FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Australia

  • Australia’s Best Camping Grounds – Memorable Oz Holidays on a Budget

    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.

    australia travel mapBut 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.

  • Bargain Clothes Shopping in Melbourne – Cheap Buys in Australia’s Fashion Capital

    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.Australia piggy bank

    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.

  • Making Your Australian Dollar Go Further on the Gold Coast

    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!Australia piggy bank

    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!

  • Stay Safe on Australian Beaches – Sharks, Sunburn, and Other Aussie Hazards

    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. [caption id="attachment_3507" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Whitehaven Beach in Queensland"][/caption] 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!

  • See Historic Ships for Free at Australian National Maritime Museum

    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'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]

  • Free Art Galleries in Sydney, New South Wales

    It doesn’t cost a lot to get cultured in Sydney. Entry to most art galleries in the Australian tourist center is free!

    Some of Australia’s most famous artworks are housed in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, including pieces from 19th and 20th century masters Grace Cossington Smith, Sidney Nolan, and Russell Drysdale.

    The gallery is also home to the Yiribana Gallery, which celebrates Australian indigenous art. If you prefer something more modern, visit The Rocks' Museum of Contemporary Art. It's the only museum of its kind in Oz, so it's worth visiting if your tastes are cutting edge. While it's not as spacious as the big galleries, the Blender Gallery in Paddington is also worth a look; this space provides a temporary home for traveling rock-focused photography exhibitions. The Locksmith Project Space in Alexandria is another exciting small free gallery, which showcases experimental pieces including films and music. The life and work of one of Sydney's most talented artists, Brett Whitley, is showcased at his Surry Hills studio. His work, including many unfinished pieces, is displayed here in the building which served as his home and exhibition space. The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridge is another site focusing on one of Sydney's favorite sons. Norman Lindsay shot to fame as the author and illustrator of the beloved Australian children's book The Magic Pudding. The gallery features works from this classic story, along with Lindsay's other key pieces. The Australian Galleries have so many local artworks that they needed six campuses to house them all: four in Victoria and two in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. The buildings on Glenmore Road and Roylston Street honor modern Aussie artists under the gaze of Stuart Purves, the son of the original curators.paintbrushes The Blacktown Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery are also great gallery options outside the city center. Some traveling exhibitions may incur additional costs, but it's possible to soak up plenty of Australian and international art for free in Sydney.

  • Free Travel on Melbourne’s Red Explorer Bus

    The Australian city of Melbourne really is a capital made for tourists. As if the free City Circle Tram didn’t make getting around easy enough, visitors can also discover the city for free on the Red Explorer bus, otherwise known as the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle.

    As there are no tickets, tourists can hop on at any station, and hop off once they spot something interesting.

    It's a great system for sightseers, as they can alight and depart at the designated stops as many times as they wish. There are 13 stops in all, which take in Melbourne's major tourist attractions. In the Melbourne Arts Precinct you'll find the NGV International and other galleries, the Sports Precinct is home to venues for cricket, Aussie Rules, and rugby league, and Chinatown is a great spot for a cheap feed. The Red Explorer bus runs every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. You'll never wait more than 30 minutes at any of the stops, so it's a very convenient and frugal way to see Victoria's most popular city!

  • The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour – Discover Sydney’s Historic Heart

    Sydney vacation companies offer plenty of tours designed to introduce you to New South Wales’ capital.

    While these excursions are informative and entertaining, they're also costly. So why not save your dollars in Sydney and enjoy a self-guided tour instead? One of the best places for exploring is The Rocks, a district regarded as the birthplace of modern Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip landed here in 1788, and it's been growing ever since. Happily though, the area celebrates its heritage with historic buildings which remember its past. Circular Quay is an easy place to start your journey. It has bus stops, a train station, and ferry wharf, so it's one of the most accessible places in Sydney. The iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge let you know you're in the right spot. Travel north past the Museum of Contemporary Art to the first historic building on our tour, Cadman's Cottage. Cadman's Cottage is one of Australia's oldest surviving buildings. It was originally built in 1816 to house the state governor's coxswain and crew, but today is home to the National Parks and Wildlife Service Information Center. You can visit for free every day except Mondays, Christmas, and Good Friday. Across the road from the Overseas Passenger Terminal you'll see a row of warehouses. Today they're office spaces and restaurants, so it's amazing to think they too were built in colonial times. You'll see some steps which will take you to the main area of The Rocks. Head west on Argyle Street and you'll find The Rocks Center, a great source of information about The Rocks and the rest of Sydney. If you're not sure what to do while you're in the city, this is the place to come. If you continue along Argyle you’ll come to the Argyle Cut, a deep rock cutting through sandstone which offers access to Darling Harbour and Millers Point. It's amazing to think that convicts did the bulk of this work with only chisels and hammers in 1843. Explosives finished the job in 1867. At the turn of the 20th century it was a popular hangout for gangsters and lowlifes, but it’s happily been cleaned up since then! Continue on to The Garrison Church, located at the corner of Argyle Street and Lower Fort Road. It began its life in 1840 as a military church, and plaques hanging on the walls remind us of this history. [caption id="attachment_5280" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Argyle Cut at Night"]Argyle Cut at Night[/caption] After all that walking you're probably tired and a bit thirsty. So why not do as the locals do and enjoy a schooner of beer at the Hero of Waterloo Hotel. The convict-built Irish pub has been one of Sydney's most popular watering holes since 1843. Local drops including Tooheys New, Carlton Draught, and James Squire go down easy, so this hotel is a great place to end your Rocks walking tour!

