As the world is winding down after the festive season, Australia is looking forward to its next celebration. The country marks Australia Day on January 26, the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British settlers in 1788. Events take place all around the country, but none are as colorful as Queensland’s cockroach races.

It’s not as glamorous as the Melbourne Cup, but a day at this offbeat sporting event will also cost you far less than taking in Australia’s premier horse race. Spectators at the Story Bridge Hotel swap their champagne for schooners of beer and dress in shorts and thongs, or flip flops if you prefer, rather than cocktail dresses. The races have been run at this pub just outside Brisbane since 1981, a year when legend says Daz, Hawthorne, and Igor, or Gor to his mates, were arguing about whose suburb had the largest cockroaches. Bringing their insects to the pub was the only way to settle the matter, and racing the roaches seemed like the next logical step.

Make sure you’re there at 11 am to get a prime viewing position amongst the 7000 strong crowd. A gold coin donation will secure you a spot in the tiered seating around the track. It might seem strange to start drinking before noon, but this is Australia after all. A few cleansing ales are just what you need to appreciate the spectacle of the sport. The actual races are run on a vacant plot next to the pub. There a four-meter wide square with a circle within it serves as a miniature race track for the cockies. Their stable is a big bucket, and names written on their back help the punters keep an eye on the action. Once the creepy-crawlies take to the track they can cross the circle in any direction they please, and the first to do so is declared the winner.

There are usually 14 races on the day, and you can BYOR (that’s bring your own roach) or buy one at the pub for a fiver. If your six-legged stallion is one of the first three to cross the line you’ll win a trophy and prizes. There’s a charity component to the event as well, with funds raised benefiting Variety, a non-profit group that works tirelessly for sick, disadvantaged, and disabled children.

While most champions are celebrated there’s no joy for the winners of this sporting event. Just like the rest of his competitors he’s unceremoniously sprayed once the race is run. However his name will live on as part of the Cockroach Hall of Fame, alongside other champions like Osama Bin Liner, Cocky ‘N’ Bullwinkle, and Crawl Keating, named after former Prime Minister Paul Keating.

The races are the centerpiece of the celebrations but there are still plenty of other activities to entertain locals and tourists alike. The title of Miss Cocky isn’t quite as prestigious as Miss Australia, but it nets the winner a $200 pub voucher, which will go a long way towards the evening’s drinks. The stakes are even higher for the Best Stable Costume Comp. Teams wearing their wackiest getup have the chance to win a $2000 party at the Story Bridge Hotel. There’s a $10 registration fee, but if you take out the title it’s worth the initial outlay. Bands and DJs are also on hand to entertain the masses, and there’s a dunking machine if the Queensland heat gets too much for you.

The party lasts well into the night, as all good Australian parties do. You’re likely to wake with a fuzzy head but also some great memories of one of the most unique sporting events Down Under.

Many Northerners long for the warm weather and knockabout charm of an Australian vacation. But even with the affordable accommodation offered by Australian youth hostels, the airfares alone put a journey Down Under out of the reach of many frugal travelers. Yet you needn’t starve yourself to afford a little piece of Oz, with many Australian themed backpackers popping up all over Europe.

When most Europeans think of Australian style hostels they think of Wombats.  No, not the stocky marsupial, but the chain with locations in Vienna, Berlin, and Munich. Despite its Australian animal inspired name, the Wombats company isn’t owned by Aussies. However there’s a touching story behind that moniker. It came about when Germany’s Sascha Bock and Marcus Praschinger met charismatic local John “The Sucker” O’Sullivan while traveling in Oz. John dreamed of owning a hostel named after his favorite marsupial, but died before he ever got the opportunity. This budget chain is a tribute to him, and a realization of his goals. Something tells me John would approve of these lively establishments, with their famous womBars.

