Dreaming of travelling to Australia but worried about the accommodation costs? This blog might contain the solution you’re looking for. I’ve been living in Australia for most of my life and want to share with you how to get free accommodation while travelling through or across this great country in 2025.
Whether you’re exploring the outback, road-tripping the East Coast, or soaking in city life, finding ways to stay for free can stretch your budget further—allowing you to travel longer and experience more.
In this guide, I’ll share the best ways to secure free accommodation while travelling in Australia, including my favourite method: pet sitting. Plus, I’ll introduce you to TrustedHousesitters, a platform I’ve personally used to find incredible stays around the world.
1. House/Pet Sitting – Stay in Beautiful Homes for Free
One of the best ways to access free accommodation in Australia is through house/pet sitting. Homeowners need reliable sitters to take care of their pets and homes while they’re away, and in exchange, you get to stay rent-free in amazing locations.
How to Get Started with House-Sitting
- Sign up for a trusted platform – I personally recommend TrustedHousesitters (GET 15% OFF WITH CODE “ALTRUISTIC15” or Aussie Housesitters (GET $10 OFF WITH CODE “83PVUJ“), which connect sitters with homeowners worldwide.
- Create a strong profile – Highlight your experience, love for animals, and reliability.
- Apply for sits – Start with shorter or local sits to build reviews.
- Enjoy free stays
GET 15% OFF AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP WITH MY CODE “ALTRUISTIC15“
My tip for TrustedHousesitters: Set up a saved search so you can get notified of the most recent sits available. Some sits may have a large number of applicants so it’s best to get in quickly. I had my first ever sit on a first-come-first-serve basis and that sit provided my first review, which has since helped to gain more sitting opportunities.
Ready to start house sitting? Join TrustedHousesitters here and get started today!
2. Work Exchange Programs
Websites like Workaway, HelpX, and WWOOF connect travellers with hosts who offer free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work per day. Tasks can include farm work, hostel assistance, childcare, or helping with eco-projects.
Benefits of Work Exchange:
- Ideal for travellers who want to experience Australian culture firsthand
- Opportunities in rural areas, coastal towns, and cities
- Learn new skills while meeting like-minded travellers
3. Couchsurfing (Short-Term Stays)
Couchsurfing is a global community where locals offer travellers a free place to stay. It’s a great way to meet new people, experience Aussie hospitality, and get insider travel tips. I write about Couchsurfing in Malaysia in my book, Soul Truth.
Tips for Couchsurfing in Australia:
- Create a detailed profile and verify your identity
- Personalise your requests to increase acceptance rates
- Be respectful and show gratitude to your host
Camping & Free Campsites
If you love the outdoors, camping is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Australia has many free or low-cost campsites, particularly in national parks and rural areas.
I bought my car from Facebook marketplace and then travelled around Australia staying in free campsites. You can read more about my Sydney to Adelaide road trip here or watch the highlights on Instagram here.
Best Resources for Free Camping:
- WikiCamps Australia (App with user-generated campsite listings)
- Free Camps Australia (Guidebook with verified free sites)
- National Parks Websites (Check per state for free camping permits)
Before you go: Travelling offers a gateway to incredible experiences, but unexpected situations can arise. Our travel insurance and money management partners offer the protection you need while embracing local tourism:
– SafetyWing, for long-term travel insurance that starts at $45 per month.
– Revolut, for managing international payments with ease.
– Wise, for the most affordable currency conversion fees and a virtual card that you can top-up in seconds.
When considering flights, you can utilise platforms like Skyscanner or Kiwi to compare flight costs and identify flights that minimise your carbon emissions. Additionally, if you are able, you can offset your flight’s environmental impact through Offset.
Recommendations: Here are some companies offering sustainable and responsible tours and experiences:
– G-Adventures, for small group travel with locally based guides, supporting local communities.
– Tripaneer, for wellness experiences and retreats.
– Get Your Guide, for day trips and short trips.
Need to learn a language fast? Try Preply – it’s like Fiverr for language exchange.
About Me – My Journey as a Nomadic Traveller, House Sitter & Author
Hi, I’m Bianca! I’ve been travelling the world for over 10 years, embracing a nomadic lifestyle while working remotely as a freelancer and spiritual guide. My journey has taken me across Asia, Europe, Australia, and beyond, where I’ve house-sat in incredible homes, cared for the sweetest pets, and lived in places I never imagined I’d call home.
House sitting has been one of the biggest blessings in my travels—allowing me to stay in beautiful homes for free while experiencing new places as a local. I even wrote about this experience in my book, Soul Truth, where I explore what it means to live authentically, embrace adventure, and find a home within ourselves—no matter where we are in the world.