    [Image Source: Angus Fraser/Flickr]

  • See Art for Free at National Gallery of Victoria

    The National Gallery of Victoria is so full of art, it needed two campuses in Melbourne to house it all.

    The NGV International and its sister site, the Ian Potter Centre, are home to a stunning array of international and Australian pieces. The National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road opened with a modest collection in 1968. Today it's doubled in size and been rechristened NGV International. The new moniker reflects its focus on art from around the globe. There are more than 60, 000 pieces from artists in America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, making NGV International's collection arguably the largest assortment of international art in Australia. Stroll across the Princess Bridge and you'll reach Federation Square and the Ian Potter Center. It was named after the late Sir Ian Potter, a prominent Melbourne businessman and long time supporter of the arts. It's thought that the site is the world's first major gallery exclusively celebrating Australia's contribution to the global art scene. Indigenous art from William Barak and Emily Kngwarreye, colonial pieces from Frederick McCubbin and Tom Roberts, and modern works from Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, and John Perceval are amongst more than 20, 000 Australian artworks housed here. Admission to The National Gallery of Victoria is free, although some additional charges may apply for traveling exhibitions. The campuses open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, although NGV International closes on Mondays, and the Ian Potter Center closes on Tuesdays. Both sites are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday, and open from 1 pm on Anzac Day.

  • See Sydney on the Cheap – Budget Australia Travel Tips

    After watching Oprah Winfrey and her ultimate viewers climb the Harbour Bridge and take in the Botanic Gardens, travelers around the world are dying to do the same.

    But it's worth pausing before booking your flight to Sydney. Australia is a long way from anywhere, so getting there isn't cheap. The New South Wales capital is also one of the most expensive for tourists in the world. But don't let that deter you from your dream vacation Down Under. With a little insider knowledge, it's possible to have a great time without spending a small fortune. You can save a bit on those airfares and accommodation with some careful planning. While the idea of spending summer days on Bondi Beach sounds glamorous, many tourists don't realize how hot and humid the weather gets between November and February. These months are Sydney's peak travel season, so visit outside these times and you'll enjoy discounts and a more pleasant climate. Sydney caters for all kinds of travelers, with accommodation options from backpacker hostels to plush five-star hotels. The well-kept hostels are ideal for anyone satisfied with a clean place to sleep and little else. Serviced apartments with laundries and kitchens are also a great option for travelers looking to cut costs while enjoying a little more luxury. Sydney's restaurants are pricier than you’ll find in New South Wales' country towns, but they're more affordable than those in Paris or New York. Avoid the big restaurants on Sundays and public holidays, as they'll often tack on a 10% service charge. For cheap eats, enjoy Sydney's multicultural influences in Chinatown, Cabramatta, and Leichardt. The city's best seafood can be found at the Sydney Fish Market, where it's served up straight from the boat at a number of casual and affordable cafes. While hopping cabs can be pricy, Sydney's public transport system is cheap and easy to navigate. Multi-fare passes can be used on the city's trains, buses, and ferries to help you save. Australia piggy bankAnd if you're staying in the CBD, you can just hop on the free city shuttle! It's possible to see much of Sydney with the family without paying a cent. Most of the city's museums and national parks offer free entry, and there's usually a free festival celebrating something on weekends. While it's pricy to climb the Harbour Bridge as Oprah did, it's free to stroll the pedestrian walkway across it. The views aren't quite as spectacular, but your wallet will feel a lot fuller. Once the sun sets you can head to bars like The Sandringham, The Lansdowne, and The Beach Road to enjoy some free live music. Just be prepared to pay for the beers!