Tasmania has quite a number of great low cost campgrounds alongside rivers, in National Parks and many in and around golf and sporting clubs at very reasonable prices.

Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania range from as little as $5 per night through to $25 per night based on 2 Adults. Generally the nightly fee for low cost campgrounds depends on the range of facilities. Campgrounds charging around $25 per night include power and possibly water.

You will find the campgrounds charging around $10 per night have fairly basic facilities. Naturally there are no powered sites available in the lower price category, and they are for an unpowered campsite only.

We have compiled a list of Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania breaking them down into the different price categories. These are just the campgrounds that we have discovered on our travels and naturally there are many more around Tassie.

There are also a lot of Free Camps right throughout Tasmania which makes it a very affordable place to visit for an extended period of time. We spent 6 weeks exploring Tassie and could have easily enjoyed another 2 weeks.

Read all about:  Great Free Camping in Tasmania

Here is our list of Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania

We have broken our great low cost campgrounds in Tasmania into 3 categories:

1.  $25 and Under per night Low Cost Campgrounds
2.  $10 and Under per night Low Cost Campgrounds
3.  $5 and Under per night Low Cost Campgrounds

Campgrounds $25 and Under per night

Ulverstone Blue Wren Tearooms

Location: West Ulverstone, Tasmania

About: A campground area is provided for self contained RV’s and Caravans within the grounds of the beautiful gardens and tearooms with views of the Bass Straight.

Pop along to Burnie to the Burnie Little Penguins Observation Centre and see the gorgeous little creatures come up out of the water after dark.

Full review:    https://indefiniteleave.com.au/blue-wren-tea-gardens-ulverstone-tasmania/

• Cost:      $12 for 2 Adults Unpowered /No Water and $22 for 2 Adults Power & Water
• Max Nights Stay:    No limit
• Toilets:      No
• Showers:     No
• Potable Water:    Available by donation
• Bins:   Yes
• Power:   Yes – at an additional cost outlined above
• Pet Friendly:   Yes
• Dump Point:   No
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:   Yes as well as Vodafone

Contact Phone:    0455 533 979

Facebook:

Read all about: The Very Best of Things to See and Do in Tasmania

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Mount Field Campground

Location:    Mount Field National Park adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre, Tasmania

About:    The Mount Field Campground is the perfect place to explore Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls which are right at the doorstep. It has excellent facilities. Apart from an amenities block, it also has coin-operated washing machines and driers plus a camp cooking shelter including free electric barbecues as well as a sink with hot water.

Just a reminder, a valid Tasmanian Parks pass is also required.

• Cost:       $16 per night Unpowered and $20 powered for 2 Adults
• Max Nights Stay:    N/A
• Toilets:        Yes
• Showers:       Yes, hot free showers
• Potable Water:    Yes
• Bins:    Yes
• Power:    Yes – 14 sites
• Pet Friendly:    No as it is National Park
• Dump Point:    No
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:    Yes

Contact Phone:  (03) 6288 1149

Website:

Email:   

Book a Russell Falls & Mount Field National Park Tour from Hobart here>

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Rosedale Homestead previously Taranna Cottages

Location:    Taranna, 10 kms from Port Arthur in Tasmania

About:    Rosedale Homestead previously Taranna Cottages offers self contained RV parking as well as 3 self-contained cottages in a beautiful farm and bush setting. There’s also a Restaurant, Animal Farm and Heritage Museum.

This location is perfect for exploring Port Arthur Historical Site as it is just 10kms from Taranna. A visit to Port Arthur during the day is a definite must but you can also do a Port Arthur Ghost Tour and explore at night.

We can highly recommend the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Tasman Island Cruise from Port Arthur as well.

Full Review:     https://indefiniteleave.com.au/taranna-cottages-taranna-tasmania/

• Cost:     $25 per night Unpowered (Additional $2.50 if paying by card)
• Max Nights Stay:    No limit
• Toilets:     Available at the Museum during opening hours only
• Showers:     $2 for 3 minutes
• Potable Water:    No
• Bins:    Yes
• Power:    $33 per night
• Pet Friendly:    Yes
• Dump Point:    No
• Free Wifi:    No
• Telstra Coverage:    Yes however no Vodafone

Contact Phone:     0418 126 151

Website:     

Email 

Book your Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Tasman Island Cruise here>

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Low Cost Campgrounds $10 and Under per night

Neck Game Reserve Camping

Location:    Narrowneck South Bruny Island

About:    The campground is tucked in behind the dunes at the south of the Isthmus and has easy access to the beach.

Note as the Camping area is just outside the South Bruny National Park boundaries, no National Park Fees apply, just the camping fees.

Bruny Island is a great place to get your taste buds flowing. Be sure to check out the Bruny Island Chocolate, Bruny Island Premium Wines, Bruny Island Cheese Co, Bruny Island Berry Farm.

Also we highly recommend the Bruny Island Wilderness Tour.

• Cost:       $10 per night ($15 for family of 2 Adults & 2 Children)
• Max Nights Stay:   No limit
• Toilets:        Yes, Drop Toilets
• Showers:       No
• Potable Water:    No, water available but recommended you boil water for drinking
• Bins:    No – Must take all rubbish with you
• Power:    No
• Pet Friendly:    No
• Dump Point:    No
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:    Yes but not a strong signal

Contact Phone:      (03) 6121 7026

Website

Email

Book your Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise from Adventure Bay here>

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Strahan Golf Club

Location:    Strahan, Tasmania

About:    The Strahan Golf Club offers a camping area for self contained RV’s and Caravans. You must have your own self-contained toilet to camp at the golf club. Tent camping is not permitted.

