- DIY Crafts and Upcycling
- Exploring Local Hiking Trails on the Weekend
- Reading and Exchanging Books
- Gardening
- Photography
- 5 Additional Low-Cost Hobbies to Consider
As Aussies continue to navigate the growing costs of living, many of us are looking for ways to have fun in the new year without spending too much money. That’s why more and more people are pursuing affordable hobbies and interests in 2026.
Low cost hobbies that don’t cost a lot of money offer a wealth of benefits. They can make you feel better, lower your stress, and give your life more structure. You might choose to take out a small cash loan upfront to get things started, but those benefits soon outweigh the costs. And what starts as a hobby may evolve into something more lucrative in the long term.
Here are five inexpensive hobbies that are easy to start, fun to keep up with, and doable in real life.
1. DIY Crafts and Upcycling
These are two classic low-cost hobbies that let you make something useful and potentially valuable out of scraps and discarded items you already have.
DIY crafts and upcycling encourage creativity over consumption, whether it’s by repainting old furniture, making gifts by hand, or finding new uses for items around the house. Many people like the feeling of accomplishment that comes with finishing small projects, especially when they can follow free online tutorials.
What is Upcycling?
We’re all very aware of recycling as a way of reducing waste, but how does it differ from upcycling?
Simply put, upcycling is the process of transforming old or discarded materials or items into something new that is of greater value or quality. It differs from recycling by not breaking down materials to produce something new, like recycled paper or plastics. Instead, you’re simply “upgrading” the item in its current state through design or creative repurposing. For example, you might make a candle holder out of an empty jam jar rather than throwing it out in the recycling bin.
If you have to pay for small purchases up front and keep track of your household expenses, knowing how personal loans for everyday expenses work can help you plan with more confidence.
2. Exploring Local Hiking Trails on the Weekend
Australia has some wonderful walking trails and hiking spots across the country, from the Heysen Trail in South Australia (the country’s longest marked trail, spanning 1200 kilometres) to a variety of tracks in Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory. And thankfully, for most people, walking is one of the easiest low-cost hobbies you can take up in 2026.
Many of us see the new year as the perfect time to get fit and active, but don’t always want to commit to going to the gym to achieve that goal. Australia is rich with national parks, beaches and other hiking trails that mean you don’t have to shell out for memberships or expensive equipment to get the heart rate up.
Walking regularly is a hobby that can easily become a part of your routine if you try out new routes or invite friends to join you. If you’re travelling long distances to test out some new trails, be sure to service or repair your car in advance. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded out in the middle of nowhere.
3. Reading and Exchanging Books
If you love to travel to new places but don’t have the time to take advantage of a holiday loan at the moment, reading is an easy and low-cost way to explore new worlds from the comfort of your home.
No matter how much money you have, you can read by going to the library, buying used books, downloading free eBooks, or swapping books with other people in your community. Many Australians also like to join book clubs or online reading groups. These groups add a social aspect without over-the-top additional expenses.
4. Gardening (Even in Small Spaces)
When done right, gardening can become a low-cost hobby for homeowners and renters alike. Better yet, you don’t even need a lot of outdoor space to make it work.
Growing herbs on a windowsill or vegetables in containers (possibly even upcycled ones) can help you save money on groceries over time and become a relaxing pastime, regardless of the season. Starting with seeds and recycled pots can lower costs and help you slowly get accustomed to the “green thumb” lifestyle.
Make Your Home Gardening-Friendly
One essential factor of gardening is natural light, whether it’s outdoors in the sun or through an installed skylight in your home. To maximise the amount of sunlight you can enjoy indoors, a Red Tree Finance online loan can help you make any essential improvements to your home.
5. Photography
One of the great things about taking up photography as an interest is that you can spend as much or as little on it as you like. Though some people will apply for a $5000 loan to purchase the very best camera, lens, tripod and other equipment, you can get just as much enjoyment from the hobby by using your smartphone camera.
As a low-cost hobby, photography is easy to fit into a busy schedule. Photo opportunities can come from anywhere, whether it’s on the walk to the train station or a classic summer sunset over the beach. There is also a plethora of free instructional videos on YouTube to get you started.
Five Additional Low-Cost Hobbies to Consider
Looking for some other inexpensive interests to pursue this year? Here are 5 more to think about:
- Creative writing
- Home yoga or stretching
- Cooking
- Puzzles and brain-training games
- Volunteering in the local community
Like photography, some of these will have free how-to videos online, so you won’t need to pay for expensive courses if you don’t want to. All of these can potentially bring fulfilment and colour to your life in ways you may not have imagined. And if you’re looking at secured loans to get your new hobby underway, Red Tree Finance is here to help.
Enjoy Life More Without Spending More!
Low-cost hobbies show that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun. You can improve your health without adding to your financial stress by picking activities that fit your lifestyle and budget. Small, cheap habits can make a big difference over time, whether you like doing creative things, moving around outside, or learning something new.
Whether you’re looking at a weekend loan to fund a quick hiking trip in the Aussie bushland, or an instant loan to buy a new camera, Red Tree Finance lets you look at and apply for short-term loans online whenever you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hobbies are the cheapest?
In many cases, the most inexpensive hobbies are those that:
- Make use of the skills or resources you already have.
- Require very little specialised tools or equipment.
- You can do at home or in the local community.
These can include activities such as weekend walks, DIY crafts, gardening and reading.
What is the 5 hobbies rule?
This is a widely-regarded personal development concept that suggests people should pursue hobbies in five specific areas in order to live a balanced life. Those categories include hobbies to:
- Make money (e.g. photography, blogging)
- Stay fit and in shape (running, competitive sport)
- Express your creativity (playing an instrument, creative writing)
- Build knowledge (learning a new language, reading)
- Evolve your mindset (meditation, mindfulness practices)
If you’re looking for some funds to start your new hobbies in 2026, Red Tree Finance has loans from $2250 to get you started.
What hobbies can I do for free?
There are many hobbies you can take up that don’t cost the earth, from neighbourhood walks to designated hiking trails, to free online courses, smartphone photography or learning a language.
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