(Budget vs Mid-range vs Luxury)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Public transport: $3–$6 per trip
Rideshares (Uber, DiDi): $10–$30 depending on distance
City passes or cards: e.g. Opal (Sydney), Myki (Melbourne)
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.
Hostels + public transport + supermarket food
Mix of free attractions and 2–3 paid experiences
Hotels + some internal flights
Mix of restaurants, cafes, and guided tours
Boutique hotels or resorts
Fine dining, private tours, scenic flights
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
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.
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.