries and restaurants often have mid-week dining specials. So check for Tuesday parma nights or cheap pizza days as you traverse the state.
Cheap(-ish) accommodation
It's hard to define what cheap accommodation is, but depending where you're budget is on the price spectrum, there are a few affordable routes you can take. If you have the gear, camping is always the cheapest options. A lot of state parks allow travellers to camp for free, while local caravan parks offer powered or non-powered camping sites for a small fee. If you want cheap and cheerful, but a little more creature comfort, cabins at caravan parks are a savvy option as well.
Or, step it up a notch at Shiraz Republic Farmstay with private cabins starting at $170 per night for a mid-week stay.
Image: Shiraz Republic Farmstay Accommodation
However, camping isn’t the only option. If you’re travelling in a big group, a holiday house could be a sound investment. For small groups, Blue Moon Cottages in Rye have options to sleep four adults for less than $350 a night, while Jupiters Loft in Venus Bay has three bedrooms, sleeping up to six for under $400 a night. Country Retreat in Rutherglen is similarly priced for three spacious bedrooms.
Finally, a little research will uncover some fantastic options for more traditional accommodation options. For instance, take a step back in time and indulge in the wild ‘70s with a stay at the Kyneton Springs Motel for under $200 a night.
Image: Kyneton Springs Motel
Extra tips for savvy travel
- Book in advance
- Travel mid-week for cheaper prices on accommodation and weeknight dining deals
- Don’t forget about transport. Are you driving? Factor the cost of petrol into your budget
- Prioritise free activities
- Travel with friends and split the cost of travel and holiday house rentals
- Travel outside of public and school holidays
