Self-driving to save costs makes sense, but eating out as well? How much of a hole in the pocket can that make?

The great news is, you don't have to confine yourself to burger bars and fast food. Quite the opposite. Factor in some creativity as an ingredient when on-the-road meal planning and you'll be thrilled to find many things are between $10-15 a person.

Before we get down to the specifics, here are a dozen suggestions to get you salivating - and saving $$$!

• Farmer's Markets: in many country towns on a weekend (most likely Saturdays) you may find a farmers' market. Buy the freshest fruit and veggies, homemade pies and cakes.
• Farm stalls. Keep in mind the season and watch for honesty stalls at farm gates, or farm shops and cafes. Country generosity means the prices are usually very low and the service comes with a smile.
• Pick Your Own - For a few dollars a kilo, in a happy hour or two you can pick enough strawberries or raspberries for a family feast.
• Seafood, especially oysters, cooked prawns or mussels, make a wonderful meal, especially paired with a glass of wine or beer. Most places selling these are close to a pier or jetty, so you can enjoy the sea and sunset as well. Then there's fish and chips, best enjoyed with a side serve of sea air.
• Create a picnic - make the supermarket your friend and buy just enough for an alfresco lunch. Keep a sharp knife and bottle opener in the glove-box.
• Ethnic Eats. In city areas, head for Chinatown or other multicultural areas. Most main courses will be under $10, and will usually be deliciously different.
• Student areas are excellent value too - look for eateries near unis and colleges and you can bet the servings will be large and cheap!
• City fruit and vegetable market stalls sell snacks and other dishes. Free samples on offer make a delicious 'antipasto' too!
• Food courts are low-cost, and sandwich bars (look for ones in bakeries where the bread will be freshest) are a good bet.
• Go fishing and catch your own. Some places offer BBQ facilities so you can create an unforgettable meal.
• Tour wineries and select a regional platter - often part of the tasting experience - which may be very low-cost as well.
• Pub food is often excellent. Counter meals are cheapest, and cooking your own steaks can save dollars too.
• Consider sharing - many meals in the country are extraordinarily generous and one meal can serve two or more.

Finding out where to go in country areas: Local Visitor Information Centres provide insider knowledge of budget places to eat and pick up local dining guides.

Sally and Gordon Hammond's Australian Regional Food Guide website helps find local food producers, restaurants and shops selling local products.