The Golf Club Bar opens from 4pm for drink.

While in Strahan, don’t miss the famous Gordon River Cruise which takes you into ancient rainforest of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area which is stunning and cruising the Gordon River is so serene.

Full Review:     https://indefiniteleave.com.au/strahan-golf-club-camping-area-strahan-tasmania/

• Cost:       $10 per night
• Max Nights Stay:    7 nights
• Toilets:        Yes
• Showers:       No
• Potable Water:    Yes
• Bins:    N/A – Must take all rubbish with you
• Power:    No
• Pet Friendly:    Yes, however pets must be restrained and kept quiet at all times
• Dump Point:    No
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:    Yes but no Vodafone

Contact Phone:     (03) 6471 7242

Facebook:

Email

Book your Gordon River Cruise here>

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Horsehead Creek Campground

Location:    Devonport, Tasmania

About:    The Horsehead Creek right alongside the Mersey River is a great low cost campgrounds for when you arrive in Tasmania or are about to re-board the Spirit of Tasmania.

This camping facility for self-contained vehicles and caravans only.

A Camping Permit is required and can be obtained from the Devonport Visitor Information Centre during office hours or via the EasyPark app

Full Review:     https://indefiniteleave.com.au/horsehead-creek-devonport-tasmania/

• Cost:       $10 per night
• Max Nights Stay:    72 hour limit
• Toilets:        No
• Showers:       No
• Potable Water:    No
• Bins:    Yes
• Power:    No
• Pet Friendly:    Yes
• Dump Point:    Yes
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:    Yes but no Vodafone

Contact Phone:     (03) 6420 2900

Website:

Email

Book a Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Devonport here>

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Franklin Campground

Location:    Franklin, 50kms south of Hobart in Tasmania

About:    Grassy campground ideally located right beside the Huon River for RV’s. Camping in tents is not permitted. Stay 4 nights and the 4th night is free.

Check out Willy Smith’s Cider House and Apple Shed Museum in Grove which is just under 20 minutes away,

Full Review:     https://indefiniteleave.com.au/franklin-campground-franklin-tasmania/

• Cost:      $10 per night per vehicle
• Max Nights Stay:    4 nights
• Toilets:     Yes
• Showers:    No.
• Potable Water:    Yes
• Bins:    Yes
• Power:    No
• Pet Friendly:    Yes, dogs are allowed but must be on a leash
• Dump Point:    Yes
• Free Wifi:    No
• Telstra Coverage:    Telstra and Vodafone

Contact Phone:   (03) 6264 8400 or 0428 875 619

Website:

Email

Book a Huon Valley Tour from Hobart with Tahune Forest Air Walk here>

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Freycinet Golf Club

Location:    Swanwick Tasmania

About:    The Freycinet Golf Club provides a great level campground which is only 6kms from Coles Bay so a great base for exploring the Freycinet National Park and fabulous Wineglass Bay.

Be sure to visit the world famous Wineglass Bay. We did the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk and you can also take a Wineglass Bay Cruise which includes lunch.

Full Review:     https://indefiniteleave.com.au/freycinet-golf-club-swanwick-tasmania/

• Cost:    $10 per night per site
• Max Nights Stay:    5 nights
• Toilets:    Available at the Golf Club 24/7
• Showers:      No
• Potable Water:    No
• Bins:    Yes
• Power:    No
• Pet Friendly:   Yes
• Dump Point:     No
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:    Yes

Contact Phone:     (03) 6257 0053

Website:    

Email

Book a Wineglass Bay and Freycinet Day Tour from Hobart here>

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Stanley RV and Caravan Campground

Location:    Stanley, North West Tasmania

About:    The Camping area kindly allocated by the Circular Head Council, is right alongside Tatlows Beach near the entrance to the Stanley Golf Club.

Fees are collected by the Site Manager evenings and mornings.

Full Review:     https://indefiniteleave.com.au/stanley-rv-and-caravan-campground-stanley-tas/

• Cost:   $10 per night
• Max Nights Stay:    7 day stopover
• Toilets:   No
• Showers:     No
• Potable Water:   Yes
• Bins:   Yes
• Power:    No
• Pet Friendly:    Yes
• Dump Point:   Just around the corner
• Free Wifi:  No
• Telstra Coverage:    Telstra and Vodafone

Contact Phone:     (03) 6452 4800

Website:

Email

Book a Stanley Day Tour from Burnie or Devonport here>

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Sorell Sports Complex

Location:    Sorell, 25kms from Hobart in Tasmania

About:    The Council run RV Park is a great rest area for self-contained Caravans and Motorhomes.

A permit fee is payable and permits may be obtained from the Sorell Council Chambers between 8am and 4.45pm Mon – Fri or onsite from the deposit box near the Dump Point.

