Balmy: Winter in the northern hemisphere means sunny skies. Queensland Tourism
If you overlook the airfare to Brisbane (around Rs50,000 return on Qantas, ex-Mumbai), Queensland offers loads of opportunities to travel without blowing your budget.
Oz Experience is a popular hop-on, hop-off bus service for backpackers and travellers aged 18-35. Jetstar,
Virgin Blue and
Tiger Airways are the budget airlines one can choose from. There are also the regular
train, bus and
city mass transport services. Or sign up for budget camper vans at
wickedcampers and
travellers-autobarn.
And where do you go? There’s no dearth of destinations. Pick up the Five-in-One discount card (Australian $145, or around Rs6,000) for Brisbane to access five of the city’s top attractions. On the Gold Coast, join the Backpackers’ Big Night Out in Town every Wednesday and Saturday night. Tickets (AU $30) cover entry to four nightclubs and live entertainment. On Magnetic Island, a 20-minute boat ride from Townsville, a full-moon night party winds up only when the sun rises. Click here for the full lowdown on doing Queensland on the cheap.