a trip to australia how much does it cost

Cost of a Trip to Australia & the Cheapest Time to Visit Australia

The average price of a 7-day trip to Australia is $1,955 for a solo traveler, $3,357 for a couple, and $1,725 for a family of 4 . Australia hotels range from $55 to $238 per night with an average of $92, while most vacation rentals will cost $180 to $510 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Australia (from all airports) are between $1,112 and $2,134 per person for economy flights and $3,492 to $6,701 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $42 to $86 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Australia

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Australia and stay in a Australia hotel:

• January 29th to March 25th
• April 9th to May 6th
• July 30th to December 2nd (except the week of October 8th)

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Australia is usually late August to early September .

Average Australia Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Australia for a week is $1,329-$3,211 ($190-$459 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $42 to $86 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $621 to $1,817 for economy

Lodging : $69 to $87 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $108 to $132 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Australia for a week is $2,244-$5,629 ($321-$804 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $84 to $172 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,242 to $3,633 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Australia for a week is $4,483-$10,863 ($640-$1,552 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $168 to $345 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,485 to $7,266 for economy

Lodging : $137 to $175 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $162 to $197 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Australia

How cheap can you make a vacation to Australia? The cheapest trip to Australia is about $150 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $47.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Australia for a week is $1,050-$2,975 ($150-$425 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $21 to $42 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $47 to $55 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $114 to $144 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Australia for a week is $1,818-$5,085 ($260-$726 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $42 to $84 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Australia for a week is $3,631-$9,738 ($519-$1,391 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $84 to $168 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $93 to $110 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $171 to $216 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to Australia cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Australia Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Australia.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Australia for a week is $2,837-$11,702 ($405-$1,672 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $84 to $173 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,553 to $4,539 for first class

Lodging : $116 to $238 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $496 to $992 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Australia for a week is $4,978-$17,452 ($711-$2,493 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $168 to $346 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,106 to $9,078 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Australia for a week is $9,963-$31,927 ($1,423-$4,561 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $336 to $692 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $6,213 to $18,155 for first class

Lodging : $233 to $476 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $744 to $1,488 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Australia Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Australia is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Australia due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Australia Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Australia hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Australia.

Flight Costs to Australia

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $2,134 average in late December to a low of $1,112 in late August to early September. Median flight price is $1,403. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Australia our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Australia, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $1,022, so you can easily save about 92% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Australia can easily cost $315 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $21 per person. Private tours can cost $630 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Australia Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• New South Wales Outback, NW, AU
• Murray-Darling Basin, Australia
• Mungo, NW, AU
• Broken Hill, NW, AU
• Buronga, NW, AU
• Wentworth, NW, AU
• Euston, NW, AU
• Gol Gol, NW, AU

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Moscow, Russia
• Kuta, Indonesia
• Houston, TX, US

The Cost of Travel in Australia: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

I’m so excited to be sharing how much it costs to travel in Australia. Not only is this country home for me (I moved to Melbourne in 2021!), but I’ve also spent a significant amount of time travelling across its beautiful landscapes.

There was the lengthy road trip from Brisbane to Melbourne, the two weeks I spent hiking in Tasmania, the week I dedicated to snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, and even the five times I’ve tackled the Great Ocean Road (what can I say? I love it!).

My partner’s family live in Melbourne, and before moving here to join them, we used to spend a month in this vibrant country every year, for over a decade, celebrating Christmas Down Under and visiting as many hipster cafes as possible.

Needless to say, I’ve seen a hell of a lot of this country over the years and have visited on every budget imaginable: as a backpacker with absolutely no spare cash, as a solo traveller on a mid-range budget, and as part of couple on a romantic luxury vacation.

In other words, I’m perfectly placed to share exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Australia! Whether you’ll be living the Working Holiday dream and driving a beaten-up campervan along the East Coast, taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Oz post-retirement, or simply desperate to make the most of your two-week vacation to Australia, I have you covered.

Today, I’m going to be sharing exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Australia.

The Cost of Accommodation in Australia

You can visit Australia on any budget, from  a $40 a night hostel in Cairns  that’s highly-rated on Booking to the spectacular $500 a night Four Seasons Sydney , which offers up the best views of the Sydney Opera House in the city.

(Those prices are in AUD, by the way. 1 AUD is equal to 0.60 USD/EUR, or 0.53 GBP.)

But first things first; we have to get this out of the way. Yes, Australia is expensive. It’s incredibly expensive, in fact. And — like everywhere else in the world — prices have only skyrocketed as the pandemic has receded.

Despite this, there is still good  value to be found. Because whether you’re travelling as a solo backpacker on a shoestring, as part of a couple on a mid-range budget, or as a family looking for a little luxury, value is the one thing you’re going to be looking for. That doesn’t necessarily mean cheap, of course, but it does mean staying in some incredible places.

So let’s take a look at accommodation. To start with, I’m going to cover the cheapest way to travel across the country.

If you’re on the tightest of tight budgets, there are several options that’ll land you with  free accommodation  while you’re in the country.  Courchsurfing  helps you to connect with locals by sleeping on spare sofas in their homes. It doesn’t cost a penny to do so and is a fantastic way to gain an insight into Australian daily life away from the tourists. There are over 300,000 hosts in Australia, so you shouldn’t find it too hard to connect with somebody likeminded.

Housesitting  is a more upmarket way to avoid paying for accommodation, as it’s aimed at mid-range and luxury travellers. You’ll be looking after homes (and usually pets) while their owners are on holiday, and the houses can be extremely luxurious (I’ve had friends housesit a castle before!). This option works best if you don’t have fixed travel plans, as you’ll be agreeing to dates that the owners set. It’s always worth taking a look at the site, though, just in case somebody’s vacation dates happen to coincide with yours; there’s usually several hundred housesits to browse through in Australia at any one time.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you could take a look at  WorldPackers in Australia , where you’ll be able to volunteer for locals in exchange for food and board. There are some seriously cool options available on the site right now, from helping out at a local surf school to lending a hand at building an eco-sanctuary in the rainforest. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for WorldPackers with the promo code  neverendingfootsteps .

If you’re not looking to travel for free, though and just want a clean and comfortable room to sleep in, there are plenty of great budget options, too.

The Best Hostels in Australia

One of the most affordable ways to explore Australia is by staying in a hostel.

During my first visits to Australia, I was in my early twenties and living the backpacker dream; attempting to save as much money as possible. I was impressed by the quality of the hostels in Australia, as well as how many there were to choose from. This country is practically a mandatory stop on backpackers’ round-the-world trips, so there’s cheap accommodation aplenty in every tourist destination.