Latvia seems an unlikely place for dinky-di digs, but the country’s capital Riga actually has a couple of Australian themed backpackers’ hostels. Aussie ex-pat Frank turned the city’s medieval castle into Friendly Fun Frank’s. This cheery hostel offers views of the picturesque Daugava River and the equally appealing good looks of its stunning female staffers. No wonder male travelers can’t resist stopping here! The convenient location, just a stone’s throw from Riga’s clubs and pubs, probably doesn’t hurt any either. And if you don’t feel like stepping out, you can always down a few cleansing ales at the hostel’s 24-hour sports bar.

Riga is also home to the Australian themed Argonaut. It’s run by a former Aussie army officer, but the atmosphere is anything but rigid. This place is all about getting out and experiencing all that life has to offer, just as the Aussies do. Hostel employees organize hot-air ballooning tours, shooting excursions, snowboarding and skiing adventures, and even skydiving. While the rooms are basic there are some real perks, including free WiFi in every dorm and complimentary breakfast each morning. The hostel is located on one of the city’s best shopping streets, far away from the capital’s infamous striptease clubs. That might disappoint some male travelers, but this up market neighborhood should give skittish travelers some peace of mind.

Continue your Australian experience in the Baltic region with a stay at Croatia’s Ravnice Hostel. Its owner Vera Pesjak was born in Zagreb, but lived in Australia during the 90s. While she’s returned to the place of her birth, her hostel ensures her adopted homeland isn’t too far from her thoughts. Pesjak’s warm hospitality helps to make up for the location, which is far from Zagreb’s city center. A tram will take you to the heart of town, but it’s a bit inconvenient for a night out. The suburban location means the Ravnice attracts a more subdued clientele than the average hostel. It’s a great place for chilling out and making some genuine connections in Croatia.

The Aboriginal Hostel in Hungary has a similarly relaxed atmosphere. It’s kind of quirky to find a joint covered in didgeridoos and boomerangs in the middle of Budapest, but that’s of course what lures in travelers. A stay here isn’t really an “authentic Aboriginal experience” as its European owners suggest though. Something tells me that Australia’s indigenous population doesn’t enjoy waffles for breakfast in the morning, wide-screen satellite television, or free internet access!

So Europe’s Australian themed hostels might not always offer the most reliable representation of life in Oz, but there’s a certain appeal to their kitschy homage to the Land Down Under. They’ll never be a true substitute for a trip to the Southern Hemisphere, but they’re a fun accommodation alternative for a budget European vacation!

Tour operators ferry travelers between Queensland’s Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation each day, but their services are expensive. The round trip along the famous Daintree Rainforest tends to cost between $150 and $200, including admission to the various attractions along the way, and it passes in the blink of an eye. If you prefer a more leisurely journey that’s kinder on your wallet, why not take the wheel and drive yourself? An Aussie road trip is a wonderful way to discover this part of Queensland.

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at one of Port Douglas’ popular cafes. The eateries in the dining strip of Macrossen Street, including Cafe Fresq, Cafe Ecco, and Underwraps, all open early enough to serve up your favorite nosh before you set off.

After half an hour in the car you’ll be ready to stretch your legs, and Mossman Gorge provides an ideal opportunity. Parking is free, and a free shuttle bus will take you from there to the national park’s entrance. It’ll take around an hour to explore the park’s hiking trails, and a little longer if you fancy a swim in the river.

From Mossman Gorge, head north towards the Daintree River. The car ferry crosses the river every 15 minutes, and can handle 40 vehicles at a time. Expect to pay around $20 for the return journey. This is the most expensive part of your journey, but it pales in comparison to the prices the tour companies would charge you!

Cape Tribulation, Queensland

From there it’s another 30 kilometers to Cape Tribulation, although the winding roads will make it feel much longer. It will take the average driver around three-quarters of an hour to reach the sand, but this beautiful beach is worth the wait. Remember to pack your sunscreen and swimsuit to really take advantage of this unspoiled Queensland paradise!

[Image Source: Tamsin Slater/Flickr]

As the weather cools, and the ocean too, tourists are beginning to steer clear of Sydney’s beautiful beaches. However, you don’t have to take a dip or catch a few waves to appreciate this natural resource. The coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte is a frugal way to spend time in Sydney, and one of the best jogging trails in Australia.