Full Review:     https://indefiniteleave.com.au/sorell-sports-complex-sorell-tasmania/

• Cost:      $7.50 per night per vehicle (or $26 for 5 nights)
• Max Nights Stay:    10 nights
• Toilets:     No
• Showers:   No
• Potable Water:   Yes
• Bins:    No
• Power:    No
• Pet Friendly:    Yes, dogs must be on a lead and there is a dog park next door
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:    Yes

Contact Phone:     (03) 6269 0000

Website:

Email

Book a Hobart City Mt Wellington and Richmond Day Tour here>

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Campgrounds – $5 and Under per night

Gordon Recreation Reserve, Three Hut Point

Location:    Three Hut Point, Gordon south of Hobart

About:    Although we didn’t stay here, it looked the perfect place to stay for a few nights with lots of level grassy sites right on the water overlooking Bruny Island. It is one of the cheapest low cost campgrounds in Tasmania and even has water views. You couldn’t ask for more!

Plus, it is an ideal spot for fishing and swimming.

Full Review:      https://indefiniteleave.com.au/gordon-recreation-reserve-three-hut-point-tasmania/

• Cost:     $5 per night
• Max Nights Stay:    No limit
• Toilets:      Yes
• Showers:     No
• Potable Water:    No
• Pet Friendly:    Yes
• Dump Point:    Yes
• Free Wifi:     No
• Telstra Coverage:   Yes

Contact Phone:     (03) 6211 8200

Website:

Email

Book a Hobart City Tour with MONA Ferry and Entry here>

Pin – Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania!

Hope our list of great low cost campgrounds is useful and helps you plan your road trip around Tasmania. Let us know of any other great places you find or have stayed at.

Safe travels   

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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What to do with your house when you travel, should you sell everything and go travelling? 

Should I sell my House and everything we own, Rent out my House or Lock the Doors to go travelling?

For a lot of people about to set off on the Big Lap of our Country, choosing whether to sell your home, rent your house to travel or just lock the doors and leave is a tough decision.

As a Real Estate Agent myself since 1997 I believe in property as a wise investment.

History shows that over the long term prices always increase.

Every circumstance however is different, both in terms of how much a property will increase and if it’s better to sell or rent your home.

Recently I spoke with someone else who left to travel just before us and they sold their house before leaving and put the money away from the sale of the property.

They still have those funds, they haven’t spent it and they are probably earning some interest from it, however, I doubt they have generated the return on their money that we have from our house.

Keeping your Property vs Selling your House and Everything to Travel

It got me thinking about our choice to keep our property versus selling and cashing up.

From a Real Estate Agent’s perspective it does bother me to see families selling up in their 30’s and taking the kids around Australia and then potentially coming back to higher property prices and having to start all over again.

A year is a long time when it comes to property and the market can change dramatically in that time. Of course, that change could be either way, but if it does go up then it can make it so much harder to start over again.

Another option would be to move to an area with lower property values. This might even be ideal anyway, new surroundings, maybe more space, new beginnings.

If you are young and face the question of selling or renting your home to travel, the decision needs a lot of thought and understanding to make the right decision.

Read about our: 7 Towns in Australia we could live

Increased Value of our Property

Our home is a 1960’s highset chamferboard timber house located 14kms from Brisbane CBD as the crow flies.

It is in a quiet cul-de-sac street backing on to a park, within walking distance to schools and rail.

We bought it in October 2000 for $130,000 and in 2004 we did a renovation of around $150,000.

When we left on our trip in Feb 2016 we estimated our house was worth approximately $530,000. The Council rated land value was $430,000 at that time.

3 years later a house in our street was demolished and the vacant land the same size as ours has then been sold for $600,000.

We couldn’t believe it when the tenants told us. Prices had obviously increased a lot since we have left.

I rang some of my mates in Real Estate and they thought I would go close to about $700,000 for our property. I have to admit, we were pretty bloody happy with that news.

Another 2 years later in late 2020 our tenant suggested he would be interested in buying our house so we arranged a valuer to complete a proper valuation.

I suggested to the Valuer we thought it was worth around $680,000 to $700,000 but maybe $720,000 at a stretch. Basically I had no idea, we’ve been away a long time.

All we really knew was our land value had just increased again and it was now $610,000.

When the valuation came back at $880,000 we were literally in shock. We couldn’t believe it.

We picked up our jaws from the floor and stopped doing cart wheels and I picked up my phone to message him to say he had made a typo. I stopped for a moment and thought maybe I should read the report first.

Sure enough, one had sold in our street for $800,000 on the other side of the road that doesn’t have our values as we back on to a park.

We had just picked up another $200,000 in asset value.

Since we left home to travel Australia our asset had increased by $350,000.

We still have a loan balance of around $276,000 on our house. Also, we have a loan on the Motorhome of $107,000 alongside the house loan, so we still have plenty of debt there.

Should I sell my House and everything to Travel – FAQ

It’s not an easy decision deciding should I sell my House to travel or what to actually do with your home when you leave.

Selling would make things so much easier and stress free while travelling and for many families the rent wouldn’t go close to covering the mortgage.

On the other hand, if you own your property the rent would give you an income or in other circumstances if you’ve had your mortgage for awhile it may pay off the mortgage or at least most of it.

But renting comes with it’s challenges.

You could just close the doors and windows and leave however check the affect on your insurance by doing this.

I believe many policies have a condition where they won’t cover the property if you’re away longer than a certain period, often around 2 or 3 months.

Closing up is also a potential financial loss of the rental income however this will depend on a range of factors including how much the property would rent for, how long you plan to travel for and what you would do with your possessions.

