Cheap countries to visit from Australia: 15 top picks

1. Cheap Asian countries to visit from Australia

1.1. Indonesia

Distance from Australia: 4,540 kilometers
Flight time: 6 hours, 9 minutes
Estimated budget: 103 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Jul - Aug, Dec
Visa for Australians: e-Visa

Ranked among the cheapest countries to travel in Asia, Indonesia offers far more than Bali’s postcard-perfect beaches. With more than 13,000 islands, this country is a cultural and natural mosaic, with every region having its own flavor.

Jakarta’s modern skyline, Java’s volcanic landscapes, and Sumatra’s wildlife-rich rainforests create a diversity unmatched in the region. The cuisine is another highlight - nasi goreng, gado gado, and satay can be found at local restaurants for just a few dollars.

1.2. Malaysia

Distance from Australia: 6,649 kilometers
Flight time: 8 hours, 46 minutes
Estimated budget: 156 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Dec - Feb (West Coast), Jun - Sep (East Coast)
Visa for Australians: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

Among the cheap countries to visit from Australia, Malaysia stands out as both affordable and deeply multicultural. Peninsular Malaysia offers a fascinating mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage, while Borneo introduces travelers to pristine rainforests and protected wildlife reserves.

Visitors can explore Kuala Lumpur's sophisticated urban core alongside its traditional temples, or indulge in Penang, the culinary capital. Here, hawker centers provide delicious and inexpensive local dishes like laksa and char kway teow.

1.3. Vietnam

Distance from Australia: 7,748 kilometers
Flight time: 10 hours, 8 minutes
Estimated budget: 100 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Dec - Mar, Jul - Aug
Visa for Australians: e-Visa

Vietnam, one of the cheapest countries to visit from Australia, charms budget travelers with stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history. Northern cities like Hanoi buzz with old-quarter charm, while Ha Long and Ninh Binh offer dramatic limestone karst scenery. In central Vietnam, imperial relics in Hue and lantern-lit streets in Hoi An showcase centuries of history and tradition. Beach lovers will find excellent value in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, where food, transport, and activities remain reasonably priced.

For comfortable Vietnam travel, Vinpearl hotels and resorts provide cozy accommodations for every budget, complete with pools, spas, and all-day dining options, with regular deals for affordable luxury.

Families will enjoy VinWonders, a must-see entertainment destination with multiple locations nationwide, featuring thrilling rides, adventure zones, and colorful shows for visitors of all ages.

Discover more about Vinpearl resorts & hotels

1.4. India

Distance from Australia: 10,415 kilometers
Flight time: 13 hours, 27 minutes
Estimated budget: 66 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Dec - Mar, Jun - Sep
Visa for Australians: e-Visa

India, the cheapest country to visit from Australia, delivers rich experiences on a budget through affordable trains, hostels, and delicious street food. Visitors can enjoy everything from the cool mountain air of the Himalayas to the lively beaches of Goa and the lush waterways of Kerala.

Culturally, India is incredibly rewarding: the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and the ancient rituals along Varanasi’s ghats all offer deep glimpses into the country’s heritage. With many locals speaking English, India is also one of the best Asian countries to visit for English speakers.

1.5. Philippines

Distance from Australia: 6,249 kilometers
Flight time: 8 hours, 16 minutes
Estimated budget: 114 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Dec - May
Visa for Australians: Visa-free

Another cheap country to travel from Australia, the Philippines is a tropical paradise with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class diving at budget-friendly prices. Highlights include Palawan's stunning turquoise lagoons, the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River, and the powdery white sands of Boracay.

With low-cost inter-island flights, beachfront hostels, and tasty street snacks like fish balls and halo-halo, exploring the archipelago is surprisingly affordable. All these make the Philippines one of the most rewarding and accessible cheap Asia travel destinations.

2. Cheap Oceanian countries to visit from Australia

2.1. Fiji

Distance from Australia: 3,192 kilometers
Flight time: 4 hours, 28 minutes
Estimated budget: 306 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Jun - Sep
Visa for Australians: Visa-free

A tropical paradise of white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and rainforests, Fiji is one of the best cheap countries to visit with family from Australia. Families and thrill-seekers can easily enjoy diving in the Mamanucas or snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens in the Yasawas, with chances to spot majestic manta rays.

For land adventures, there's hiking in Taveuni's lush rainforests or visiting the Kula Wild Adventure Park. Because travel costs drop significantly between November and April - Fiji's wet season - this period is ideal for those seeking a highly affordable island holiday from Australia.

2.2. Cook Islands

Distance from Australia: 4,991 kilometers
Flight time: 6 hours, 42 minutes
Estimated budget: 152 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Jul - Aug
Visa for Australians: Visa-free

Scattered across the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are among the cheap tropical islands to visit for Australians, offering stunning beaches, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant Polynesian culture. Travelers can snorkel at Fruits of Rarotonga, admire the volcanic beauty of Black Rock Beach, or experience Aitutaki’s mesmerizing fire-dancing performances.

The islands remain easy to explore on a moderate budget thanks to guesthouses, local eateries, and affordable lagoon tours. Visiting between January and March brings even lower prices, making the Cook Islands one of the most appealing cheap countries to visit from Australia.

3. Cheap African countries to visit from Australia

3.1. Kenya

Distance from Australia: 12,206 kilometers
Flight time: 15 hours, 40 minutes
Estimated budget: 216 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Jul - Oct, Jan - Feb
Visa for Australians: Kenya eTA visa

Kenya, globally renowned for its spectacular safaris, offers much more than just spotting the Big Five in the Masai Mara National Reserve. This incredible East African nation also boasts miles of pristine Indian Ocean beaches, bustling cities, and cooler, forested mountains.

