10 affordable ways to make the most of Summer in Oz
From sunrise swims to beach picnics and group adventures, your Australian summer can be both unforgettable and affordable. And while some travellers splurge on big-ticket tours, the best experiences are often free.
Summer is the season to slow down, recharge the batteries, and explore. And if you’re visiting Australia, you’ll quickly see why the locals love summer so much.
From coastal walks to backyard barbecues with mates, there’s many things to see and do that barely cost a cent. Around the country, YHA properties let you make the most of it too. From Sydney Harbour’s rooftop views, eco-retreats in the Grampians, and surfside stays in Byron Bay, these are made for travellers who want adventure, comfort, and new connections, but without the price tag.
Here’s 10 simple, affordable ways to make your Australian summer truly unforgettable.
1. Find your 'beach o'clock'
For Aussies, summer days start early. Many people are up at sunrise, heading to the beach for a morning swim to beat the heat and crowds. To experience it like a local, make sure you also hit the sand early and leave by noon. If you’re staying at YHA properties in Byron Bay on the New South Wales north coast or Coolangatta on the Queensland border, you can literally step straight from your room into warm ocean water within minutes. Set your alarm clock early, sunrise swims are a local secret worth waking up for.
Tip: Pack a towel and a backpack so you can swim, dry off, and head straight to coffee. Many beaches have free showers too, so you can rinse off and start your day fresh. Bring your own shampoo, unless salty hair is your vibe!
2. Walk the coast with a coffee in hand
Join the weekly Bondi to Coogee walk with fellow travellers when you stay at YHA Sydney Central or YHA Sydney Harbour
Like the beach, coastal walks are a big part of the Aussie lifestyle, and the natural beauty makes it more than just exercise. Grab a takeaway coffee and make a morning (or day) of it. Sydney’s famous Bondi to Coogee track has six kilometres of dramatic cliffs and beaches, while Apollo Bay in Victoria’s west weaves past the stunning Great Ocean Walk, ending at the 12 Apostles. If you’re staying at YHA Apollo Bay Eco, you can join the trail right from the doorstep.
Tip: A keep cup can score you a small discount at cafés and cuts down waste.
3. Swim where it's safe
Aussie's take beach safety very seriously - only swim at patrolled beaches and always swim between the flags
Australia’s beaches are iconic, but the ocean can be dangerous and unpredictable. Most beaches have lifeguards, and if that’s the case, always swim between the red and yellow flags. Locals take this seriously because strong rips and currents are common. If you’re staying at YHA Newcastle Beach or YHA Cape Byron on the New South Wales coast, you’ll be close to patrolled beaches where safety comes first. While beach access in Australia is free and easy, knowing where to swim makes all the difference.
Tip: Ask reception about the safest swim spots and tide times. If it’s safe and you’re keen, grab a surfboard. These are free in YHA Newcastle Beach and just a small hire fee in YHA Byron Bay.
4. Take sun safety seriously
Slip, slop, slap and stay safe in the summer heat | YHA Coolangatta
Our UV levels are among the highest in the world, and locals are taught from a young age about the importance of sun safety. Follow the “slip, slop, slap” rule of slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen, and slapping on a hat. Also don’t forget your sunglasses. If you’re exploring tropical regions like Cairns, stick to shaded areas or cool off at your YHA pool. It's also a good idea to wear a rashie or wetsuit if you’re swimming or surfing at the beach.
Tip: Set a sunscreen reminder every two hours so you don’t forget to reapply. You can thank us later!
5. Celebrate Christmas the Aussie way
No snow, no worries! Enjoy the sun, sand and surf on Christmas Day
Because the festive season falls in the middle of Australian summer, you’ll find locals celebrating outdoors with barbecues, seafood, and pavlova (a meringue dessert topped with fresh fruit and cream). Kids open presents in swimsuits, and there’s no shortage of boogie boards and frisbees. If you’re in Adelaide, Sydney or Melbourne, it’s common to see family gatherings on the beach. It’s honestly the perfect way to experience an Aussie Christmas.
Tip: If you’re bringing drinks or cold meat and seafood to the beach, fill up an esky with ice. Most supermarkets or gas stations (Servos) will stock bags of ice for around $5 or so.
6. Plan ahead for the busy season
Salamanca Market in Hobart
Australians might be laid-back, but we still like to plan ahead. Summer is the peak holiday season, and coastal spots book out fast. Lock in your stay early to save money and avoid missing out. Midweek trips often mean better rates and fewer crowds too. YHA has properties in all the best locations, from Sydney Harbour with rooftop views of the Opera House to Hobart Central near Salamanca Market. The earlier you book, the better the deal, which leaves more cash in hand for local adventures.
Tip: As a YHA member (you become one after your first night), you can save up to 15 per cent by booking direct or through the YHA Explorer app. Just keep in mind that some properties have minimum night stays during busy periods.
7. Time your visit for January
December is festive, but January is when Australians really unwind. Many businesses close around this time for a few weeks, and city hubs generally empty out as people head to the coast, countryside or mountain regions like YHA Thredbo, which is perfect for summer hiking and mountain biking. Summer also sets the stage for some pretty iconic Aussie sporting events. If you book YHA Melbourne Central and you’re a tennis lover, grab yourself a day pass to the iconic Australian Open, or head to the MCG for the iconic Boxing Day Test (as part of the Ashes) or the Big Bash cricket tournament.
Tip: Catch the action for free on the big screens outside Melbourne Park, or head to a local pub or sports bar to soak up the electric atmosphere with friends.
8. Go with the heat, not against it
Relax, cool off or take in the views from one of the many amazing rooftops at YHA properties | YHA Brisbane City
In Australia, the mercury can spike quickly, especially if you’re headed inland. Locals don’t fight heatwave conditions, they embrace it and work around it. One trick when it’s hot is to make the most of your mornings and evenings, saving midday for the aircon. If you’re in Brisbane, YHA Brisbane City’s rooftop pool has skyline views and is a great way to cool off. Further south, YHA Blue Mountains has shaded waterfall walks, cliffside hiking trails, and is only a short train ride from Sydney.
Tip: There’s nothing like a sunrise swim or a morning hike to kick off the day before it gets too hot. If you’re staying at a city YHA, duck into a daytime movie instead, where the air con’s great.
9. Catch a free sunset show
Sunsets are a must-do in Summer | Cape Byron Lighthouse walk
Australians also love a good picnic, and sunset is the perfect time for it. Stock up on supermarket snacks, grab a blanket, and meet early to grab a good spot. On the west coast, Bathers Beach near YHA Fremantle Prison is a great vantage point, while on the east coast, YHA Sydney Harbour’s rooftop has a front-row sunset view of the city skyline. Wherever you go, Aussie sunsets are a nightly reminder that the best experiences shouldn’t cost much or at all.
Tip: Get in early for a sunrise or sunset spot, because everyone has the same idea. The best vantage spots are the ones you can secure early.
10. Stay social, spend less
Australians are social travellers who love booking group stays, cooking together, and making new friends on the road. YHA properties are built for this, with shared kitchens, daily activities, open lounges, and communal dining areas. You can even rent an entire YHA property or book multiple rooms in the same location. YHA Pittwater Eco in Sydney and YHA Port Elliot in South Australia are perfect for larger groups. Both are secluded, full of character, and ideal for creating lasting travel memories.
Tip: Start a dinner roster on the noticeboard. One group cooks, everyone chips in, and costs drop plus it's more sustainable!
Words: Troy Nankervis