Here’s some of my favourite spots in the country:

• My favourite hostel in  Sydney  is easily the epic Sydney Harbour YHA — just wait until you see the views of the Sydney Opera House from the rooftop terrace! It’s in a perfect location for exploring the city, the staff are amazing, and breakfast is included. You’ll pay $70 per night for a dorm bed, or $200 a night for a private room with en-suite.
• In  Melbourne , you can’t get better than  the Space Hotel — I recommend my friends here whenever they come to visit! Here, dorm rooms are priced at just  $65 a night and private rooms are $160 per night . In a town where most hostels are rated poorly, this well-reviewed spot is a no-brainer.
• You’ll likely be heading to  Brisbane  while you’re in Australia, and if so, I recommend  Breeze Lodge , which has dorm rooms for  $55 night . The staff here are wonderful and really helped me make the most of my time in town. The rooms were spotless, the vibes immaculate, and the beds comfortable. You can’t ask for more than that!
• The Gold Coast  is home to  the Surf Inn , which is one of my favourite spots in the country. Here, dorms are priced at  $65 a night . No wonder it’s the best-rated budget accommodation in town. What I loved most about this place is its lovely swimming pool, the fantastic free breakfast, and its close proximity to the beach. Truly, this is one of the best value spots in all of Australia.
• I’m a massive fan of  Perth . I chose to stay in  Spinners Hostel  during my most recent visit and came away so impressed with the rooms. Not only is it inexpensive at  $50 a night  for a dorm, but the beds are comfortable, the rooms modern and spacious, and the location incredible (I love the Northbridge neighbourhood so much!)

Overall, then, you can see that you can expect to spend around  $60 a night  for dorms in Australia, and around  $160 a night  for a private double room in a hostel. See what I mean about Australia being a little bit pricey?

Well, now it’s time to move on to the cost of hotels in Australia. Because what if you’re not a budget traveller and just want to stay in a lovely, well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse that’s good value for money and has all the things you need from a place to lay your head? I’ve got you!

My 2024 Recommendations for Hotels in Australia

It’s time to start looking at hotels.

In this section of my budget breakdowns, I always like to share my personal recommendations for accommodation within a country. That way, you get to browse through my favourite properties in order to make your trip planning easier, while also gaining an insight into how much you can expect to spend. And trust me: I spend hours researching each and every hotel that I stay in; I know which places offer the best value in Australia.

My biggest tip? When you head to  Booking.com  to find a hotel, ignore the default results that are shown whenever you search for properties in a destination. That initial list is simply a rundown of all of the hotels that pay Booking the highest commission[!], some of which have some pretty poor write-ups. Instead, click the “sort by” dropdown menu above the search results and choose to sort the properties by “Top Reviewed”. That way, you’ll be able to see which hotels are actually the best option for you.

All that to say, as I’ve been roaming around Australia, I’ve been making a note of the best accommodation in every city, putting in the hard work so you don’t have to. Here’s where I recommend staying (these are predominantly mid-range budget options, in excellent locations with the best reviews). Again, all prices are in AUD:

Sydney: Medusa Hotel ( $230 per night ) — Located in one of my favourite Sydney neighbourhoods — the eclectic Darlinghurst — Medusa hotel is close to so many of the best restaurants and cafes in the city’s inner east. You’re a 30 minutes walk from the CBD (and many of the tourist attractions) so you’ll pay a little less for accommodation than you would if you were right in the heart of the city; an added bonus. On top of that, the property itself is super-quiet and peaceful, tastefully decorated, and with a lovely courtyard. I stay here every time I visit Sydney.

Melbourne: ZaGame’s House ( $260 a night ) — Fun fact! When the pandemic struck, I was in Melbourne as the city went into lockdown. Without a home, I spent nine months living out of hotels and Airbnb apartments, trying so many different Melburnian neighbourhoods on for size. In other words, I know this city, and I know the best places to stay. I love ZaGame’s House for its location — right in the heart of the incredible Carlton neighbourhood, where you’ll find the Queen Vic Market (my favourite food market in the world!) and still be within walking distance of the main attractions in town. You’ve got beautifully designed rooms, amazing staff, a well-equipped gym, and one of the most comfortable beds ever. This is one of my favourite places in Melbourne.

Brisbane: The Inchcolm by Ovolo ( $275 a night ) — Take a look at the photos of the Inchcolm and tell me you don’t want to immediately book a stay there! The decorations and artwork are gorgeous, and the rooms are clean, spacious, and so comfortable. For me, though, the main reason to stay at the Inchcolm is the phenomenal staff members! No matter whether you’re looking for travel advice or a cocktail recommendation in the bar, they’re only too happy to drop everything and help you out. Throw in free access to the Fitness First gym across the street and you’ve got yourself everything you need for your time in Brisbane!

Gold Coast: Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise ( $235 a night ) — To me, staying on the Gold Coast is synonymous with being in a high-rise hotel, gazing down on a stretch of pristine white sand that seems to go on forever. Well the Meriton Suites in Surfers Paradise offers exactly that and I couldn’t stop swooning over its views. You’re located just steps away from the beach, the rooms are clean and spacious, with fully-equipped kitchens, and you’ve got access to an indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym… the list goes on. This place is an absolute gem!

Cairns: Travellers Oasis ( $130 a night ) — A cheaper option for Cairns, but when the accommodation is so great, staying here is a no-brainer. Travellers Oasis has the best outdoor area, with a jungle-esque garden area, access to a BBQ, and a refreshing swimming pool (100% needed in the sweltering humidity of Cairns!) Rooms are well-cleaned and comfortable, with air conditioning to help keep you cool. It offers up a relaxed vibe to travellers, thanks to the warm and welcoming owners. As an added bonus, it’s only a five-minute walk from all of the best restaurants in town.

Perth: Alex Hotel ( $230 a night ) — There’s no getting around it: Perth is one of the most expensive cities in Australia for tourists, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t bargains to be found. In particular, I’m a huge fan of Alex Hotel, in the city’s CBD. Not only is it only a 15-minute walk from my favourite restaurant in the city (Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King: if you’re a ramen fan, you have to go!), but the interior is beautifully decorated, the breakfasts are impressive, and the rooftop terrace offers up some great city views.

Hobart: The Lodge on Elizabeth Boutique Hotel ( $196 a night ) — The Lodge is a wonderful historic home (one of the oldest buildings in Hobart!) that’s located just a 10-minute walk into the centre of the city. What I loved about it was how homely it feels. It’s like coming back to a cosy home at the end of a long day of exploring — and there’s no better feeling than that! You can expect free parking, tons of travel advice from the owners, delicious breakfasts, and even free glasses of port in the communal lounge. Enjoy!

The Cost of Transportation in Australia

One thing to keep in mind is the sheer size of this country! It’s around the same size as the continental U.S., so if you wouldn’t expect to be able to see the entirety of the United States in two weeks, it’s unrealistic to hope to do the same in Australia.

With the vast majority of Australia’s attractions scattered along its coastline, driving distances can therefore be huge. My road trip from Brisbane to Melbourne involved driving well over 1,000 miles (1600 km), while Sydney and Perth are separated by a whopping 2,500 miles (4,000 km). To drive from Brisbane to Cairns, you’ll spend 19 hours behind the wheel and still be in Queensland.

Because of this, it’s often easier, definitely faster, and usually cheaper, to fly between Australian cities. Still, don’t expect flights to always be speedy: it takes a whopping five hours to fly from Sydney to Perth!

If you’re short on time, though, it’s well worth taking a look at the offerings from the local airlines, as flights within Australia can sometimes even cost less than taking a bus. As an example, I paid just A$40 for a Jetstar flight from Cairns to Melbourne, skipping the 31 hour[!] drive time. You’ll most likely be flying with Qantas, Jetstar, or Virgin Australia; Qantas has the nicest planes; Jetstar is usually cheapest. I recommend using the flight comparison tool, Skyscanner , to find the best deals.

