How Much Does a Trip to Australia Cost?

So you’re planning a trip to Australia but how much should you actually budget? Whether you're backpacking the coast, travelling comfortably, or going all out on a luxury escape, this guide breaks down what you can expect to spend on a typical trip around the land Down Under.

🇦🇺 Quick Overview: Daily Travel Costs by Style

Daily Budget (AUD)

Budget

$70–$120

Backpackers, solo travellers, minimalists

Mid-Range

$150–$250

Couples, friends, standard comfort

Luxury

$300–$600+

High-end travellers, honeymooners

✈️ Flights to Australia

• From Southeast Asia: $200–$600 AUD return (AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar)

• From Europe/North America: $1,200–$2,000 AUD return (depending on season)

💡 Pro Tip: Booking 2–3 months ahead and flying into major hubs like Sydney or Melbourne often gets you the best deals.

🛏️ Accommodation Costs

Average Nightly Cost (AUD)

Hostel Dorm: $30–$50

Budget Motel: $70–$120

Mid-Range Hotel: $150–$250

Boutique/Luxury: $300–$800+

Airbnb (Shared): $80–$150

Airbnb (Entire): $150–$350+

Tip: Prices spike in peak seasons like December–January and during major festivals.

🍽️ Food & Drink

• Budget:

  • Supermarket meals, takeaway, backpacker pubs: $15–$30/day

• Mid-range:

  • Mix of cafes, local eats, and mid-range dinners: $40–$70/day

• Luxury:

  • Upscale restaurants, wine tastings, fine dining: $100–$200+/day

💡 Note: Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or tipping 10% is appreciated for great service.

🚗 Transport Costs

Getting Around the Country

• Domestic Flights: $60–$300 one-way (Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas)

• Greyhound Buses: $50–$150 per route

• Campervan Rental: $70–$200+/day (depending on size/season)

• Car Rental: $50–$100/day + fuel
  

In Cities

• Public transport: $3–$6 per trip

• Rideshares (Uber, DiDi): $10–$30 depending on distance

• City passes or cards: e.g. Opal (Sydney), Myki (Melbourne)

🎟️ Activities & Tours

Activity

Typical Cost (AUD)

Surf lesson: $60–$90

Great Barrier Reef snorkel: $150–$250

Skydiving: $350–$450

Blue Mountains Day Trip: $100–$150

Museum Entry / Gallery: $0–$30

Guided Wildlife Tour: $50–$120

💡 Many national parks are free or low-cost — great for budget-conscious adventurers.

🧳 Sample 2-Week Budget Breakdown

Budget Traveller (~$1,600–$2,000 AUD)

• Hostels + public transport + supermarket food

• Mix of free attractions and 2–3 paid experiences
  

Mid-Range Traveller (~$3,000–$4,500 AUD)

• Hotels + some internal flights

• Mix of restaurants, cafes, and guided tours

Luxury Traveller (~$6,000–$10,000+ AUD)

• Boutique hotels or resorts

• Fine dining, private tours, scenic flights
  

🔍 Final Tips to Save Money

• Use travel apps like Rome2Rio, Skyscanner, and Wikicamps

• Travel off-season (March–May or Sept–Nov) for better deals

• Book multi-day passes for activities (e.g. reef/snorkel combos)

• Take advantage of free walking tours and public museums
  

🎒 Final Word

Australia can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're roughing it in a campervan or living it up in a coastal villa, there’s a version of Australia that suits your budget and it's always worth the trip.