While Cairns garners most attention for its access to neighbouring reef and rainforest, Tropical North Queensland is also home to the arguably more beautiful (and definitely cheaper) Mission Beach. Nudging Dunk Island on the mainland this quartet of villages just 1.5 hours drive south of the city, a place rich in beaches, island access, and dense jungle. While there is a luxe accommodation to be found at The Elandra, budget-friendly caravan parks and hotels are scattered all over the precinct, sitting alongside equally wallet-friendly venues like local favourite The Garage Bar and Brewhouse.

Meander past the Sunshine Coast, and beyond Bundaberg you’ll greet the duo of towns Agnes Water & The Town of 1770. These coastal charmers are in fact the most northern place you can surf in Queensland (when there’s swell that is), and tempt holidaymakers with their waves, fishing, and simple way of living. Budget-friendly, beachfront accommodation abounds here, whether pitching a tent or a holiday apartment is more your cup of tea. The food options aren’t focused on the gourmet, but that’s not to say decent coffee can’t be found – try Codie’s Place or La Caravana.

Halfway between Byron and Sydney is Crescent, another of the best value Aussie destinations to holiday. Crezzo (as it’s known), has a reputation for being one of the country’s best longboard breaks, but there’s plenty of bushwalking trails and rugged beaches (as well as a golf course) to explore as well. While shortly luxe new hotel Sea Sea will arrive, Crescent’s accommodation offerings are currently dominated by retro holiday shacks, the beachfront Crescent Head Holiday Park, or the revamped Med Hotel – all offering value for money. So too do the casual dining options; Point Break Cafe is a go-to for breakfast, while Barnetts Bakery is famous for its old school baked goods.

nnie Water and its neighbour Wooli are a duo of charmingly quiet villages that sit a 2.5 hour drive south of Byron Bay. Minnie is an old fishing village that today boasts a caravan park for camping (if you’re game), or a cluster of older holiday homes if you travelling with friends in tow. This is the kind of place to enjoy the offerings of the great outdoors; think decent surf, and fishing (and boating) potential. There’s a resident general store (and cellars) where you can grab your essentials for your stay, or old faithful The Wooli Tavern down the road if cooking’s not on the cards.

Make your way just an hour northwest from Adelaide and you’ll find yourself with 700 kilometres of pristine coastline at your fingertips. This is the Yorke Peninsula, a gloriously wild destination with an impressive 500 kilometres of shared walking and cycling tracks to explore (not to mention the national parks, beaches, and vineyards). But where to stay? There are plenty of hotels, motels and B&Bs around here, but perhaps the most memorable option (and value-packed) can be found at farmstay Redwing Farm, where you can choose an array of rooms, from a revamped 1950s caravan to the renovated shearers quarters.

Seaside Port Elliot is another value-packed escape, one that you’ll find on the stunning south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Despite being a haven of boutiques and cafes, this idyllic town can be enjoyed while on a budget. Especially when you consider that one of its more affordable accommodation offerings comes with one of the best views in town; the Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park sits just metres from the shoreline. As for how you’ll spend your time, Port Elliot is also a town boasting plenty of outdoor activity potential; parks, beaches and fishing spots are in no short supply.

The Bellarine is the lesser-known cousin of the Mornington Peninsula, a regional escape which makes for a great value Australian getaway, especially considering it sits within an easy hour’s drive from Melbourne, just past Geelong. There’s beaches, vineyards, and plenty of history to enjoy while you’re here, as well as a famous bike trail if you’re keen to work up a sweat; you can cycle the old railway line from Geelong right through to Queenscliff. And like any Victorian destination, the pubs are worth their weight in gold; try the newly revamped Port Arlington Grand Hotel for modern pub grub.

A value summer getaway can be found even further south (if you’re not afraid to forgo those balmy temperatures for something cooler). Bicheno is a resident of Tasmania’s glorious east coast, tucked between Douglas-Apsley National Park and Freycinet National Park. Primarily a fishing port this place is known for two key things; penguins and the blowhole – both worth a visit while you’re in town. Holiday homes (for all budgets) dominate the seaside here and make for an ideal place to spend the night, while days are best spent enjoying fresh local seafood home of the famed lobster roll, The Lobster Shack.