How to plan a safe and affordable Australian Summer holiday

Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer adventure, here’s how to plan ahead, save money and travel safely around Oz during the warmer months.

Dreaming of an Aussie summer adventure? Well, a little planning goes a long way. Prices rise once the weather warms up, but with the right approach, you can explore more and spend less without batting an eyelid. A smart plan also makes your adventure more enjoyable and you’ll discover just how good an Australian summer can be when it’s done right. 

In this guide, you’ll find simple, practical tips to help you plan ahead and stay safe, starting with one of the most important steps: keeping your plan simple.

Don’t overcomplicate your travel plans

The best way to see Australia during summer is to keep things simple. Pick one region and stay a few nights rather than trying to see everything on the map. Whether you’re in the Blue Mountains, Port Elliot or Cairns, YHA properties are strategically placed to let you maximise your time away. You’ll save money, reduce travel stress, and actually have time to enjoy where you are.

Keep things simple...stay a few nights and really soak up the atmosphere of your destination

Australia’s big, and distances can catch first-time travellers off guard. Having a good base makes a world of difference. YHA properties are great for this, with many close to walking trails, cafes, and transport links. 

A bit of prep goes a long way. Before you go, also do your research. Check social media for local recommendations, trending hikes, and hidden swimming spots, and download the YHA Explorer App to find accommodation plan routes, and access member discounts, including up to 15 per cent off stays. 

Book ahead too, because summer fills fast. Plan your days around the weather. Head out early while it’s cool, take a break during the midday heat, then explore again in the late afternoon when the mercury drops, and the crowd's ease. It’s safer, more enjoyable, and far less stressful.

Also don’t forget the value of a good chat. The communal spaces at YHA are perfect for swapping tips, sharing discoveries, and getting local advice on what’s worth exploring next. Travelling here is as much about the people you meet as the places you go.

Get local advice from YHA team members

Don’t skimp on safety

If you’re new to travelling in Australia, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to stay safe. Swim at patrolled beaches, stick to marked tracks, and check national park updates before you head out. Downloading an emergency alert app is also a smart move, especially for updates on bushfires or extreme weather.

Travel insurance is another thing many visitors overlook. It can seem like an extra cost, but it’s worth every cent if something unexpected happens. It also gives peace of mind, particularly if you’re travelling solo or when natural disasters like floods or bushfires strike. Shop around to find a policy that suits your trip and always read the fine print so you know what’s included.

These small choices help keep you safe while protecting the places you’ve come to see. 

Keep things affordable and stretch your budget further

Australia is known to be expensive, but there’s simple ways to reduce costs. Travel midweek or outside the school holidays when prices drop and crowds thin out. You’ll find cheaper rooms, better availability, and an overall calmer pace.

Cooking your own meals is one of the easiest ways to save money. A quick breakfast before you head out and an easy dinner when you’re back can make a big difference. Do a grocery shop every few days and make use of the shared kitchen at YHA properties.

Cooking and sharing meals with others is one of the best ways to save money when travelling

Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat, and if you’re heading to higher ground, pack a jumper because it can get cold after dark, especially in Thredbo or the Blue Mountains.

When planning your itinerary, start your day with a walk or a bike ride, find some shade or water at midday, then head to a lookout or short trail before sunset. This approach works well wherever you go, whether you’re in Thredbo, the Blue Mountains, or the Grampians, and it keeps a nice balance between exploring and downtime.

Hire a bike from YHA and explore for much less

Look out for free or low-cost experiences too. Most cities and regional towns have walking trails, public art, swimming spots, and summer festivals that will not cost you a cent. When you do spend on a surf lesson, a day trip, or a good meal, you’ll enjoy it even more knowing you’ve balanced your budget elsewhere.

Book early at YHA properties, travel light, and make the most of YHA member discounts on stays. Cook a few of your own meals, use public transport where you can, and plan your days around the weather, embracing early mornings, afternoon shade, and sunset adventures.

Why this plan works

When you plan ahead exploring Australia can be both easy and affordable

These simple habits set you up for an Australian summer that’s relaxed, affordable and full of variety. 

Once your plan is in place, it’s then time to choose where to go. From tropical escapes in Cairns to mountain trails in the Blue Mountains, wildlife encounters in the Grampians and big-city energy in Melbourne, each destination offers something different, and you can let YHA properties in each of these region handle the rest. 

Travelling affordably is not about cutting corners. It’s about making choices that give you more time, freedom, and connection. When you plan ahead and make use of what’s already at your fingertips, you’ll see that exploring Australia can be both easy and affordable.

Australia has so much to offer when you plan ahead, travel smart and give yourself the time to really enjoy the journey.

Words: Troy Nankervis