A walkway takes you four kilometers from Ben Buckler Point to Waverly Cemetery. If that distance sounds daunting you can walk the two and a half kays in the middle between iconic Bondi Beach and the lesser known breaks at Bronte. Either way it’s not a particularly challenging walk, with paved paths guiding your journey. You should allow an hour for the shorter walk, and twice the time if you’re taking the extended journey.

No matter what the season, the ocean views are picture perfect. Along the way you’ll see rock structures and cliffs shaped by the waters and winds over thousands of years, and the famous Bondi Icebergs ocean pool. You can drop in to the Bondi Icebergs club for a schooner of cleansing ale, or take a dip if the cold water doesn’t faze you.

Girl jogging near Bondi Beach

Sydney’s temperature rarely drops to the point of unpleasant, so while the sea breeze can be brisk you shouldn’t be uncomfortable on the walk. However, don’t let the chilly weather make you complacent. Australia’s UV rays are more powerful than you may think, so you should wear sunscreen and a hat on your walk. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must. While the paved path makes it an easy journey, it’ll seem like a much longer adventure if you’re wearing heels. And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera. No doubt you’ll want to snap a few shots of the Sydney landscape to show your friends back home!

[Image Source: Ernst Moeksis/Flickr]

The beautiful beaches, big surf, and pumping nightclubs lure tourists from all around the world to Australia’s Gold Coast. The high rise resorts may unnerve some frugal travelers but rest assured, there’s plenty of high quality hostel accommodation if you know where to look.

The first step is deciding exactly where you want to stay. The Gold Coast is a collection of Queensland beach towns, each with its own personality. One of the most popular, and most active, is Surfers Paradise. Cavill Avenue is the city’s epicenter, with great shopping opportunities during the day and plenty of Aussie pubs and clubs to keep you entertained once the sun goes down. Islander Backpacker Resort is the pick of the local hostels, as it’s conveniently located within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants, and clubs. No doubt you’ll spend plenty of time out and about, but if you do feel like kicking back you can take advantage of the hostel’s tennis court, spa bath, steam room, barbecue area, and bar. These facilities make the Islander feel like anything but a budget accommodation choice. Just remember that everyone in Surfers is looking for a party, so if you like your peace and quiet you may prefer another town.

Southport is regarded as the Gold Coast’s business center, and the local suits make it a bit quieter than Surfers. However it’s close enough to the action that you needn’t feel you’re missing out on the Gold Coast experience. The friendly folk at Southport’s Aquarius Backpackers make it one of the area’s best budget accommodation options. You’re sure to make friends over the pool table, bar, or swimming pool. The hostel also runs a free shuttle bus throughout the night to ferry its guests to the Gold Coast’s hottest night spots.

A beach on Australia's Gold Coast

Coolangatta is another laidback option particularly popular with surfers and aspiring grommets. The great surf beaches aren’t the only appeal though; its streets are lined with excellent restaurants and it’s a stone’s throw from the airport. Kommune Resorts has a boutique hotel vibe but its rooms cost little more than hostel dorms, despite their beach views. I doubt you’ll spend a lot of time in there though. The outdoor movie lounge and pool and party area are too much fun!

Australia’s hostels and budget hotels have come a long way since the days of roach infested rooms in rough neighborhoods. Instead they’re a great way to make your money go further on the Gold Coast.

Camping isn’t just an affordable way to see Australia; it’s also an ideal way to get back to nature and enjoy the rugged beauty of one of the most picturesque countries in the world. If your budget doesn’t extend to glamping, here are some wonderful, and affordable, places to lay down your swag.

Victoria’s Cowes Caravan Park boasts an enviable beachfront location. This sheltered cove won’t suit surfers, but its gentle waters are ideal for families with small children. The park is only 10 minutes drive to Phillip Island, which is famous for its fairy penguin parade. This nightly event, where fairy penguins emerge from the waves and waddle to their nests, is also a big hit with kids.