Read about: The Privilege of being able to travel Australia is not lost on us

Q. 1 – What if I get bad tenants?

This is a great fear for many homeowners and the anxiety can be even more because it’s your home, not a property you bought purposely for investment.

We have had 2 tenants in 5 years and both have been great.

Some might say we have been lucky but it’s more about the position of our home and therefore it’s ability to attract the right people.

This is a huge consideration you should make in your decision making.

Will your property attract good tenants and if not, will the rental income be enough to make it worth renting or are you better off just selling it?

When it came to pricing our house to rent, we did our own research and we put it on at market value or fractionally under.

The first open home had a great response and we carefully took our time to select the best tenant.

Q. 2 – What if tenants damage our property?

You need to take the emotion out of the process of renting your property. It will do your head in otherwise.

If we were unlucky and had bad tenants and they did do a thousand dollars in damage, or even more, let’s look at what that actually means.

If a tenant were to do damage we can claim it from the bond. Tenants should always pay an upfront 4 weeks bond which is held by the Rental Tenancy Authority (RTA) in Qld or a similar authority in other states.

If damages were to exceed the bond amount held we have our Landlord Insurance to cover any damage.

Whilst Landlord Insurance is there for these circumstances we don’t really want to use it so it’s important to get the choice right from the beginning.

The steps to good tenants are:

• Screen tenant applications thoroughly
• Have a clear induction process to your property. For instance we meet the tenants if possible to allow us to make the final decision. We have written a manual which is provided to our Property Manager to give to the tenants to explain our house, how it works, when is bin day, alarm codes and our recommended local businesses to use plus other information.
• Manage them throughout the tenancy. Inspections must be completed, any arrears dealt with urgently etc. If they know the Property Manager and the Landlord are proactive they will be more likely to realise they won’t get away with poor behaviour.
• Tenant arrears, where rent hasn’t been paid, is almost always an attitude issue rather then a financial one.
• Be proactive in fixing issues and ensure the work is done promptly.
• Be kind and respectful to your tenants

Q. 3 – Is it worth renting out our home?

Let’s start by looking at our own personal experience over almost 5 years and it might serve as a guide for you.

We have rented our house for $545 per week the whole 5 years we have been travelling. Over the 5 years we have been away this is our income report.

The rental income is:

Feb-June 2016 = $12,535
2016-7 = $28,885
2017-8 = $27,910.40
2018-9 = 28,384
2019-20 = 28,591.32
July-Nov 2020 = $11,990

Total income = $138,295.72

The outgoings/ expenses for the property are:

Feb-June 2016 = $3,036.43
2016-7 = $7,909.10
2017-8 = $6,772.44
2018-9 = $6,997.05
2019-20 = $9,982.15
July-Nov 2020 = $2,372.05

Total costs are $37,069.22

Nett Income

This gives us an income of = $101,226.50 over almost 5 years.

Our Mortgage repayments are now $1434 per month. We try to pay $450 per week which is $1949 a month however this always gets drawn down when there are maintenance issues with the house and a shortfall in funds.

Our Motorhome repayments are $558 per month and we pay $650 per month.

Our minimum payments per year are therefore $23,904 which leaves us almost $3000 short per year.

These figures are based off our Property Managers statements and also wouldn’t include any costs we may have paid for directly.

Overall that’s a pretty good outcome.

The tenants cover our mortgage and the cost of our Motorhome except around $58 a week we have to put in to top it up.

There’s enough income there that we don’t have to fear a bad tenant. We don’t want one but between the Bond, Landlord insurance and overall income we can cover pretty much any issues.

Increased Property Value

Now let’s look at the increased Property Value.

In 5 years the price of our home has increased by $350,000. That’s a staggering $70,000 per year.

Now you can see why I suggest taking emotion out of renting your property.

Even if your property can cover the cost of just your mortgage and it increased only $20-30,000 per year over 5 years, having to spend some money every few years to cover a few repairs, in the big scheme isn’t really an issue.

Q. 4 – What if we weren’t happy with our last Property Manager?

Let me start by saying, being a Property Manager is one of the toughest jobs there is.

It’s relentless, expectations are high, emotions are high and the money they are paid rarely befits the responsibility and massive commitment the role demands.

But good Property Managers love their work, are passionate about doing their role well and care about you and the rental properties they look after.

In my role now since 2008 selling Real Estate businesses, one of the biggest issues I face is the disappointment for Property Managers in breaking the relationship and bond they have with their Landlords.

Most Property Managers try to do the best they can but it’s a people business in an often highly emotional situation and if they don’t have the right support and infrastructure in place things can and do go wrong.

Regularly Monitor your Property Manager

My suggestion is to monitor the basics of the Property Manager’s role and ensure they are completed. After all, it’s your property and your money on the line. Treat it as a business.

• Do your own research of rental prices and make suggestions and ask questions of the properties value if needed but never over price it. It’s value is only based on what else is available at that time in the market, not what you need, not what you want to get from it or even what it was rented for previously.
• Ensure any maintenance requests are seen to and completed.
• Make sure your Property Manager completes their property inspections as agreed, usually quarterly, and you receive a prompt report with photos.
• If you find your calls and emails are not being responded to, you can be assured that’s happening with customers as well including your tenants and any enquiry.
  Change agency!!

