For example , we stayed at Lake Argyle Caravan Park in March at a ‘ two nights for the price of one ’ rate and had very few other campers in the park . It sure beats the peak season alternative of lining up at first light hoping to get a spot , which costs $ 40-plus per night !
Another perk of visiting somewhere during less popular times is that you ’ re more likely to meet locals as opposed to just other tourists , and locals are a great resource for all those secret , off-the-beaten-track spots .
PLANNING
A lot of people budget for necessities , such as fuel and food , based on the prices of a major town or city . However , the cost of fuel and food is usually significantly higher the more remote you go .
Sometimes , you ’ ll just have to cop it and pay the extra price . But some of this can be avoided by planning ahead . If you ’ re about to head somewhere rural or remote , it ’ ll be cheaper to buy your nonperishables from a major grocery store in a larger town . Don ’ t forget snacks , too , so you ’ re less likely to be tempted to buy something at a roadhouse or petrol station with an inflated price .
Then buy your fresh foods , such as meat , baked goods , fruit and vegetables from local producers in your destination ; not only will it usually be fresher and tastier , you ’ ll be supporting local economies .
Use long-range fuel tanks or jerry cans to bring more fuel with you instead of relying solely on those remote fuel stations , which have to charge higher prices to make providing fuel still viable .
When it comes to attractions , buying online or through organisations , such as your state ’ s roadside assistance service , can be more cost-effective than buying at the door .
There are plenty of great free camps throughout Australia , which you could miss out on if you ’ re not properly set-up for it ( pictured : Bunda Cliffs , SA ).
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