There are more beach vistas at Tasmania’s Swansea Holiday Park. This caravan park at Jubilee Beach, two hours from the capital city of Hobart, is in a beautiful park of the world; you can walk from your powered site to the ocean and see out to nearby Great Oyster Bay. Visitors are spoiled with a heated swimming pool, outdoor barbeque area, fully equipped kitchen, and playground for the kids.

And there’s more sun and sand in South Australia at Victor Harbor Beachfront Caravan Park. As its name suggests, this family-friendly park is right on the beach. Children are going to spend plenty of time frolicking amongst the waves, but if you can drag them away there are plenty of other nearby attractions including the Cockle Steam Train and whale watching tours.

But not every special Australian campsite is on the beach. Gemtree Caravan Park in the Northern Territory is a great place for enjoying the Outback. With its wild Eastern MacDonnell ranges location, the park feels a million miles from civilization. If you love that sort of thing you can opt for an unpowered site, but there are also powered sites and air-conditioned cabins for travelers who enjoy their creature comforts. Given its name, it’s not surprising that you can also try your hand at fossicking for gems here. Novices are best joining one of the garnet and zircon tours, but if you feel like going it alone you can try your luck at Garnet Gully.

Whether you have a frugal family vacation in mind, or a recession-friendly romantic getaway, Australia’s camping grounds are an excellent base for your Aussie adventure.

Melbourne is considered Australia’s fashion capital, but it’s easy to spend a fortune while shopping for that new season wardrobe on exclusive Chapel Street and the Bourke Street Mall. Travelers on a budget needn’t miss out on the goods though. The Victorian capital has many funky clothing stores just made for frugal travelers.

Vintage shopping is a great way to save cash and enjoy stylish, timeless looks. American Rag at Southgate has a great selection of second-hand apparel from the 40s and 50s. Accessorize with the store’s hats, gloves, and bags for the finishing touch.

Best Dressed is another great vintage option, especially for label lovers. The Armdale boutique carries plenty of big names including Prada, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent, all for a fraction of their original prices.

High end designers and household names come together under the one roof at DFO, which stands for Direct Factory Outlets. You’ll find these malls located at the city’s South Wharf, and in the Melbourne suburbs of Essendon and Cheltenham. If you don’t mind small imperfections or old season stock you can save up to 70% on clothes from leading Australian labels including Charlie Brown, Trent Nathan, and Seafolly.

Kids aren’t forgotten either in Melbourne. Peek A Boo Market and Vinegar and Brown Paper both have a great selection of affordable clothes for babies and toddlers. Many mothers are loathe to invest in designer apparel for their kids, knowing that they’ll grow out of the items before the season ends. The bargain prices at both stores make those big name brands seem a bit more reasonable.

No matter what you’re in the market for, Melbourne is a great place for indulging in some new clothes without spending a fortune.

Tourists traveling to Australia in pursuit of sun, surf, and sand inevitably end up on the Gold Coast. Just the name of this Queensland district makes you think of the area’s famous golden beaches. Of course, like any tourist trap a stay here can be expensive. However by heeding these simple tips you can make your money go further on the Gold Coast.

Most Gold Coast tourists stay in Surfer’s Paradise. Its summery name is designed to lure you in, and empty your bank account. Coolangatta doesn’t have such a glamorous moniker, but it is much quieter and cleaner. It’s also right on the beach, and much closer to the airport.

Komune is the pick of Coolangatta’s budget accommodation. It’s classed as a hostel, but don’t let that scare you. It’s quite modern and it offers beach views and a pool, all for the bargain price of around $30 for a dorm bed.

Spending time at the beach is the ultimate frugal day out. You can visit any of the Gold Coast beaches for nothing and swim in the ocean, laze on the sand, and simply watch the world go by. These beaches don’t have a worldwide reputation for nothing!

But you can’t spend all your time by the shore. No stay in the Gold Coast is complete without a theme park visit, but with tickets costing around $75 a piece they can be pricey. If you’re going to do it, I suggest doing it right and hiring a Q4U. Dreamworld has just introduced the gadget which allows you to book time on the park’s most popular rides and get VIP treatment. You’ll need to spend $10 to hire the device, but you’ll avoid spending hours waiting in queues. When you’re paying a hefty admission price, you want to experience as many rides as you can.