Q. 5 – What if I hate Real Estate Agents?

If you hate Real Estate Agents, the question around Should I sell my house and everything to Travel is easy! Don’t rent your property, just sell it.

You need to have a good relationship with your Property Manager and that approach you have will always see things turn sour.

You’re going to need an agent to look after it if you’re going to travel the country and you won’t be nearby to do what needs to be done, so they are your only real option.

Sell it or just close the doors and windows and go enjoy your trip.

Check out our: 47 Caravan Motorhome RV & Camping Accessories

Should I sell my house and everything to travel – A few tips:

Look after your Tenants

Our tenants have been awesome, they love the house, they look after it and we look after them. Occasionally we provide a gift and we fix everything as quickly as possible so we have had no issues at all.

It is your property but it’s your tenants home

Location of your Property

There’s going to be lots of variables in this scenario.

Our house is approx 14kms from Brisbane CBD and we chose that property to purchase because as a Real Estate Agent I knew it would always perform well.

Actually, I purposely drove that street looking for a house to buy when we began looking because I knew it would be a great place to live and values would always be strong.

A house in most regional areas of Australia would be unlikely to realise the same level of capital growth as we have achieved during that time.

Our rent covers our mortgage, for others that may not be the case and therefore selling may appear the only option.

Do your own Research

My point here is: Take the time to research all of your options.

If your property has already achieved some capital growth or you expect it will, it may be prudent to keep it and realise further capital growth while you are away as well as the rental income.

Cosmetic Improvements after tenanted

Yes tenants won’t care for it the way you do but you can repaint walls, put a new kitchen bench top on, replant the gardens, replace carpet and make cosmetic changes if necessary when you choose to move back in.

That’s exactly what we plan to do if we move back.

Refreshing the house will add value and also make it like new again for us.

Keep in mind, usually any money you spend on the house during a tenancy is tax deductible. Once you move back in this may not be the case.

Check with your accountant to confirm when the best time will be to complete any renovations.

Best Option for you

Before selling make for absolute certain it’s the best option for you. We are very happy we chose not to sell our house and everything to travel.

If you have any Real Estate questions feel free to message me and I’ll try to help. Keep in mind each state has different legislation and it’s a long time since I was an active Real Estate Agent 🙂

Final Point on Should I sell my house and everything to travel

I am not an Accountant and this should not be taken as Financial advice.

Please discuss your direct financial matters with your Accountant or Financial Advisor as to whether you should sell your house and everything to travel or whether you keep it and possibly rent it out.

Pin – Should I sell my house and everything to travel

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Other great blogs you may like to read:

Are you planning to travel Australia?

Are you facing the difficult decision – Should I sell my house and everything to travel?

Hope this information is useful in helping you choose the best option for you.

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

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We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

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Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.

Welcome to our third expenses report for Indefinite Leave – Our 18 months Travel Budget to travel Australia.

This third comprehensive report is after completing 18 months around Oz and we have broken it down to provide a 6 monthly comparison, percentage of expense, some averages plus a total amount.

Previously, we have provided a detailed report after 7.5 months which you can read here – http://indefiniteleave.com.au/much-cost-trip/

Also we have produced our 12 months Budget which you can review here – http://indefiniteleave.com.au/12-months-costs-expenses-travelling-australia/

Upon leaving Brisbane February 1st 2016 , we went North in our 8m Winnebago Esperance Motorhome. It’s a 3L Turbo Diesel and we don’t tow any vehicles.

This 18 Months Travel Budget Expenses Report covers from the day we left until end of July 2017.

Our 18 Month Travel Budget Changes

Over our 18 months Travel Budget period the changes are really intriguing. The longer we travel the cheaper it gets. Experience definitely plays a major part.

Each 6 month period our costs have reduced. Since our 12 month mark, the time frame most people do their big lap for, we have seen a significant drop in costs.

This potentially means for some traveling Oz, maybe they are finishing just as they become most skilled at traveling on a budget? Or maybe we’re just slow…… 🙂

It is important to read this report carefully. We really do include every single dollar we spend. Everything is included, nothing is missed!!

Usually when we produce our report we do get feedback that we have spent a lot. It’s true, we have.

We always planned to see as much as we could on this trip and that included doing tours and seeing many of the tourist spots.

When we left we didn’t think we’d have another opportunity to see Australia again, it wasn’t our plan. It was to be a one-off two and half year adventure and then go back home. That has changed now but that was the original plan.

It’s also important to note that if a dollar comes out of our account or wallet we record it, no exceptions, so comparing our report to others might be misleading.

So yes, we have spent a lot but we sure have experienced a bloody lot too.

What’s not included in the 18 Months Travel Budget Report

For the record, the only things we don’t include in our 18 months travel budget report are our mortgage payments which are covered by our tenants and our Motorhome loan repayments. Also our Phones and Telstra Wifi dongle are not in our expenses.

Kevin has 2 phones, 1 personal phone, an iPhone 6s with Vodafone at $40 per month which provides free calls and texts plus 12gig of data and 1 for his business with Telstra, an iPhone 7, which costs $95 per month and provides 12gig of data.

Adele has her Samsung 8 with Telstra at $145 per month which provides 25gig of data.

The Telstra WiFi dongle is a Nighthawk which costs $70 per month and provides 20gig of data.

