Hoping to plan out your Australia trip cost? Here is a detailed guide for what you might spend Down Under!
Australia is a magnificent country full of natural beauty and man-made wonders.
Visitors can scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, surf in the Gold Coast, and road trip through Outback destinations like Alice Springs or Uluru.
You can also marvel at the Sydney Opera House, explore Melbourne, and visit world class beaches outside Perth.
Australia offers vibrant cities, charming culture, unique wildlife, and natural wonders. But what does a trip to Australia cost?
This amazing country is not the cheapest in the world, but it is still worth visiting. You just have to plan your trip well and think about your budget ahead of time.
You could absolutely spend tons of money in Australia if you’re lax with your budget. Dine at fancy restaurants, take taxis everywhere, and stay in luxury hotels. OR, lower your Australia cost with some budget travel tips like staying in hostels, camping, cooking your own food, or finding cheap tours.
We’re going to break down the typical costs for a trip to Australia. Though it’s easy to make Australia an expensive trip, it’s also very doable on a tight budget.
Plan more of your trip to Australia with our comprehensive travel tips!
Australia Trip Cost – A Complete Guide
In this guide to Australia travel cost, we’ll cover these main categories: flights, transport, accommodation, food, and activities. We’ll also mention other expenses that you might find, such as visas and travel insurance.
For the budget travelers out there, we’ll also cover any budget travel tips that can help lower your Australia cost. With a bit of discipline and mindful spending, you can have the trip of a lifetime without blowing all of your savings.
Take this advice and cater it to your own travel style and financial situation. Every traveler is different, so this is just meant to help you organize your own trip!
Australia travel cost overview
Here is what some typical costs may look like for your Australia trip. We won’t include flights in this estimate, as flights will vary greatly depending on where you are departing from.
Average prices may vary based on season as well. If you visit in the off season, you can generally score cheaper prices on accommodation and activities.
Your travel expenses will also depend on your travel style. We’ll list some average prices for the following categories based on budget, mid-range, and luxury.
Keep in mind, there are just estimates, and actual expenses will hugely vary person to person.
Transportation
- Budget – $20 per day
- Mid-Range – $30 – $50 per day
- Luxury – $60 – $100 per day
Accommodation
- Budget – $20 – $70 per night
- Mid-Range – $100 – $200 per night
- Luxury – $300+ per night
Food
- Budget – $20 – $40 per day
- Mid-Range – $50 – $70 per day
- Luxury – $80 – $150 per day (or more)
Activities
- Budget – $50 – $200 per week
- Mid-Range – $250 – $400 per week
- Luxury – $500 – $1,000 per week
Flights to Australia
Depending on where in the world you live, flights to Australia may be one of your trip’s biggest expenses. Australia is quite an isolated continent, so most flights to reach the country are long-haul (unless you’re coming from somewhere close like New Zealand).
If you’re flying to Australia from somewhere far, like Europe or the Americas, you can easily spend $1,000 or more on a one-way flight.
But to visit Australia, you’ll just have to bite the bullet and book a flight.
Many people who travel to Australia tend to stay for a while, simply because it is so far away from most of the world. A three to four week trip is common, though you could easily spend years in Australia and still not see everything!
But for those who are determined to book that trip to Australia, the flight prices are always worth it. And saving money on your Australia flight is easier than you think!
Tips to save money on your flight to Australia
If you’re hoping to lower your Australia cost, you might be able to score a cheap flight with these travel tips.
Fly off season
Every country has its peak season and its off season. Australia is a large country, so the peak season varies depending on where you go.
For example, Sydney’s peak season is summer (December, January, February) and the off season is winter (June, July, August).
But somewhere hot and tropical, like Cairns, has winter as its peak season. Summer is the off season because it gets very hot and humid, but you can get some really cheap flights to the tropics at this time of year.
So depending on where you want to go, consider a visit in the off season! Average prices for flights in off season are often significantly cheaper than peak season.
You can also visit in shoulder season for that sweet spot of nice weather combined with cheaper prices.
Be flexible with your itinerary
Having flexibility with your trip to Australia means you can plan your itinerary around the cheapest flights.
Do some browsing online to see the cheapest flights to Australia from your home country.
Most travellers fly into Sydney, but you can also find cheap international flights into Brisbane, Perth, or Melbourne.
Maybe it’s costly for you to fly to Sydney in New South Wales, but maybe it’s surprisingly cheap to fly to Perth in Western Australia.
If you haven’t planned out an itinerary yet, perhaps you can organise your trip based on where the cheapest flights are! There is stunning beauty all over the country, so you can easily plan an epic adventure no matter where you arrive.
Get creative with layovers
Because Australia is so far from much of the world, it’s pretty rare to find a cheap AND direct flight.