One of my top tips for saving money in Australia is to check the prices of flights for smaller airports that are located on a city’s outskirts. For example, Avalon Airport is just 15 miles from Melbourne’s main airport of Tullamarine, but usually offers cheaper flights. It’s nearly always less expensive to fly into the Gold Coast instead of Brisbane; two cities that are less than 50 miles apart.

One final thing: last year, the budget airline Bonza launched in Australia, offering very cheap flights for a limited number of destinations in the country (they have neither SA or WA flights nor Sydney yet). The catch? The only way to see their prices of flights is to download the “Fly Bonza” app. Yeah, it’s kind of a pain in the ass. Still, if you’re looking for a bargain, it might be worth the added annoyance for you to take a quick look; their prices are often half what the major carriers are charging. (Melbourne to Alice Springs is $169 direct, for example, in comparison to Jetstar/Virgin’s $350 with a layover in Adelaide).

With all that being said, there’s nothing quite like overlanding across Australia, and this country is well set-up for a road-trip. I’ve road-tripped four times throughout the country, from the Great Ocean Road to the entire East Coast.

If you’re on a tight budget, the easiest way to see the country is to buy a campervan when you touch down in Australia — this is how backpackers have been exploring Australia for decades . Then, when you’ve finished your road trip, you simply sell your campervan to a brand new arrival in the country. It works out to be a lot cheaper than renting (as long as you don’t total the car!) as you’ll make most of your money back at the end of the trip. Some people even manage to sell their campervan for more than they paid for it, completely eliminating all transportation costs from their trip!

You can find campervans for sale on Gumtree and Facebook (try the groups Backpacker Campervans for Sale and Campervan Sales Australia ). In general, there’ll always be a cheap and cheerful option for 10,000 AUD (6,500 USD/EUR or £5,300) available. For something with lower mileage and a more comfortable set-up, you’ll be looking at around 25,000 AUD , although obviously the sky’s the limit! If you want a bougie, Instagrammable, #vanlife set-up, you’ll be looking at as much as 70,000 AUD for your camper.

If buying isn’t for you, then renting is still a great option, whether it’s a campervan to road trip around the country, or settling on an economy car to save money. Personally, I’ve always nearly always rented a car while road-tripping Australia, so that I could stay in hotels along the way.

Regardless of which method best suits you, car rental prices can range from $50 a day for an economy car, all the way up to $150 — I always book through RentalCars.com when hiring a car. For campervans, it’s best to go with Jucy or Travellers Autobarn — both companies have a range of vehicles, including brand new ones, that are competitively priced. You’ll expect to pay between $120 and $230 a day , depending on how high-end the vehicle is.

Public buses are a great way to get around the country — in my option, the best way if you’re on a tight budget — and they’re seriously cheap if you’re going to be traversing the entire country. Greyhound is your best bet here, as they cover most of Australia and at very reasonable rates. If you book far enough in advance, you can sometimes grab a ride for just $1 !

Take a look at Greyhound’s Whimit passes, too, if you plan on travelling predominantly by bus. These are easily the cheapest way to travel across Australia. The Whimit passes give you unlimited travel across Australia; you can undertake any bus route of any length at any time over any travel period. Prices are as follows:

$665 for 90 days of travel works out to just $7.39 per day , which is so much cheaper than renting your own car and paying for petrol!

I’ll briefly mention interstate trains here, as there are a few of them in Australia, but they make for a pretty expensive option. It’s usually way cheaper to take the bus or fly between stops than to take the train. For example, the famous Ghan train, which runs between Adelaide and Darwin, takes you across the heart of Australia over three days, living in luxury and gazing out at that iconic Outback scenery. This isn’t a trip for the budget travellers, however: a three-day trip on the Ghan comes in at a whopping $3000 . Per person . Yikes!

I do want to give a specific shout-out to the cost of trains within the state of Victoria, however! They’re incredibly affordable here. In fact, you’ll never pay more than $9.20 for any train ride, even if its a multi-hour journey, taking you from one side of the state to the other! It makes day-tripping cheap and feasible for those of you who don’t want to drive.

Within the cities themselves, you’ll find that public transport is reasonably priced. Unsurprisingly, Sydney and Melbourne have the best public transport accessibility in Australia, followed by Perth and Brisbane. 

Buses, trains, and ferries operate in the vast majority of Australian cities, and you’ve also got trams in Melbourne and light railways in Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, and the Gold Coast. There’s even a metro system in Sydney and Adelaide! We do also have Uber here in Australia, which makes getting around a breeze. I generally pay around $50 for a 30 minute drive.

Needless to say, there’s lots of ways to get around if you won’t have a car. To give some examples of prices:

In Sydney, you’ll pay (depending on time of day and distance travelled) $4-6 for a bus, $2-11 for a train, $7-10 for a ferry, or $4-5 for a light-rail journey.

In Melbourne, public transport fares start at $3.30 , and there’s a $10 cap on daily public transport fares, so you’ll never pay more than that per day, no matter how many trains, trams, or buses you take. There’s also a free tram zone in the heart of the city, where you won’t pay anything at all!

In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, transportation fares range between $3 and $22 , based on distance, although you’re unlikely to pay as much as $22 , as that’s the cost of travelling 170 km to Gympie (something a tourist is unlikely to do!).

The Cost of Food in Australia

When you ask me about the food in Australia, there’s one thing that comes to mind: brunch.

Australian breakfasts are the absolute best in the entire world, with Melbourne offering up the tastiest versions . From Vegemite on toast to avocado on toast (called smashed avo), Australia is all about bringing new breakfast dishes to the world. But the brunches are on a whole different level, with a multitude of elaborate ingredients and flavours. If I was only able to eat out for one mealtime in Australia? It would definitely be for breakfast.

Like absolutely everything in Australia, food is relatively expensive — particularly eating out in restaurants. I can easily spend $20-30 on every single meal, so if you’re hitting up cafes and restaurants for all three meals, you can easily find yourself spending $100 a day just on food. The food is fantastic, though, so if you have the cash, it’s absolutely worth digging into Australia’s food scene.

“Throw a shrimp on the barbie!” This iconic line is what most visitors to Australia think of when it comes to food, but fun fact: I’ve never once seen — let alone eaten! — a shrimp on the barbecue! Still, BBQing is a huge deal in Australia, and it’s a great way to keep your costs down. Once of my favourite things about Australia is that many of the parks are home to free public barbecues! It makes for such a cheap meal: hit up the local supermarket for some meat, then head to the park to cook for yourself. You’ll nab yourself a meal for less than $10 and have a cultural experience while you’re at it!

Kangaroo? Absolutely! You can buy kangaroo meat from supermarkets (I like kangaroo sausages) and order kangaroo from many restaurants. It’s not a particularly exciting meat to eat, as it just tastes like a cross between beef and venison, but hey, if you eat meat and want to try something new, it’s definitely worth a sample. While you’re trying new meats, I recommend hitting up a fish and chip shop while you’re travelling Australia’s coastline: while you’re there, make sure to order flake: it’s shark!