Business Costs

Therefore we have 57gig of Telstra data and another 12gig with Vodafone at a cost of $310 per month with Telstra and $40 per month with Vodafone.

We don’t record the phones in the 18 months travel budget report as they are business related expenses paid by our Company.

As you can see it costs us a fortune to run our business plus the travel blog but it has reduced a lot from when we started our trip.

Most of that data is used in uploading videos to YouTube and our Social Media and if you are following us at Indefinite Leave you will have seen our YouTube channel where after traveling for 18 months, we now have over 150 videos of every Campground, Free Camp, Caravan Park, Rest Area and Pub Stay across the country.

We do that entirely to help other travellers plan their adventure.

To view any of the videos simply click on ‘Where to Stay’ and select Caravan Park, Campground or Free Camp or click on ‘Destinations’ and search by State.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Also, we are 3 adults and our son Matt is 24yo, so if you are a couple only, you need to consider there’s probably an extra 30% of our costs which would be attributed to having Matt with us.

Matt pays his way by keeping the fridge and freezer full of fresh fish and squid :).

We love having Matt with us and to share this experience with him is incredibly special.

Throughout our 18 Months Travel Budget we have:

• Replaced all 6 Tyres on the Motorhome
• Completed 3 full services on the Motorhome
• Had radiator replaced plus coolant sensor, coolant tank and 1 windscreen plus had another windscreen repaired.
• Have had the awning, air conditioner and roof hatch replaced under insurance.
• Said goodbye to our beautiful dog MACKS as her arthritis became too bad.
• Completed 45,112kms, visiting every State and Territory except NSW and ACT.

18 Months Travel Budget – Favourite Places :

Kev – Karijini National Park, Uluru, Quobba
Adele – Natures Window in Kalbarri National Park, Tasmania, Uluru.
Matt – Bruny Island, Darwin, Litchfield National Park

18 Months Travel Budget – Best Things to Do:

Kev – Swim with Humpback Whales in Exmouth, snorkel at Quobba, Horizontal Falls, Margaret River, Swim with Seals in Portland Vic

Adele – Dubbo Zoo, Horizontal Falls, Pennicott Tasman Island Cruise, Swim with Humpback Whales at Exmouth

Matt – Fishing Kangaroo Island, Fishing Darwin, Territory Day Darwin, Buley Rockpools Litchfield National Park

Check out all of our: Favourite Experiences as we travel Australia

We have flown home to Brisbane 4 times since we left, from Mackay, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. Flight and taxi costs are included in our 18 months travel budget report.

18 Months Travel Budget – General Stats:

• Number of Boat Trips = 10 – Lady Musgrave Island; Great Keppel Island; Airlie Beach x 3 – Cruise Whitsundays Reefsleep, Sailing on the Camira and Reefstar Island Cruise; Horizontal Falls, Rottnest Island, Tamar River, Tasman Island, Bruny Island
• Number of Ferry trips = 6 – Fraser Island, Magnetic Island, Daintree River, Sorrento, Spirit of Tasmania, Bruny Island
• Plane trips = 6 – To home and back Mackay, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. Also Cairns and Broome Scenic Flights for adventure.
• Fishing Charters = 5 – Airlie Beach x 2 Half Days, Mission Beach, Broome and Karumba
• States covered – All except NSW.

Check out our Favourite Campgrounds: Our Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia

Check out our Favourite Free Camps: Our Best Free Camps in Australia

18 Months Travel Budget – Funniest Moments:

Adele sand boarding at Sandy Cape in WA and getting down low which generated so much speed she ended up in the bushes – https://youtu.be/BcilkWaEAsU

This was almost matched by her excitement of catching a big Salmon at Spring Beach in Tasmania – https://youtu.be/WEi7lszApxI

OK, now on to the expenses.

Our 18 Months Travel Budget – Breakdown of Expenses

Groceries $17,664.36

First 6 months = $4673.79
Second 6 months = $7370.23
Third 6 months = $5620.34

The middle 6 months was our longest period of time on the road at 179 days. This was when we were in Western Australia where food costs are generally higher.

Whilst it’s easy to think it’s irrelevant, as we have to eat whether we are at home or on the road, the difference is what we pay.

At home you know your local grocery stores and where the best buys are. The prices remain relatively consistent and you can easily budget your food costs week to week.

When travelling Australia you don’t know the best local supermarkets and sometimes they’re not available.

Sometimes you pay higher prices to access necessities quickly or you may find fantastic markets where you can buy some groceries at great prices.

Then of course prices do vary, sometimes quite significantly, depending where in the country you are. Therefore costs when travelling can be different to your normal costs at home.

$981.35 Average Grocery cost per month
Groceries are 16.7% of overall costs.

Read more on: How to Save Money on Food and Groceries

Takeaways $2,610.37

First 6 months = $518.77
Second 6 months = $1544.42
Third 6 months = $868.32

We don’t eat a lot of takeaway, I’m surprised we even spend this much. We do like to drop in to Maccas occasionally for a Frozen Coke and ice cream cone lol.

Takeaway is 2.5% of overall costs

Drinks $2,694.15

First 6 months = $602.55
Second 6 months = $1,294.90
Third 6 months = $796.70

This is our drinks cost when not dining and not takeaways.