Generally, the more layovers you have, the cheaper the flight price is. If you don’t mind taking some slightly more inconvenient layovers on the way to Australia, you may be able to get a much cheaper overall price.
You could also combine Australia with a trip to elsewhere nearby, such as New Zealand, Fiji, or Southeast Asia.
Though you may spend more money if you add on another country, you’ll get much more value out of your trip. Something to consider!
Transportation costs within Australia
Once you arrive in Australia, you’ll need to get around the country. There are lots of great ways to get around Australia, so you can choose the ones that best suit your time frame and budget.
Those who want to save money can combine the cheapest forms of transport, such as walking and public buses for small distances in a city center, and coach buses or domestic flights for long distances.
A mid-range travel style might see a car or campervan rental paired with some domestic flights, taxis, or public transport.
Luxury travel will likely include just the most convenient methods of transport such as car rentals, taxis, and domestic flights to get around.
Domestic flights
Australia is absolutely massive. So if your trip to Australia includes lots of destinations, domestic flights can be very helpful.
For example, driving from Sydney to Perth will take you at least 3 days if you drive all day long with no stops. But flying there will only take 5 hours.
Domestic flights can be really cheap as well! Especially if you fly off-season and use budget airlines such as Jetstar, you can find one-way flights within Australia for around $100 or less one way.
This is a great way to save time on traveling overland, which can sometimes be a bigger journey than you’d expect in Australia.
Coach bus
Those who prefer to travel by land can get coach buses around Australia.
Greyhound is one of the most popular long-haul bus companies that visits cities and towns all over the country.
Just remember that driving distances can be very long in Australia! Utilise overnight buses where possible to optimise your time.
For example, a bus from Sydney to Melbourne is around 12 hours of driving. A bus from Sydney to Byron Bay is 13 hours of driving. Bus prices vary as well, so make sure you research the route you want to take.
If the bus and a flight are similar prices, you may prefer to take a flight to save time. But if you’re not in a rush and you find some cheap tickets, buses are a great way to get around Australia.
You can also get great deals on bus passes that include multiple journeys. For example, a Greyhound bus pass for the East Coast includes unlimited travel between Sydney and Cairns and prices start at around $330.
Car or campervan rental
One of the absolute best ways to explore on your trip to Australia is a road trip!
Flights can save you lots of travel time and help you pack in lots of destinations into a 1 or 2 week trip. But for those with a bit more time and flexibility, consider a road trip in a car or campervan.
Road trips allow you to see more of Australia, appreciating the natural beauty and small towns in between the tourist hotspots.
Car rental prices vary depending on your time frame, vehicle type, and location. But average costs can be anywhere from $50 – $100 per day.
A fun alternative to renting a regular car is hiring a campervan. Australia is absolutely packed with epic campsites, and a campervan lets you have a more flexible road trip because you can camp along the route.
Campervans are usually between $100 – $500 per day, depending on the quality and inclusions. But the price tag is often worth it. You can save money on accommodation and food by doing your road trip in a van that includes a bed and kitchen!
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Public transportation within cities
Most Australian cities and larger towns have decent public transportation systems. Trains, trams, metros, and public buses are common in a city center, and they are a cheap and reliable way to get around a given area.
Most public transportation costs have reasonable rates that are no more than a couple of dollars per journey. Some longer rides and airport transfers may be more expensive at $15 – $10.
Though you can also try to walk as much as possible if saving money is a priority.
Most larger cities in Australia are safe, with lots of attractions within walking distance. Walk when you can, and take a local bus or train for larger distances in a city center.
Public transport is of course, slightly more hassle than taxis or Ubers. But it’s much cheaper!
If you have a bigger budget for your Australia trip, you can catch taxis and rideshare apps around most areas in Australia.
In popular cities like Sydney, Gold Coast, or Melbourne, taxis and rideshare apps will likely cost more money than in smaller towns. But the perk of being in a city center is that public transport will almost always be available when you need it.
If you’re in a very small, rural town, public transport might be more rare. In that case, local taxis may be your only option, but they likely won’t be too expensive.
It goes without saying that if saving money is your priority, try to stick to walking and public transport as opposed to taxis and rideshares.
Accommodation costs in Australia
Accommodation is often a pretty big expense while traveling anywhere in the world. A trip to Australia is no different!
There are lots of different places to stay on your trip, from budget backpacker hostels to wilderness campgrounds to fancy hotels and basic motels.
In popular tourist destinations, such as the East Coast, you’ll have a greater variety of accommodations to choose from. In remote, small towns, there may only be a handful of local hotels so you’ll have less choice.
But here is an overview of the most common accommodation types and what they typically cost in Australia.
Hostels
Hostels are a great option for budget travelers, though hostels in Australia are definitely on the expensive side.
Dorm rooms are generally between $20 – $70 per night, with the higher costs in popular cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
Prices may also be more expensive during peak season (summer and around holidays).