While eating out in Australia can be expensive, it’s not too pricey to buy from supermarkets. If you’re backpacking or looking to save money, then, aim to have your breakfasts and lunches from the supermarkets: you’ll pay $1 for a 500g of pasta and $2 for some pasta sauce, for example, or $1 for a loaf of bread and $1 for some butter. Not very exciting or nutritious, no, but if you’re prioritising seeing as much as possible, you can see how it’s easy to keep costs low.

Australia is a drinking society, offering up booze from the infamous goon (boxed wine that’s $10 for 5 litres) to a high-end wine from the Adelaide wine region (easily $50). A beer in a restaurant can cost around $8, and a cocktail in a fancy bar can easily come in at $18. When it comes to alcoholic options, coffee comes in at $3-4, and even a can of soda works out to be $3!

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Australia

When it comes to travel in Australia, there are so many famous activities and attractions to add to your itinerary. The only downside of this, of course, is that — yet again! — they come at a price.

The greatest attraction in Australia is the magnificent Uluru: that gigantic red rock in the centre of the country. I highly recommend checking it out while you’re in Oz, but it’s important to keep in mind that its location can make for a lengthy and expensive trip. The first expense is getting there: if you have your own wheels, it’s well worth making the drive through the Outback, but if that sounds like an intimidating journey, you’ll be flying into Alice Springs instead. Flights are typically between $300 and $400 for a one-way ticket; $500 to $800 for a return ticket. On top of that, you’ve got the entrance fee ( $38 for three days), the cost of a tour (around $300 for day trip), and any special experiences ( $200 for a 25-minute helicopter ride ; $180 for a base walk, full day in the park, and sunset BBQ ).

Speaking of expensive experiences, I absolutely loved the time I spent out on the Great Barrier Reef. It was incredible! But the main thing to know is that if you want to see healthy, live coral, you need to jump on a liveaboard, which means you need to spend at least one night out on the water. This additional time allows you to travel away from the day-trippers, who spend their days observing dead, bleached coral. It is pricey, but this was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Australia (and I went in with low expectations!). We went with Reef Encounter (the best company in Cairns) and paid $1,600 for two nights on board. It was truly, truly incredible and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I also took a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef with GLS Aviation and paid $300 for two people to take a 40-minute flight. I wrote about this experience in-depth on my site — it was amazing! And so valuable to be able to see the reef from above. It really helped to put its size into perspective for me.

And finally, don’t forget the entrance fee to Australia itself! Fun fact: I’ve managed to forget to apply for a visa for Australia twice over the past decade, and both times, it’s caused me an inordinate amount of stress and panic. Yes, as soon as you book your flights to Australia, you’re going to want to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) in order to enter the country. Don’t forget! I use iVisa for my ETAs for Australia and pay $20 each time.

Don’t You Dare Forget About Travel Insurance!

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Australia. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Australia?

With all of that being said, it’s time to tally up all of my travel expenses in Australia, in order to give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend while travelling in this wonderful country:

The cost of travel in Australia for backpackers

Accommodation: A$30 per day Transportation: A$20 per day Food: A$25 per day Activities: A$10 per day

Total cost of travel: $A85 per day (58 USD per day)

The cost of travel in Australia for couples on a mid-range budget

Accommodation:  A$50 per day Transportation:  A$30 per day Food:  A$40 per day Activities:  A$12 per day Total amount spent per day: A$132 per day

ARE YOU PLANNING A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA? HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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24 comments.

I’m not much of a hiker either but I do get that sudden burst of pride that I can take it all in my stride like there’s no stitch, no shortness of breath & definitely no sweat pouring into my eyes. The feeling of making it to the top is incredible, the feeling of sitting down & filling your mouth with cold water – even better :)

Agreed! I think I may now be a hiking convert — the feeling of pride afterwards was amazing!

Hiking in flip flops?! Are you crazy! Haha! I’m going to hike up Adams peak in Sri Lanka tomorrow night, soon I will have cobra calves like you!

Hahaha! I’d lived in flip flops for the past year so assumed I’d be fine. I probably should have bought some hiking boots….

Good luck with the hike! Cobra calves are sexy :)

good choice seeing the blue mountains. it really is underrated imo.

you heard the story about the first convicts in Australia? not knowing where they were, they thought China was on the other side of the blue mountains…

Thanks! And nope, I hadn’t heard that before — too funny!

I was horrified too when I realised just how big Australia is, but after a while it became second nature to spend a whole day travelling from one place to the next. The Blue Mountains is one of the places in Australia I really wish I had visited, it looks so, so beautiful.

Aren’t the distances crazy. If I drove for the amount of time I did in Australia I’d end up in the ocean!

The Blue Mountains was probably the highlight of my entire time in Australia so hopefully you’ll make it there one day! :)

Wow it looks amazing! Impressive doing it in flipflops as well. Although I would recommend buying something slightly more comfortable to wear for all the New Zealand hiking I’m sure you will be doing. I did the famous Tongariro Crossing in Converse. Something I do not recommend…took me three days for my feet to recover after that…

Yep, I bought a pair of excellent hiking shoes a few days after my time in Blue Mountains and love them!

I can’t imagine doing the Tongariro in Converses would have been particularly easy! :)

Wow stunning photos for such a stunning place! I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never heard of this place at all! However, I’m glad I saw your tweet, because now I can add this to my list of a biz-zillion things I want to do before I die.

It’s ok, Bryan… I didn’t know its name before I arrived :-) Glad you’ve added it to your list, it definitely deserves a place there!

Knew there was a reason the Blue Mountains were on my Aussie bucket list :D I’m not a hiker and already know I’m going to bitch and moan all the way up but looking at your photos, it’s definitely going to be worth it and I can’t wait :D

Yay! I’m so glad you’re going to be heading here — it’s been my favourite place in Australia! :-) And, really, if I made it in flip flops then you *definitely* can handle it!

I literally just got to Sydney this morning and was planning a trip to the Blue Mountains when I realized I hadn’t checked your blog in a while. Thankfully I did! Great tips and photos as always! My travel companions are also super excited since they share your enthusiasm for hour long sunset photo shoots haha

Awesome, I’m so glad it could help! You’ll love it there, it’s SO beautiful!

Those are such gorgeous photos! It really is such a dramatic landscape. I did the same hike as you last year and loved it! I took that tram back up, the steepest one in the world I think it is. So sure I was going to slip out! Really great blog :)

Thanks, Veronica!

I didn’t get a chance to take the tram but it looked pretty daunting… I would have probably spent the entire journey hyperventilating!

Haha, I’m enjoying reading about your progress towards becoming “A Hiker.” Looks like a gorgeous hike for sure!

Though, I hate to tell you this… but I feel like Dave might be onto your nose-breathing secret after reading this post… ;)

Wait until you hear about the stuff I get up to in New Zealand! I go a bit crazy and almost break myself :)

*Cue Mouth Drop* These photos are stunning! This is intense. Everytime I come on here now it’s featuring some sort of awesome bike trip (or a gnarly fall) or an amazing hike. I love it!