Drinks are 2.5% of overall costs

Dining out $6,391.69

First 6 months = $3255.52
Second 6 months = $2,304.37
Third 6 months = $831.80

The more we have travelled the more we enjoy our own cooking. We love cooking on the campfire and creating our own meals.

A benefit of having a Motorhome is our kitchen is with us everywhere we go. A lot of this cost would be with the wineries we have visited.

Dining out is 6% of overall costs

Alcohol $3,964.98

First 6 months = $1,370.46
Second 6 months = $1,524.46
Third 6 months = $1,070.06

Alcohol is our bottle shop purchases.

We have cut back alcohol costs when we discovered some good cheap wines, I buy my Cider by the carton, I’m back to Original Bundaberg Rum and Matt is buying his own beer again in this last 6 month period.

We are known to enjoy Happy Hour 🙂

Alcohol is 3.6% of overall costs

Read about: How to Save Money on Alcohol

Accommodation $12,763.43

First 6 months = $6,880.70
Second 6 months = $4,572.63
Third 6 months = $831.80

First 6 months – Average per night = $36.41
Second 6 months – Average per night = $30.87
Third 6 months – Average per night = $7.62

Following is First 6 months – second 6 months – third 6 months = total
Caravan Parks 153 – 102 – 13 = 268
Free Camps 2 – 21 – 64 = 87
Campgrounds 6 – 9 – 43 = 58
Relatives or Family 0 – 39 – 43 = 82
Pub stays 0 – 2 – 8 = 10
Ship 0 – 1 – 1 = 2
Golf Clubs 0 – 3 – 0 = 3
Station stays 3 – 1 – 0 = 4

Nights on the road

First 6 months = 164 nights
Second 6 months = 179 nights
Third 6 months = 172 nights

Our costs to stay has been our biggest change in this last 6 months of our 18 months travel budget period. We now almost exclusively Free camp. Also we find the longer we travel the more new friends we make and sometimes are offered places to stay.

We sure have learnt a lot since that first 6 months travelling however it was summer and very hot so not sure even now we would do much different.

We sure appreciated air conditioning at night and a pool during the day over those first 6 months.

In the last 6 months accommodation has only been 5.6% of overall costs

Our most expensive stay was Lake Argyle at $61.60 per night.

Accommodation is 12.1% of our overall costs

Read more about: How to Save Money on Accommodation

Fuel $10,249.73

First 6 months = $2,020.99
Second 6 months = $4,346.66
Third 6 months = $3,882.08

The middle month was NT to WA and down the WA coastline, travelling long distances and driving into a headwind. Some days I thought I could almost watch the fuel gauge go down.

The third month included coming up the middle of Oz. More big driving days with long stretches in between towns.

Most expensive fuel was Kings Station at Kings Canyon at 198.9c/l
Cheapest fuel was at the start of our trip, Curra and Bargara at 99.9c/l
Our average cost per litre of fuel is 133.9c

Cost per month for fuel is $610.61 throughout our 18 months Travel Budget.

Fuel is 9.7% of our overall costs

Read about: How to Save Money on Fuel

Vehicle Expenses $$11,271.47

First 6 months = $3,483.17
Second 6 months = $5,600.71
Third 6 months = $2,187.59

Our first service in Cairns, in the first 6 months period, was expensive and included a new Coolant Sensor and Coolant Tank.

Our second service in Perth found we had a leaking radiator and it wasn’t repairable so we had to completely replace it. A chip in the windscreen also cracked and it needed to be replaced.

Vehicle expenses are 10.7% of our overall 18 months Travel Budget costs

Speedometre 81,769

We started our trip at 36,657 on the speedo and have now completed 45,112kms in 18 months.

We have been to every state and territory except NSW and ACT.

Entertainment $15,928.31

First 6 months = $8,258.41
Second 6 months = $5,733.90
Third 6 months = $1,936.00

This is another area of our expenses that has been slashed. The first part of our trip included the Whitsundays, Cairns and Darwin where there were so many big ticket items to experience.

The second 6 months included Lake Argyle, Horizontal Falls and a fishing charter in Broome.
We found as we got to the bottom of Oz there weren’t such big tour expenses.

That first 6 months gave us so many memories which we will never forget. 3 weeks in the Whitsundays was amazing.

Our biggest Entertainment expense has been Horizontal Falls which cost $1706.90 for just Adele and Kevin.

Reefsleep in the Whitsundays is our second biggest cost at $1366.10 for all 3 of us.

Read all about Reef Sleep: Us, a Swag, a Pontoon and a lot of water

In the last 6 months of our 18 months Travel Budget, Entertainment has been only 8.3% of costs.

Entertainment is 15.1% of our overall costs

Travel $6,389.43

First 6 months = $1,752.84
Second 6 months = $3,064.50
Third 6 months = $1,572.09

This is our costs to fly home 4 times plus our return trip on the Spirit of Tasmania. It also includes our return trip to Kangaroo Island plus ferry trips to Bruny Island and the Sorrento Ferry in Victoria.

Travel is 6% of our overall costs

Gas $590.66

First 6 months = $122.98
Second 6 months = $165.84
Third 6 months = $301.84

We have 2 x 4kg bottles and mostly we fill them at any BCF around the country. Most BCF stores cost $13.99. I don’t know exactly but believe we get about 9-10 days out of a bottle.

Our gas cost has significantly increased as we now almost exclusively free camp. Still, it’s a very very inexpensive cost.

