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Craving something new? Something engaging enough to give you hours of enjoyment but cheap enough to not break the bank?
According to UCLA Health, having hobbies can lead to health benefits such as improved mental wellbeing, cognitive function, and so many more. And you get to do something you enjoy. Talk about a win-win.
Let’s get the idea train rolling with our list of five low-cost hobbies you can do, anywhere in Australia, that you can get started for around $50-$100.
Nature watching sounds niche, but it’s one of the most accessible hobbies around. Often requiring only a pair of walking shoes/boots, sturdy clothing, and a short trip to wherever nature can be found. You don’t need to hike for hours or disappear into the outback; a local park, balcony, backyard, or even Botanic Garden can be enough to get your nature fix. But hikes and walking trails are always there if you choose to go down those paths.
What’s more, you can watch almost anything—birds, rock pools, insects, stars—wherever your interests lie, there is something for you. Just make sure to not handle any animals you come across.
To get started: Grab a free app (such as iNaturalist), borrow a guidebook from the library, or grab a notebook to draw what you find, and go out into nature.
Why watch nature?
One of the biggest benefits to nature watching is the calm. It slows you down, gets you away from screens, and gives your brain a break from the constant barrage of noise clamouring for attention. Additionally, the fact that it gets you outside and moving, often in the sun, is a great bonus for mental and physical health.
According to Artjournalist, who put together a concise definition, a junk journal is:
“A book which is often made through found and recycled materials to be used as a way to collect and record memories, thoughts, and inspiration.”
You simply gather together bits and bobs, scraps and stickers and anything else you like, and create. There is no need to be good at art, or good at junk journalling (perfectionists take note), because every journal is unique to the person creating it.
There are no rules. You use scraps of paper, old receipts, packaging, photos, notes—anything and everything. It's truly up to you.
To get started: All you really need is a notebook, glue, a pencil or two, and whatever bits and pieces you collect along the way. And there is plenty of inspiration out there to help you get started—such as the junk journaling subreddit.
Why junk journal?
The appeal of junk journalling is that it’s personal, offline, and can be done without a plan, preparation, or much expense. You can spend five minutes or fifty. You can use whatever you have lying around. It’s a great way to decompress at the end of the day and to tap into your inner creativity.
Board games are a great way to get social, let out your competitive side (or not, depending on the game), and lower stress (again, depending on the game).
Whether you’ve already got a group of friends to play with or are interested in joining a hobby group as a single/couple, there are countless ways to get your board game on. You’ve got social board game groups found through sites like Meetup, board game libraries at local game stores, hobby shops with every board game known to humankind, and more.
You could even take this further with a tabletop game, such as Dungeons & Dragons, which doesn’t require much to get started—simply your imagination, a bunch of friends (or a social group), a character sheet, and a printout of the rules which can be found here.
To get started: Pick a game you like and gather friends together to play, or search for a regularly-scheduled group near you. Social groups and game stores often don’t charge much to join, and offer a wide variety of games for you to try.
Why play board games?
It encourages you to meet new people or catch up with the ones you love, in a low-pressure environment. Board games and tabletop games are great for mental wellbeing, reinforcing problem solving skills, and deepening connections. Plus, a single good game can last you for years to come.
Learning an instrument can be a brilliant way to both relax and learn a new skill that you can show off anytime the opportunity presents. Depending on the instrument you want to learn, it can also be quite cheap to get started.
Keywords, ukuleles, and acoustic guitars are relatively affordable, especially if you search for a second-hand one on platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. And with free lessons all over YouTube, you can learn at your own pace, without anyone watching, judging, or charging high prices.
To get started
If you have the instrument you want to learn, you’re already 90% there. Just load up some lessons suitable to your skill level and you’re set. If you’re looking for an instrument, check out secondhand marketplaces, local community groups, or even friends/family to see if you can buy or borrow one.
Why learn an instrument?
Learning an instrument can be immensely satisfying, as it provides a sense of constant progress. It takes work, practice, and dedication to be sure, but even small improvements are tangible and exciting.
Still not convinced? Check out 25 Science-Backed Benefits of Learning an Instrument.
You don’t need a backyard to get into gardening. Indoor plants, balcony pots, herb boxes, and even community garden projects can all help you get your green thumb fix.
Gardening is inherently physical, hands-on, and as affordable as you want it to be.
You can start small with herbs or low-maintenance plants, using recycled containers if you want to keep costs down, and gradually work your way up towards more complex plants if desired. Online communities and Australian-specific guides make it easy to learn as you go.
To get started: Work out what type of plants you wish to cultivate (herbs, vegetables, succulents, indoor plants etc). Go to a local plant nursery (even Bunnings if you have one nearby) and ask for some low-cost plants or seeds that would suit a gardener of your skill. Make sure to also grab some basic tools, if you don’t already have them.
Why garden?
One of the best parts of gardening, especially if you have room for one outside, is that it gets you moving, building both muscle and cardiovascular strength. It can also help you get your daily Vitamin D, especially important if you’re stuck inside all day. Not to mention, you’ll have actual living proof of your TLC, maybe even proof you can eat.
And that’s just scratching the surface. You might need to dig a little deeper…with this article on gardening’s health benefits.
If you’re still unsure where to start, or if none of the above options appeal, try narrowing it down with a few simple questions:
There’s no ‘right’ answer, or specific hobbies perfect for men or women, just the right one for you. And if you do end up finding one you really like, make sure to include any potential expenses in your budget.
For your convenience, Beforepay has a handy budgeting tool, with dedicated categories for all your expenses (including an Entertainment section for all your hobby needs).
You don’t need to overhaul your routine or invest heavily. Pick one idea. Give it a month. Borrow or buy second-hand where you can. See how you feel about the hobby. If you’re not a fan, put it down, and search for something else.
Eventually you’ll find a hobby that will, hopefully, make life feel a little extra balanced in 2026.
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