Awww, thanks Ryan, glad you like the photos!

Haha, I’ve done a few hikes in flip flops too! Sometimes not the best choice, but I just love them so much it makes it hard to put on real shoes :) Good choice on picking the Blue Mountains! They look stunning!

I know! After about a year in Southeast Asia, I threw out all of my other shoes and lived in flip flops… I love them so much!

Meet Lauren Juliff

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Australia? A FULL Budget Breakdown (2023)

Trying to figure out how much it costs to travel Australia? Well here’s a full Australia budget breakdown – inc accomodaiton, tours, transport and more!

Planning a trip to Australia ? Trying to figure out how much does it cost to travel Australia?

No worries – I’ve got you covered!

I’ve lived, worked and travelled in Australia more than any other country I’ve visited since hitting the road back in 2009 – in fact Byron Bay is my second home in terms of total time living there!

I know planning a trip to Oz can be daunting – it’s a long way away, it’s not the most budget friendly place, there’s a lot of ground to cover and sooooooo much to see an do!

So to help you figure out how much your trip to Australia will costs here’s a rundown of all the major things you’ll encounter – including food, drink, transport, tours, accommodation and more…

LAST UPDATED Jan 2023 – a lot of stuff has changed around and increased for travel from 2023 onwards, so I’m doing my best to keep this as updated as possible!

(Just FYI, all prices below are in $AUD)

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Australia In 2023?

Greyhound bus.

Easily the most popular way to travel around Australia the Greyhound Bus network covers the whole of the East Coast as well as the Red Centre, Northern Territory and parts of the West Coast too.

They’ve recently revamped the Greyhound Australia Bus pass range and there are now 2 main options; the WHIMit and the East Coast Passes .

The WHIMit covers the entire Greyhound Australia network, whilst the East Coast is the Melbourne to Cairns Route.

Both included unlimited travel and are only limited by time frame – up to 90 days for the National WHIMit and 30 days for the East Coast WhimiT

• 7 Day Greyhound East Coast Pass = $249
• 15 Day Greyhound East Coast Pass = $319
• 30 Day Greyhound East Coast Pass = $389
• 15 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $349
• 30 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $439
• 60 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $499
• 90 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $629

Premier Bus

Not as popular as the Greyhound but even more budget friendly, the Premier Bus Passes are a great alternative for those travelling the East Coast and who want to be more budget conscious. Again like Greyhound they’re 3 months, but extendable to 6 if you need longer, however they don’t cover the Sydney to Melbourne section.

• Sydney to Cairns Pass = $330
• Sydney to Cairns Pass (1 Month Pass)  = $230
• Brisbane/Byron Bay to Cairns Pass = $242

Check out all the Premier Passes here

Campervan Hire

My favourite way to travel around Australia! Even though campervan hire in Australia isn’t the cheapest it’s certainly the most fun and flexible way to get around, especially if you’re travelling as a couple or small group of friends. The cost of campervanning Australia varies heaps depending on your route, time frame, campervan model and of course the season – so the further in advance you book it the better.

Expect to pay from $60AUD per day though, with rates much higher in the peak, summer season, around $110+ per day

For an epic Campervan deal in Australia click here

Accommodation

The most budget friendly and popular accommodation option for the East coast is shared hostels dorms – varying from super flash packer 4 bed A/C ensuite rooms (such as Byron Bay YHA) right through to super budget 12 bed dorms that are certainly less comfortable, but easier on the wallet!

They vary from $25-65 per night – however this can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the location, season, length of your stay and also any key events.

The best advice I can give you is go with a $40 night average as a ball park figure but also check out the latest rates if you’re aiming for peak season or stuff like xmas/NYE in Sydney as this will massive effect how much it cost to travel Australia.

Some of my favourite hostels include;

• WakeUp! (Sydney and Byron Bay)
• The Surf House (Byron Bay)
• Aquarius Backpackers (Byron Bay)
• Halse Lodge Noosa
• Nomads Airlie Beach
• Nomads Magnetic Island (Magnetic Island)
• Jackaroo Treehouse (Mission Beach)
• Gilligans (Cairns)

If you’re keen on a bit more privacy and comfort, but not wanting to splash out on full on hotels then I also highly recommend the private rooms at YHA hostels.

As you might expect hotels in Australia are definitely a step up budget wise, but there is a HUGE range of styles catering for most budgets. Honestly though I couldn’t put a price on them as you could spend $100 a night to $1,000s – so best to check out somewhere like Booking.com and smash in your personal preferences and budget!

Another popular option now is AirBnB and you can get some real unique and comfortable options all over the coast. It’s great for couples or families (but there’s no restriction) and the perfect way to go if you want to treat yourself during your trip too!

Click here for $37 off your first booking!

Food & Drink

As with pretty much everywhere in the world eating out in Australia will really impact your budget – but there is a huge variety of restaurants and bars you can grab food at, from low cost feeds to award winning dinning.

If you are going to eat out and don’t want to break the bank many bars, restaurants and hostels offer discount meal deals – including backpacker deals too. So if you want to eat on the cheap but don’t fancy cooking check out some of these options;

• Queen Victoria Market (Melbourne)
• Sidebar/WakeUp (Sydney
• Dominoes $5 Pizza

9/10 times cooking is going to be the best option for your budget in Australia and you can slap together everything from 50 cent noodles $4.50 veggie pasta right through to whatever dishes from home you’re missing. Coles , Woolworths and ALDI are dotted all the way across Australia so get your cooking skills on the go!

If there’s one easy way to make the cost of travelling Australia expensive it’s by partying! So how much will booze add to your daily budget?!

• Beer in a bar = $5-8
• Beer from a bottle shop = $5
• Glass of wine = $10+
• Wine from a bottle shop = from $5
• Cocktails = $15+
• Box of goon (cheap boxed wine) = $10-15

There is so much to see and do along the East Coast of Australia, so it would be almost impossible to list it all – however here are some of my top picks for the best trips and tours to do so you can figure out how much it cost to travel Australia with all your plans!

• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb =from $368
• Spot X Surf Camp = from $279 (2 night package)
• Surf Lesson in Byron Bay = $80
• Dolphin kayaking = $89
• Noosa Everglades Canoe Tour = $150
• Fraser Island Overnight 4×4 Tour = $499
• Fraser Island Day Trip = $180
• Whitsunday Islands Overnight Sailing Adventure = around $499 – $599
• Whitsunday Islands Day Tour = $180
• Magnetic Island Package = $140
• 15,000 foot skydive = around $349
• Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour = $195
• Barrier Reef Intro Dive = $245
• Budget Open Water Dive Course = $799
• Overnight Dive Boat = $575 (2 day/1 night inc 7 dives)
• Melbourne Intro Tour = from $399 (4 day option)

Check out RTW Backpackers for everything you need tour wise in Australia by clicking here

Budget For A Month In Australia

Ok so now for the big reveal! How much does it cost to travel Australia and how much do you need to budget for a month in Australia ?

We based on my calculations and taking into account the main trips, tours and style people travel the East Coast….

A month travelling Australia will be around $4,150

Or $138 per day.

