Top 5 Scenic Budget-Friendly Road Trips in Australia
Let’s be real—Australia is massive. And with so many jaw-dropping landscapes to explore, it’s easy to think you’d need a bottomless bank account to see it all. But here’s the good news: some of the most breathtaking road trips in the country are totally doable on a budget, especially when you’re cruising around in a comfy, cost-saving campervan from GoCheap!
From the remote red cliffs of Western Australia to the white sands of Jervis Bay, we’ve handpicked five scenic drives that combine stunning views with budget-friendly travel tips. Think free campsites, hidden gems, and unforgettable photo ops, all without draining your wallet.
😎 So grab your sunnies, pack your bags, and let’s dive into Australia’s top scenic drives you can enjoy without breaking the bank!
1. Coral Coast Drive – Western Australia (WA)
📍 Route: Perth to Exmouth (approx. 1,250 km)
☀️ Best Season: April to October
Why it’s scenic:
Picture this—turquoise coastlines, rust-red cliffs, and untouched reefs. The Coral Coast Drive is like a never-ending postcard. You’ll pass the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, and the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
Budget Tips:
- Free/low-cost camping at places like Galena Bridge and Nerren Nerren Rest Area.
- Bring snorkelling gear—Ningaloo Reef is free to explore! Or embark on a day cruise to explore further!
- Avoid school holidays for cheaper campervan rentals.
Highlights:
- Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon)
- Shell Beach
- Coral Bay’s reef just off the beach
Image: Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia
2. The Great Eastern Drive – Tasmania (TAS)
📍 Route: Hobart to St Helens (approx. 252 km)
☀️ Best Season: Summer (Dec–Feb) or early autumn for mild weather. Winter is also perfect to escape the crowd (just a bit cooler…)
Why it’s scenic:
Think wild coastlines, white-sand beaches, and sparkling blue water. Tassie’s east coast is compact but rich in natural beauty. It’s an ideal short trip that feels like a world away.
Budget Tips:
- Stay at free or donation-based campsites like Lagoons Beach or Mayfield Bay.
- Use the CamperMate App to find all the free campsites, but don’t forget to plug the vehicle every second night to keep the batteries charged up!
- Stock up on groceries in Sorell—it’s cheaper than buying on the road.
- Use Tasmania Parks’ Holiday Pass (great value if you’re visiting multiple parks).
Highlights:
- Bay of Fires
- Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
- Bicheno’s blowhole (free and super fun!)
- Pick up freshly baked sourdough from the Bruny Baker fridge on the side of the road.
Image: Bay of Fires, Tasmania
3. Great Ocean Road – Victoria (VIC)
📍 Route: Melbourne to Allansford (approx. 343 km)
☀️ Best Season: Spring or Autumn to avoid the summer crowds
Why it’s scenic:
Australia’s most iconic drive—and for good reason! You’ve got cliffs, rainforests, waterfalls, and the legendary 12 Apostles. It’s Insta-heaven and budget-friendly if you plan it right.
Budget Tips:
- Use the cheaper campsites at Johanna Beach or Aire Crossing.
- Cook your own meals—cafes can be pricey in tourist towns.
- Start early to avoid parking fees in hot spots.
Highlights:
- 12 Apostles (sunrise is magical!)
- Great Otway National Park (hello, glow worms!)
- Loch Ard Gorge & Gibson Steps
Image: 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
4. The Pacific Coast Way – Queensland (QLD)
📍 Route: Cairns to Brisbane (approx. 1,700 km)
☀️ Best Season: Winter (May–Sept) to dodge the humidity and jellyfish
Why it’s scenic:
This drive is tropical paradise all the way. Think lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, waterfalls, and some of Australia’s best beach towns. Plus, it’s packed with free nature experiences.
Budget Tips:
- Download the Wikicamps app—so many cheap camping options!
- Hit up local markets for cheap, fresh produce.
- Use fuel discount vouchers (Woolies or Coles dockets).
Highlights:
- Noosa National Park
- Airlie Beach & Whitsundays (look for budget sailing options)
- Mission Beach (free cassowary spotting!)
Image: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland
5. Grand Pacific Drive – New South Wales (NSW)
📍 Route: Sydney to Jervis Bay (approx. 200 km)
☀️ Best Season: Spring or early summer for ideal beach weather
Why it’s scenic:
This one’s short, sweet, and utterly stunning. You’ll cruise over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, pass through coastal rainforests, and find epic beach stops along the way.
Budget Tips:
- Pack lunch and enjoy free BBQ spots along the coast.
- Stay at National Park campgrounds—cheap and scenic.
- Mid-week travel means less traffic and lower campsite rates.
Highlights:
- Royal National Park
- Kiama Blowhole
- Hyams Beach (claims to have the whitest sand in the world!)
Image: Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales
6. Budget Campervan Travel Tips
Want to stretch those dollars even further? Here’s how:
- Travel in shoulder seasons for lower rental rates.
- Use apps like Fuel Map Australia to track cheap fuel.
- Book National Park multi-passes to save on entry fees.
- Stick to local eats or cook your own meals—campervans = mobile kitchens!
- Bring reusable gear, such as water bottles and solar lights.
Image: Enjoy every view with your campervan
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the cheapest time to rent a campervan in Australia?
A: Between May and September (outside school holidays) is your best bet—prices drop and so do the crowds. Check out this article to learn more!
Q: Do you need a special licence to drive a campervan in Australia?
A: Nope! A standard full driver’s licence in English is all you need for most campervans under 4.5 tonnes.
Q: How much should I budget per day?
A: Around $215–$400 AUD/day ALL INCLUSIVE, depending on fuel, food, and campsite costs. Travelling with a buddy can cut costs big time! We’ve budgeted everything in this article!
Q: Is hiring a campervan cheaper than booking a hotel and renting a car?
A: Yes… We’ve detailed everything in this article!
Time To Book Your Scenic Holiday!
Just remember: the best part of a road trip isn’t just the destination—it’s the freedom to explore at your own pace, sleep under the stars, and discover those magical, off-the-beaten-path moments along the way. All you need is a sense of adventure, a good playlist, and of course—your trusty GoCheap campervan.
Some other blogs we think you might like:
A First-Timer’s Guide To Hiring A Campervan
Rent Your First Campervan in Australia
Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