Gas is less than 1% of our overall costs

Medical $1,275.54

First 6 months = $412.71
Second 6 months = $449.72
Third 6 months = $413.11

Since leaving Brisbane February 2016, I don’t recall any of us having a cold or flu. One of the many aspects we love about road travel is you don’t get the bugs and viruses we did back home.

Medical is 1% of our overall costs

Vet $3,456.68

First 6 months = $928.53
Second 6 months = $2,084.77
Third 6 months = $443.38

For the first 16 months we travelled with our beautiful Golden Retriever MACKS.

Read about Travelling Australia with our dog: Traveling Australia with our dog MACKS

Just prior to Christmas 2016 she contracted Geriatric Vestibular Disease and spent 6 nights at the amazing Lincoln Veterinary Centre, Port Lincoln on a drip and being fed and cared for.

The care they provided her was First Class and the bill we received was much less than we expected. https://www.lincolnvet.com.au/

Sadly in July whilst in Darwin we had to make the decision to let her go and as part of the healing process I wrote a tribute to her.

Read our tribute to MACKS: A Tribute to MACKS the Best Dog I’ve ever known

As much as it’s so much easier traveling without a pet, we miss her everyday.

Vet is 3.3% of our overall costs

Dog Sitting $959

First 6 months = $928.53
Second 6 months = $2,084.77
Third 6 months = $0

We had no further dog sitting costs from our 12 month report.

We always used Mad Paws wherever possible to look after MACKS when visiting National Parks or flying home to Brisbane to visit. Whenever we used them we found them fantastic. https://www.madpaws.com.au/

Dog sitting is less than 1% of our overall costs

Adele’s Nails $769

First 6 months = $270
Second 6 months = $229
Third 6 months = $270

What can I say!!

I am to blame after all, it was my idea all those years ago for Adele to have her nails done and now she loves them. It’s a small cost that keeps Adele happy and that’s what matters most isn’t it?

Their current colour is purple.

Adele’s nails are less than 1% of our overall costs

Hair and Beauty $250.90

First 6 months = $0
Second 6 months = $184
Third 6 months = $66.90

Adele does her own hair and Kevin’s too. A quick Number 3 and Kevin’s is done in minutes.

Hair and Beauty is hardly a blip on the radar of our overall costs. Phew, reckon I dodge a bullet there……

Taxis $645.66

First 6 months = $327.59
Second 6 months = $221.00
Third 6 months = $97.07

Taxi costs have mostly been taking us to the airport and back again on return.

Taxis are less than 1% of our overall costs

Clothes $2,118.97

First 6 months = $1,149.84
Second 6 months = $785.67
Third 6 months = $183.46

We spent our first 12 months in hot or warm weather but once we reached Tasmania we quickly needed some more warm clothes.

Otherwise there’s been some swimwear and new thongs required, presents bought at Christmas etc. We also had some Indefinite Leave branded caps and shirts done for us too.

Clothes are 2% of our overall costs

Fishing $1,896.83

First 6 months = $912.83
Second 6 months = $307.13
Third 6 months = $676.25

Between the 3 of us we carry 10 rods and 9 reels and all the gear to match.

For tackle, mostly we use metal slices and squid jigs. We carry lots of extra fishing gear we don’t need.

Also included in fishing costs is a Hand Spear, Spear Gun, new Wetsuit and Opera house pots for Red Claw that we have bought along the way.

Fishing is 1.8% of our overall costs

Laundry $667

First 6 months = $298
Second 6 months = $195
Third 6 months = $174

We use Laundromats mostly now to do our washing. We can’t receive receipts from Laundromats and this is an estimated figure.

Laundry is less than 1% of our overall costs

Photography $695.95

First 6 months = $0
Second 6 months = $695.95
Third 6 months = $0

A new lens, backup battery and lens hoods make up this cost.

Photography is less than 1% of our overall costs

Read about 9 Photos you’ll never be able to take again: Uluru Lost

National Parks $250

First 6 months = $0
Second 6 months = $142
Third 6 months = $108

We have been in National Parks all around the country and as you can see it’s a very tiny cost of the overall trip. Pay the cost to enter Kakadu and Uluru and enjoy it, they really aren’t that expensive in the overall scheme of things.

National Parks are a non existent expense of our overall costs

Miscellaneous $1,978.41

First 6 months = $442.93
Second 6 months = $980.65
Third 6 months = $554.83

Misc items have included gifts, hardware required, toilet chemicals and all sorts of odd small things over the course of 18 months.

Miscellaneous is 1.9% of our overall costs

Our 18 Months Travel Budget Total Costs

This leaves our final cost tallies.

First 6 months = $38,217.63 at an average cost per week of $1,469.91
Second 6 months = $44,221.51 at an average cost per week of $1,700.83
Third 6 months = $23,363.92 at an average cost per week of $898.61

Our total overall expenditure for our 18 Months Travel Budget is $105,803.06

Our total average cost per week for our 18 Months Travel Budget is $1,339.28

Pin – 18 Months Travel Budget

We have experienced so many amazing memories that we will cherish forever. It’s been worth every cent, we have no regrets.

Hope this 18 Months Travel Budget Report helps you, if you have any questions feel free to ask or message us anytime.

Safe travels,

Kevin & Adele Hockey
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

_____________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/34thTP1  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

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Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.