You can also get private rooms in hostels for roughly $100 per night. This may be slightly cheaper than hotel rooms! But a dorm bed is always the best way to save money in Australia.
Camping
Australia is one of the best countries in the world for camping! Picture well-maintained campgrounds surrounded by lush forest or stunning beaches.
Some have excellent amenities like kitchens, BBQ, and hot showers. These well-equipped campgrounds often cost money, but not much compared to a hotel.
Nicer campgrounds in Australia cost around $10-40 per night, depending on the time of year, day of week, and quality of the campground.
You can also find basic campgrounds with little to no facilities. Many of these are either free or very cheap at just $5-10 per night.
The only downside to camping as a traveler in Australia is that you also need gear! If you can hire a campervan that includes all the gear, that’s a convenient way to do it.
You can also buy cheap secondhand camping gear on GumTree or Facebook marketplace.
Hotels and motels
If you prefer private rooms in classic hotels or motels, these are common around Australia as well.
Hostels are not very common in the less touristy regional towns as well, so sometimes hotel rooms are the only option.
But all over Australia you should have no problem finding mid-range hotels that are nice but won’t break the bank.
Private rooms in mid-range hotels and motels often cost between $100 and $200 per night, with costs creeping up to $300 per night in expensive areas like Noosa, Gold Coast, or Byron Bay.
Airbnbs
Airbnbs are super popular around Australia! If you’re visiting small towns on your trip to Australia, hostels and hotels may be less common. But you can often find Airbnbs owned by locals, so these are nice and reliable.
They are generally on the more expensive side, especially when you find the rentals that include entire homes or apartments.
But if you’re visiting Australia with a group, a large Airbnb is ideal. Airbnbs can generally cost between $250 and $500 per night, depending on the quality and size of the place.
If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before, sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking.
Luxury hotels
Of course, luxury hotels are also an option when you visit Australia! Big cities and popular tourist hotspots will have more options in terms of elegance and luxury.
A room in a fancy hotel in Australia might start at around $300 per night, with prices soaring higher for the five-star accommodations.
Food costs in Australia
Food costs on your trip to Australia will mirror most destinations around the world. Eating out is expensive and cooking your own food saves you money. This is true almost everywhere!
But it’s especially important in Australia to be mindful of your spending when it comes to food. Eating and drinking in bars and restaurants is very costly in Australia!
Part of a holiday should definitely involve trying some delicious food as it’s an important part of the local culture. But for the budget travelers out there, cooking some of your own meals is one of the top methods for saving money.
Average food costs in Australia
Before we dive into the tips for eating according to your budget, let’s go over some basic food costs.
These prices are just an estimate! The same dish may be cheaper at a small, local place or more expensive at a fancy place in a city. But these basic costs should be pretty consistent around Australia.
Dining out / takeaway
- Coffee – $5
- Bacon and egg roll – $10
- Egg breakfast with sourdough and avocado – $18
- Local beer – $9
- Craft beer – $11
- Glass of wine – $10-15
- Chicken sandwich – $15-20
- Seafood lunch – $30-40
- Salad – $15-20 ($5 to add protein)
- Pasta dish – $20-30
- Steak dinner – $30-50
- Vegetarian dinner – $25-30
- Desserts – $10
Groceries
- 1kg of oats – $3-5
- Box of 6 apples – $5
- 2kg bag of potatoes – $4-5
- Bag of frozen fruit $6-10
- Can of beans – $1
- 12 pack of eggs – $8
- 1kg of rice – $4-5
- Box of pasta – $3-6
- Whole chicken – $10
- Grass fed steak – $10
- Can of tuna – $2-4
- 1kg of coffee beans – $15-25
- Bottle of wine – $10-30
- 6 pack of beer – $20-40
Budget
Based on the average prices above, your Australia cost will likely be lower if you try to buy food from grocery stores and cook your own meals!
Try to find an accommodation that has kitchen facilities, or hire a campervan with cooking facilities. Even if you just make one meal a day at home, this will save you so much money throughout the course of your trip.
The hardcore budget travelers can even try to cook the majority of their meals. Then when you do decide to treat yourself to a meal out, it will feel that much more special!
If you mostly spend money on groceries, with the odd meal out here and there, you might spend around $20 – $40 per day on food in Australia.
Mid-Range
A mid-range traveller in Australia might want to cook some meals and dine out for some meals. A healthy mixture of the two gives you some indulgence but also helps you save money.
An average breakfast at a cafe in Australia can be around $25 per person, with a meal and a coffee.
Lunch can also be about the same, especially if you skip the drink or look for lunchtime specials. Find the best deals by researching local lunch specials, as they are quite common around Australia!
Dinner out is usually the most expensive, especially if there is a cocktail involved (which can be $20 or more in Australia).