This then includes;

• 30 nights accommodation (shared dorm)
• 30 day Greyhound WHIMit Pass
• Surf lesson
• 3 day/2 night Fraser Island 4×4 Safari
• 2 night Whitsundays Sailing Adventure
• Magnetic Island Package
• Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour
• Around $30 per day for food and drink

Obviously this is just a rough guide – you can easily make it more expensive by staying in hotels, private rooms, partying heaps or adding in loads of extra tours and on the other hand you can also make it cheaper by staying at more budget friendly hostels, cooking budget food and skipping out on bigger trips and tours.

But that $4,150 is a good starting point on what you’ll be looking at spending on a month on the East Coast of Australia.

Have you travelled Australia before?

What was your budget, related posts.

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I am planning to travel to Australia, i will be visiting my friend who moved to live there two years ago and i also want to make it my vacation,i iwll reduce my cost since i will be staying at her house, but now i can estimate other costs. Thanks for sharing

No worries, stoked it’s helped you out and awesome news you’ll be crashing with friends – that will save you heaps!

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How Much Does a Trip to Australia Cost?

Everyone has sticker shock when they land in Australia . They see how much things cost and their jaw drops. Heck, even Australians get sticker shock — and they live there! Time and time again, travelers blow through their budget quickly here because no one ever expects the country to cost as much as it does.

When I first traveled to Australia a few years ago, I grossly underestimated how much I needed. It cost me double what I thought because of a strong Australian dollar and poor planning.

This time around I was better prepared, but I still overspent because I wasn’t prepared for such dramatic inflation.

On my most recent trip to Australia, I spent $3,400 USD in 33 days. That total includes all my day-to-day expenses, flights, transport, tours, and anything I bought. Averaging roughly $100 USD a day, it would have been a lot more had I not been able to stay with friends and get discounted tours. I ate a lot at expensive restaurants, flew a few places, and spent a lot of money using the Internet on my phone. If it wasn’t for my friends and the discounts I got, I would have spent about $150 USD per day — if not more!

Here’s a breakdown of where my money went, typical costs, and how you can save money while you’re here:

Table of Contents

Typical Costs in Australia

How much is a vacation to australia, how to save money in australia.

• Hostels: Hostels cost 25-30 AUD in smaller cities and 25-70 AUD per night in places like Sydney or Melbourne . As always, the smaller the dorm, the higher the cost. Private rooms are 80–150 AUD per night.
• Food : Your average meal in Australia will run you about 20 AUD. A fancy meal at a more upscale restaurant costs closer to 60 AUD. Even McDonald’s is expensive—a value meal is about 13 AUD.
• Alcohol : For a country that loves to drink, they make it very costly to do so. Beers cost around 10 AUD. Happy hours and backpacker bars tend to have cheap drinks, usually for around 50% off. But booze adds up fast here!
• Tours: A typical multi-day tour costs around 400-750 AUD. Most day trips can be found for 60-450 AUD.
• Transportation: You can find cheap transportation in Australia if you look. Greyhound offers several discount passes ranging from 15-365 days. Expect to pay 349 AUD for the 15-day pass, 439 AUD for the 30-day pass, and 499 AUD for the 60-day pass.

If you’re a backpacker, I’d budget between 70-80 AUD per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and hitting the beach.

If you’re going to do a lot of adventure activities, drink a lot, or move around a lot, I’d add at least another 20 AUD per day to your average.

If you Couchsurf or camp, hitchhike, and cut out drinking altogether, you can lower this by 20-30 AUD per day.

If you are staying in private hostel rooms or Airbnbs, drinking a lot, and eating out often, expect to spend closer to 200 AUD per day, with your average spending going up from there. If, in addition to that, you’re taking a lot of group tours and fly between destinations, expect to spend closer 250-400 AUD per day.

Cook – Cooking your meals can save you a lot of money. Hostels, Airbnbs, and even some guesthouses have kitchens where you can cook. Also, look for hotels with free breakfast so you can score a free meal. It may not be glamorous, but you’ll save fortune.

Drink less – Alcohol causes all good budgets to die. If you want to save money, drink less. Or drink goon (boxed wine). Goon is the perennial favorite of travelers. It gives you a killer hangover but also the most bang for your buck.

Stay with a local – Couchsurf with locals to save on accommodation. Every night out of the hostel is more money for activities. This is also a great way to meet locals and get involved with the local culture.

Get a phone plan – If you want data during your trip, get a plan from Optus or Boost. They have some of the best coverage and plans around the country.

Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the opportunity to work for their accommodation . In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed to sleep in. Commitments vary but most hostels ask that you stay for at least a week. Ask at the front desk if this is something you want to try.

Car share – Australia is a big country that can be expensive to get around. If you are traveling with friends, it’s smart to buy a used car or campervan (or rent a new one from one of the many rental companies in the country) and split the costs of gas. You can also hitch a ride with other travelers using sites like Gumtree, Jayride, or a hostel message board.

If you just want to rent a car and share the cost with friends, use Discover Cars to find the best deals.

WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a program that allows you to work on organic farms in exchange for free room and board. Everyone I’ve met who stays in the country long term does it for at least one month. It’s a great way to reduce your expenses and connect with a local family.

Book tours as a package – This country has a lot of exciting activities and tours that eat into any budget. Booking activities together through a hostel or tour agency can get you a discount and save you hundreds of dollars.

Camp – Camping is very affordable here, with basic tent plots costing as little as 7 AUD per night. If you have gear, this can save you a ton.

Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

The best way to save money in Australia is to mix and match how you spend. You need to counter the high costs of one activity with the lost costs of another. That’s why I always say it’s important to research costs beforehand and know what you want to spend money on. Once you do that, you can create a budget that is better tailored to your needs.

The general numbers above are just that – general. Your mileage will vary (and can be better) once you know what you want to do in the country.

However, we all know budgets, no matter how well we plan, get broken.

So, to cover all your costs and have a little extra , I’d budget 100 AUD per day. You never know what might happen. Maybe you’ll have a big night out or maybe you’ll break your camera. It’s always better to leave a country with extra money than overspend.

Australia may not be a cheap country to visit but, with the right planning, it doesn’t have to break the bank either!

Book Your Trip to Australia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Nomads St. Kilda (Melbourne)
• Wake Up! (Sydney)
• Bunk Brisbane (Brisbane)

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Australia!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Australia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Australia for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Trip to Australia Cost in 2024

by Trip.com

August 8, 2023

Australia, mate! A land of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. Planning a trip to Australia can be an adventure in itself, but fret not, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll spill the beans on the trip to Australia cost and share the best tips for saving money without compromising on quality. From finding affordable hotels to savoring delicious local cuisine, we'll help you make the most of your Aussie adventure without breaking the bank.

So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the trip to Australia cost. Flights to the land Down Under can range from around $800 to $2,000 for a round-trip ticket, depending on your departure location and the time of year. Accommodation costs vary as well, with budget hotels and hostels starting at around $30 per night, while luxury hotels can set you back $200 or more. Fortunately, Australia boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, with a one-way subway or train ticket costing around $3 to $5.