After a day’s adventure it’s time to continue the party on The Big Night Out. This backpackers excursion takes in some of the hottest nightclubs in Surfers Paradise. It costs just $30 to jump on board the party bus, which gives you free entry and a welcome drink at four different clubs. After that you’ll enjoy $5.50 drinks for the rest of your night. It’s a really cheap way to party in Australia!

A big night out deserves a big breakfast the next day, and you can do it at Pancakes in Paradise. This café offers an all-you-can-eat stack and unlimited coffee refills for around $13. That should help to shake off the last of your hangover, so you can do it all over again!

When tourists think of Australia they think of three words: sun, surf, and sand. And it’s not hard to see why..

Not only are Australia’s beaches beautiful, they’re also free for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re learning to surf or lazing about, it’s easy to spend a few days soaking up the atmosphere. However there are a few tips that foreigners should follow if they want to stay safe on an Aussie beach.

Unless you’re a very strong swimmer, you should visit a patrolled beach. It’ll offer great peace of mind to know that lifeguards are on hand should you get into trouble. You shouldn’t have any such concerns though if you swim between the red and yellow flags. This marked area is the safest part of the beach, free from underwater currents, submerged rocks, and other hazards.

If you do happen to swim out into one of the underwater currents, known locally as rips, it’s important to stay calm. Your natural instinct may be to fight and swim against the undertow, but this can get you into more trouble. Instead swim across it to safety.

If you are a strong swimmer, don’t be afraid to visit one of Australia’s unpatrolled beaches. These areas are often far less crowded, so they’re very appealing to surfers and anyone who enjoys the quiet. Without a lifeguard to look out for you, it’s a good idea to swim with a friend. Its also smartest to swim away from rocky areas. Some patrolled beaches also have signs warning travelers of any dangers, including poisonous jellyfish and sea snakes.

Whitehaven Beach in Queensland

Australia’s dangerous animals are always of concern to foreign travelers, but the locals know these creatures rarely cause trouble. The poisonous blue ringed octopus lives in rock pools, and venomous stonefish can often be seen on rocks, but they won’t harm you unless provoked. Many beaches also have nets to prevent sharks and jellyfish reaching beach goers.

And finally, don’t underestimate the power of the Australian sun. Make sure to apply sunscreen regularly, and wear a T-shirt, hat, and sunglasses while you’re on the shore. Rash shirts can also offer some extra protection while you’re enjoying the waves. These sun smart precautions can ensure you don’t leave Australia with a nasty sunburn or worse!

Australia’s historic ships and naval heritage are celebrated at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

The museum’s galleries feature important documents and other relics from Australia’s maritime history. You can explore these displays at your own pace or join a free guided tour. The interactive touch screens in the museum’s foyer give times and information about this service along with other museum events and activities.

But for most visitors, the most exciting parts of the museum are outside its halls. Several ships are docked in the harbor just outside, including the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, the 1847 tall ship James Craig, the Blackmores First Lady sailed around the world by Australian solo voyager Kay Cottee, and a replica of the Endeavour, the ship that Captain James Cook traveled to Australia in.

All those boats and talk of history can be a bit dry for the kids, so if you’re taking the family visit on Sundays or during school holiday periods. Extra activities including craft projects, story time, and games should keep children aged between five and 12 entertained. These sessions do attract an extra fee of $7 though, so they can get pricey if you have a large brood.

The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour

The Australian National Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the western side of the bubbling Darling Harbour precinct. This tourist hub is easily accessible by Sydney’s bus, light rail, and monorail networks.

The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of Sydney’s free museums, although special exhibitions and activities may attract a small fee. It’s open every day except Christmas from 9:30 am in the morning. The museum closes at 5 pm, except in January when it closes at 6 pm.

[Image Source: Andy Mitchell/Flickr]