If you want a nice balance of dining out without spending a lot, consider cooking your own dinners and eating out for breakfast or lunch as these are the cheaper meals.
Luxury
With a heftier budget, your travel style can include much more cafe and restaurant meals in Australia.
If you’re looking for a luxury food experience, you can even head to some of the more upscale, expensive restaurants. Popular in the big cities, there are many restaurants in Australia run by world-famous chefs where you can indulge in transformative food experiences.
The price tags in these places will well exceed the averages I’ve listed above. But if you have the budget for it, you can really dive into the premium food scene Down Under.
Activities in Australia
Tours and activities are essential to having a fulfilling Australia experience.
Iconic places like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, the Whitsunday Islands, Kakadu National Park, or Ningaloo Reef are often more enriching when you visit with a local tour guide.
Most day tours in Australia cost around $100 – $300, depending on the tour.
Overnight tours greatly vary in cost, depending on how long the tour is and what level of luxury you get.
For example, camping overnight tours on K’gari (Fraser Island) are more affordable because you’re staying in nature without many facilities. But similar tours with resort accommodation will cost more.
On the other hand, some Whitsunday sailing tours include a stay in a luxury private catamaran cabin, and some fancy train tours across Australia include luxury cabins as well. So these tours will cost much more.
Budget Tours
If you want to keep your costs low in Australia, stick to the budget tours and day trips. Then fill most of your days with free activities like hiking, beach-hopping, and sightseeing.
But do pay attention to the cost per day for an overnight tour! Some backpacker-friendly overnight trips are actually great value for money, even if they are 2 or 3 days.
On overnight tours, your accommodation and food is usually covered in the tour price. So an overnight tour can still be affordable, especially for nature-focused tours like K’gari (Fraser Island) or camping near Uluru.
But in general, your trip will be a lot cheaper if you emphasize the free activities that Australia offers.
Mid Range
For mid-range travellers, definitely treat yourself to some amazing Australian tours. Maybe mix in some day trips, affordable overnight trips, and more luxury tours for a bit of variety.
And do your research so you can see which attractions are better with or without a tour. For example, the Great Barrier Reef is definitely better with the marine life experts on a guided tour, whereas national parks like the Blue Mountains can be easily visited without a tour.
Also take note of entrance fees for things like museums, wildlife centres, and art galleries. Pick and choose which attractions will bring you the most joy, and be selective about what you pay for to maximise your budget.
Luxury
For those who don’t mind higher costs, you can really live life to the fullest in Australia.
Book as many guided tours and experiences as you want! You can even treat yourself to private tours and private charters for trips out to sea.
Additional costs for a trip to Australia
Most visitors can plan their travel budget for the transport, accommodation, food, and activities. But many forget about the additional expenses!
Here are some other things to include in your Australia travel budget.
Visa
Everyone visiting Australia needs a visa! Those visiting on a holiday will need a Visitor Visa, and those planning to stay longer and work can do a Working Holiday Visa.
Regardless of your intentions in Australia, you will need a visa.
A Visitor Visa is pretty cheap at around $195. Working Holiday Visas cost more at around $650, but they allow you to stay for up to a year and work to fund your trip.
Find more info about visas and their costs on the Australian Immigration Website.
Travel Insurance
It’s always a good idea to get travel insurance for a trip abroad. You never know when you might need emergency medical treatment or have some sort of travel fiasco, so it’s worth buying travel insurance to know you’re covered.
Travel insurance costs vary depending on the length of your trip to Australia, your nationality, and which provider you choose. Do a bit of shopping around to find the best plan for you!
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs are not an essential purchase on a trip to Australia. But it’s a good idea to set aside a little cash just in case you see something that sparks your attention.
A beautiful, hand-crafted souvenir that reflects the local culture is a wonderful way to remember a trip abroad.
But try to avoid buying things just for the sake of it! You don’t want random trinkets that will just collect dust, as it’s a waste of money.
Be mindful with your spending and try to only buy meaningful souvenirs that you will actually use and cherish.
Australia Cost Wrap Up
Given all the info we just covered, it’s easy to see that Australia can easily be affordable or expensive depending on your travel style.
Most people would agree that the best way to travel is by following your intuition and being mindful. Combine a few budget travel tips with some once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
If you are going to spend your money, spend it on something that really adds value to your trip.
Whether it be a fancy hotel in a city you’ve always wanted to visit, a five-star restaurant that showcases your favorite cuisine, or a multiday tour that includes all the highlights of a given area, you can enhance your trip to Australia through buying things that mean something to you.
But to avoid any guilt or financial stress, balance that out with some frugality. Cook some meals at your accommodation, spend a few nights at a cheap hostel, or try camping in the wilderness. Skip the cocktails one night or walk around instead of taking taxis.
Be flexible with your trip and spend with intention. This will help you plan a trip to Australia that is unforgettable, but also affordable!
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