Now, let's talk about food, mate! When it comes to satisfying your taste buds, Australia offers a range of options. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy a meal at a local budget restaurant for around $10 to $15 per person, while mid-range restaurants may charge $20 to $40 per person. Keep in mind that these prices can vary depending on the city and location.

For those wondering how much to budget for their daily expenses, we've got you covered, cobber! A budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. On the other hand, a mid-range traveler might allocate $100 to $150 per day for a more comfortable experience. Remember, it's always wise to plan ahead, research activities, and costs to create a budget that suits your travel style and preferences.

• How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to Australia?

Planning a trip to Australia? Wondering how much it would cost for a 2-night, 3-day adventure down under? Well, hold on tight mate, because we're about to break it down for you!

When it comes to the cost of a 2-night, 3-day trip to Australia, there are a few factors that can influence the final price tag. Your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities all play a role in determining the overall cost. But fear not, we've got a rough estimate for you budget-conscious travelers:

Let's start with the flights. The cost of a round-trip ticket to Australia can vary depending on where you're flying from. From major cities around the world, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $2000 in US dollars. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for deals and discounts.

Accommodation:

Now, let's talk about where you'll rest your weary head at night. Budget hotels in Australia can range from $50 to $150 per night in US dollars. So for 2 nights, you're looking at a total cost of $100 to $300 for accommodation.

Transportation:

Getting around in Australia is a breeze, especially if you take advantage of the subway or train system. A one-way ticket on public transportation can cost you anywhere between $2 to $5 in US dollars. So for 3 days of transportation, you're looking at a total cost of $12 to $30.

Food and drinks:

Now let's satisfy those taste buds! If you're dining at budget restaurants, a meal can cost you around $10 to $20 per person in US dollars. But here's a little secret, mate - street food and convenience store meals can cost even less! As for drinks, the price can vary depending on the type and location. Expect to pay around $2 to $5 for a refreshing beverage. So for 3 days of food and drinks, you're looking at an estimated cost of $90 to $180.

Sightseeing and activities:

Australia is filled with incredible sights and activities, and some won't cost you a dime! Popular attractions like the Sydney Opera House or Bondi Beach can be enjoyed for free or with a small entrance fee of around $10 to $20 per person in US dollars. If you're up for some extra splurging, there are other attractions that may cost a bit more, ranging from $30 to $100 per person. So for 3 days of sightseeing and activities, you're looking at an estimated cost of $30 to $200.

So, how much does a 2-night and 3-day trip to Australia cost?

Based on our rough estimates, a budget traveler can expect to spend anywhere between $332 to $710 in US dollars for a 2-night and 3-day trip to Australia. However, keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and actual costs may vary depending on your travel style, activities, and other expenses.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Australian adventure today and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

• How much does it cost for flights when traveling to Australia?

G'day mates! Planning a trip Down Under? Well, let's talk about the cost of flights to Australia. Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it's important to note that the price of flights can vary depending on a bunch of factors. So, let's break it down for you.

First things first, where you're departing from plays a big role in determining the cost. Whether you're jetting off from the bustling streets of New York City or the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, the prices can differ. It's like comparing apples and oranges, you know?

Next up, the time of year you plan to travel. Just like the changing seasons, flight prices can fluctuate. If you're looking to escape the winter blues, expect to pay a bit more during peak travel seasons. On the flip side, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you might just snag a sweet deal.

Now, let's talk airlines. With a plethora of carriers flying to Australia, you've got options galore. From big names like Qantas and Virgin Australia to budget-friendly airlines like Jetstar, the prices can vary. It's like comparing a fancy steak dinner to a good ol' Aussie barbie - both delicious, but one might hit your wallet a bit harder.

Lastly, availability. Just like trying to find a kangaroo in the city, snagging a seat on a flight can sometimes be a challenge. If you're booking last minute or during peak travel times, you might have to fork out a bit more. So, it's always wise to plan ahead and keep an eye out for those flight deals.

Now, let's get down to the numbers. Keep in mind that these are general ranges and can vary depending on the factors we've discussed. For one-way tickets, prices can start around $800 and go up to $2000 or more, depending on your departure location, time of year, and airline.

If you're looking for a round-trip ticket, prices can range from $1500 to $4000 or more, again depending on the factors we've mentioned. Of course, if you're feeling fancy and want to fly first class, be prepared to shell out a bit more.

So, there you have it, folks! The cost of flights to Australia can be as diverse as the Great Barrier Reef. Just remember to consider your departure location, time of year, airline, and availability when planning your trip. Now, go on and start your Aussie adventure!

• How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to Australia?

Planning a trip to Australia? One of the key factors to consider is the cost of accommodation. The price of hotels in this vast and diverse country can vary depending on several factors. From the bustling cities to the serene rural areas, Australia offers a range of options to suit every traveler's budget and preferences.

When it comes to hotel prices, location plays a significant role. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane tend to have higher hotel rates compared to smaller cities or rural areas. This is primarily due to the higher demand and the availability of luxury accommodations in these urban hubs.

In Sydney, for example, the average cost range of a mid-range hotel room per night is around $150 to $250. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per night for a high-end hotel room. Melbourne and Brisbane follow a similar trend, with prices ranging from $130 to $220 for mid-range hotels and $250 to $400 for luxury accommodations.

However, if you're willing to explore beyond the major cities, you'll find that hotel prices in other cities and smaller towns are generally more affordable. In Adelaide, Perth, and Cairns, the average cost range of a mid-range hotel room per night is approximately $100 to $180. For those seeking a touch of luxury, the prices for high-end hotel rooms range from $200 to $350.

It's important to note that these price ranges are estimates and can vary depending on the season and availability. During peak tourist seasons or major events, hotel rates may increase, so it's advisable to book in advance to secure the best deals.

So, whether you're exploring the vibrant city life or immersing yourself in the tranquility of the countryside, Australia offers a wide range of hotel options to suit every budget. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the coastal beauty of Perth, there's something for everyone. Start planning your trip to Australia and experience the wonders this incredible country has to offer!

• How much does it cost for food when traveling to Australia?

Planning a trip to Australia? One of the important aspects to consider is the cost of food and dining. Just like any other country, the cost of food in Australia varies widely depending on several factors. Let's dive into the details and get a better understanding of what to expect when it comes to food expenses during your Australian adventure.

When it comes to dining out in Australia, the price range can be quite diverse. The type of food, the restaurant's location, and the level of formality or luxury all play a role in determining the cost. To give you a general idea, here are some price ranges in US dollars per meal for different food options in Australia:

Street food or fast food: $5 - $15

Casual dining or local restaurants: $15 - $30

Mid-range restaurants: $30 - $50

High-end or luxury restaurants: $50 and above

It's worth noting that these price ranges are approximate and can vary depending on the specific establishment and location within Australia. However, they provide a good starting point to gauge the cost of dining out.

If you're looking for more affordable options, Australia also offers convenience stores and supermarkets where you can purchase groceries and prepare your own meals. This can be a great way to save money while still enjoying delicious food during your trip.

Now, let's talk about tipping. In Australia, tipping is not as common or expected as it is in some other countries. While it's always appreciated to leave a tip for exceptional service, it is not customary or mandatory. The prices you see on the menu or bill generally include service charges, so tipping is entirely at your discretion.