Visitors can seamlessly transition from thrilling off-road wildlife adventures to relaxing activities like diving into the turquoise coastal waters. For Australians seeking cheap international holidays from Australia, booking trips between January and March generally ensures significantly lower prices across accommodation and tours.

Visit Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

3.2. Madagascar

Distance from Australia: 10,030 kilometers
Flight time: 12 hours, 58 minutes
Estimated budget: 159 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Apr - Oct
Visa for Australians: e-Visa

Madagascar, often called “the Eighth Continent”, promises a truly unique adventure defined by its unparalleled endemic wildlife and surreal, imaginative landscapes. Travelers can walk along vast, empty beaches or explore bizarre terrains while seeking out numerous species of lemurs found nowhere else on Earth.

Although getting around can be challenging due to long distances, rough roads, and unpredictable weather, the journey itself feels wonderfully rewarding. Despite these hurdles, Madagascar remains very affordable, making it one of the most exciting and cheap islands to visit from Australia.

3.3. Tanzania

Distance from Australia: 12,005 kilometers
Flight time: 15 hours, 25 minutes
Estimated budget: 182 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Jun - Sep
Visa for Australians: e-Visa

Among the cheap countries to visit from Australia, Tanzania shines for its wildlife and natural beauty. While the world-famous Serengeti National Park is a primary draw, offering the chance to witness the Great Migration, the country’s appeal extends much further.

Travelers can also relax on beautiful beaches and islands along the Indian Ocean coast, or opt for a breathtaking hot-air balloon ride over the vast plains. To secure lower rates for safaris and accommodation, visitors should plan their trip during the shoulder season, typically between March and May.

3.4. Mauritius

Distance from Australia: 9,105 kilometers
Flight time: 11 hours, 49 minutes
Estimated budget: 77 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: Dec - Feb
Visa for Australians: Visa-free

Mauritius, one of the world’s most beautiful islands, is a dream escape for couples, families, and adventurers alike. Rising from the Indian Ocean with palm-fringed beaches, emerald forests, and vibrant coral reefs, it blends natural beauty with rich Creole, Indian, African, and French cultural influences.

Travelers can enjoy everything from snorkeling and hiking to food tours and scenic coastal drives. For those seeking cheap countries to travel from Australia, visiting between May and September brings lower prices along with ideal conditions for surfing and island exploration.

>>> Explore cheap tropical vacation destinations to plan your next trip

4. Other cheap overseas trips from Australia

4.1. Greece

Distance from Australia: 15,325 kilometers
Flight time: 19 hours, 33 minutes
Estimated budget: 300 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: May - Oct
Visa for Australians: Visa-free

Greece enchants visitors with its ancient ruins, island charm, and Mediterranean flavors. Visitors wander through Athens to see the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, and the charming Plaka district before heading out to islands like Santorini or Crete. Costs stay manageable thanks to affordable street food such as gyros, souvlaki, and fresh pastries.

4.2. Argentina

Distance from Australia: 11,549 kilometers
Flight time: 14 hours, 51 minutes
Estimated budget: 105 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: All year
Visa for Australians: Visa-free

Stretching from the Andes to the Atlantic, Argentina offers a wealth of experiences at great value. Buenos Aires enchants with its passionate tango, vibrant soccer culture, and world-class cuisine, while lively neighborhoods like San Telmo and Palermo add charm to every stroll.

Nature lovers can marvel at Iguazú Falls, explore the colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca, or sip wine in Mendoza beneath the Andes. With generally low costs for food, transport, and accommodation, Argentina stands out as one of the cheap places to visit from Australia.

4.3. Romania

Distance from Australia: 15,325 kilometers
Flight time: 19 hours, 33 minutes
Estimated budget: 184 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: All year
Visa for Australians: Visa-free

Among the cheap countries to travel to from Australia, Romania offers great value with affordable stays and food. Set on the Black Sea and steeped in legend, it blends medieval charm with natural beauty at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost. Transylvania’s iconic castles, the Carpathian Mountains, and Bucharest’s lively streets showcase the country’s rich history, while rustic villages and scenic valleys reveal an authentic side of Eastern Europe.

4.4. Türkiye

Distance from Australia: 14,595 kilometers
Flight time: 18 hours, 38 minutes
Estimated budget: 210 AUD/person/day
Best time to visit: All year
Visa for Australians: e-Visa

Brimming with history, flavor, and natural wonders, Türkiye is one of the cheap honeymoon destinations to travel from Australia, offering incredible value for money. Couples can delve into Istanbul's dynamic blend of European and Asian cultures, marvel at Cappadocia's surreal fairy chimneys, or walk among the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

Along the beautiful Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, time can be spent unwinding on sunlit beaches. Thanks to its affordable local cuisine and rich experiences, Türkiye allows travelers to enjoy a truly luxurious and memorable trip without the usual high expense.

FAQs about cheap countries to visit from Australia

What are cheap countries to visit from Australia without a visa?

Philippines, Fiji, Mauritius, Greece, Romania, Argentina.

What are the cheapest European countries to fly to from Australia?

Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece, with cities like Istanbul, Budapest, Sofia, and Athens. Traveling in the off-season or via budget airlines can further reduce costs.

What are the best cheap countries to visit near Australia?

Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Fiji are top budget-friendly destinations near Australia, offering low costs and quick flights.

What are the cheap countries to visit from Australia with family?

Some of the best cheap countries to visit from Australia with family are Vietnam, Fiji, Kenya, and Tanzania - each offers family-friendly adventures and great value for money.

For Australians seeking an international getaway that maximizes experience without draining the bank, this diverse list of 15 cheap countries to visit from Australia offers outstanding value. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant street markets of Southeast Asia, the rich cultural tapestries of Europe and Africa, or the pristine beaches of the South Pacific, a budget-friendly adventure is easily within reach.