So there you have it - a glimpse into the cost of food when traveling to Australia. Whether you choose to indulge in fine dining experiences or opt for more budget-friendly options, Australia has something to offer for every palate and budget. Enjoy your culinary adventures down under!

• How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to Australia?

Well, mate, let me tell you, the cost of souvenirs down under can be as diverse as the Great Barrier Reef itself. It all depends on what you're after, where you're shopping, and the quality you're seeking. Whether you're looking for a classic kangaroo plushie, a boomerang to show off your throwing skills, a didgeridoo to impress your friends back home, or an opal necklace to add some Aussie flair to your wardrobe, the price range can vary significantly. For instance, a kangaroo plushie can set you back around 10 to 20 bucks, while a decent boomerang might cost you anywhere from 20 to 50 dollars. If you're in the market for a didgeridoo, be prepared to shell out between 100 and 300 dollars. And if you're looking to splurge on a stunning opal necklace, prices can range from 500 to a whopping 5000 dollars. Crikey!

Now, when it comes to shopping for souvenirs in Australia, it's important to know that many tourist areas have fixed prices, meaning there's not much room for haggling. However, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try your luck at bargaining, you might want to head to flea markets or antique shops. These places often offer unique items at more negotiable prices. So, if you're up for a bit of banter and a chance to score a bargain, give it a go!

• How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to Australia?

Planning a trip to Australia? One important aspect to consider is the cost of transportation. Whether you're exploring the bustling city streets or venturing into the breathtaking outback, getting around this vast country can be an adventure in itself. So, let's dive into the world of transportation costs in Australia!

The cost of transportation in Australia varies depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled. Let's break it down for you:

Train: If you're looking for a scenic journey, hopping on a train can be a great option. Prices for train travel in Australia can range from $50 to $200, depending on the distance and class of service. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes rolling by.

Subway: In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the subway system, known as the "metro," offers a convenient way to get around. A single trip on the subway can cost anywhere from $3 to $5, depending on the distance traveled. So, hop on board and zip through the city like a local!

Bus: Buses are a popular mode of transportation for both short and long distances in Australia. The cost of a bus ticket can range from $10 to $50, depending on the distance and the operator. It's a budget-friendly option that allows you to soak in the sights along the way.

Taxi: Need a quick and convenient ride? Taxis are readily available in most Australian cities. The cost of a taxi ride can vary, but as a rough estimate, a 10-minute trip can cost around $15 to $25. So, wave down a cab and let the driver whisk you away to your destination.

Rental Car: For those who prefer the freedom of the open road, renting a car is a popular choice. Rental car prices in Australia can range from $30 to $100 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and the rental company. Hit the road and explore Australia at your own pace.

Australia also offers transportation passes and discount tickets for visitors who plan to do a lot of traveling in a short period. These passes can be a great value for money. For example, the "Opal Card" in Sydney allows unlimited travel on trains, buses, and ferries within certain zones for a fixed price per day. Similarly, Melbourne offers the "Myki Card" for seamless travel on public transportation.

So, when planning your trip to Australia, don't forget to factor in the cost of transportation. With a variety of options available, you can choose the mode of transportation that suits your budget and travel style. Happy exploring!

• How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to Australia?

Planning a trip to Australia? One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of sightseeing. Australia offers a plethora of breathtaking attractions and activities, but it's essential to have an idea of how much you'll be spending. Let's dive into the details!

When it comes to sightseeing in Australia, the cost can vary widely depending on the location, attraction, and activity you choose. From iconic landmarks to natural wonders, there's something for everyone. Let's explore some popular tourist attractions and their cost ranges in US dollars:

• The Sydney Opera House: $25-$40 for a guided tour
• The Great Barrier Reef: $60-$200 for a snorkeling or diving experience
• Uluru (Ayers Rock): $25-$50 for a park entry fee
• The Twelve Apostles: Free admission
• The Blue Mountains: Free entry, optional activities may have additional costs
• The Whitsunday Islands: $200-$400 for a day trip
• The Daintree Rainforest: $30-$50 for a guided tour
• The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island: $25-$40 for general viewing

While these attractions offer incredible experiences, it's worth noting that Australia also provides numerous free or low-cost sightseeing options. You don't have to break the bank to enjoy the beauty of this country. Here are a few examples:

• Exploring the vibrant street art in Melbourne's laneways
• Taking a stroll along Bondi Beach in Sydney
• Hiking in the stunning Royal National Park
• Visiting the fascinating museums and galleries in Canberra
• Discovering the unique wildlife at Kangaroo Island
• Enjoying the scenic coastal drive on the Great Ocean Road

As you can see, there's a wide range of options to suit every budget. Whether you're looking for luxury experiences or seeking affordable adventures, Australia has it all. So, start planning your trip and get ready to create unforgettable memories!

• How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to Australia?

When planning a trip to Australia, it's essential to factor in the cost of staying connected. Wi-Fi and communication options vary, but fear not, mate! I've got you covered with all the details you need to know. Let's start with Wi-Fi rental routers. Depending on the rental company and plan you choose, prices can range from $5 to $15 per day. These nifty devices allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring you're always connected Down Under. Another option is getting a SIM card. Prices for SIM cards in Australia depend on the data plan and provider you opt for. You can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 for a decent amount of data. This option is great if you have an unlocked phone and want to stay connected on the go. Now, let's talk about free Wi-Fi. Some hotels and accommodations offer complimentary Wi-Fi for their guests, so it's worth checking before booking. Additionally, certain smartphone apps like Wi-Fi Finder and Free Wi-Fi Australia provide access to hotspots throughout the country. These apps can be a lifesaver when you're in need of a quick internet fix. It's important to note that the cost of Wi-Fi in Australia can vary depending on the method of access and the data plan you choose. However, with the plethora of options available, you can find a solution that suits your needs and budget. So, stay connected and enjoy your trip to the land Down Under!

• How much does it cost for visa when traveling to Australia?

Planning a trip Down Under? Well, mate, let's talk about the cost of getting your passport and visa sorted for Australia. Now, the price tag for your visa application can vary depending on a few factors. Firstly, your country of citizenship plays a role in determining the fee. For example, if you're from the United States, you can expect to pay around $140 for a visitor visa. On the other hand, if you're an Aussie heading back home, you won't need a visa at all - it's visa-free access for you, cobber!

But wait, there's more! The type of passport application also affects the cost. If you're applying for a tourist visa, you'll be looking at a different fee compared to a student visa or a working holiday visa. So, it's important to check the specific figures for your situation. Keep in mind that these fees can change, so it's always wise to double-check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - additional fees. Yep, some countries may require extra charges for visa applications or other travel documents. Crikey! It's a good idea to be aware of any additional costs that may pop up along the way. Remember, mate, your local embassy or consulate is your best mate when it comes to getting the lowdown on passport and visa requirements and fees. So, give 'em a buzz and make sure you're all set for your Aussie adventure!

• How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to Australia?

The cost range of travel insurance for a trip to Australia can vary depending on several factors. These factors include your age, the length of your trip, the type of coverage you need, and the insurance provider you choose. To give you a general idea of the costs involved, here are some guidelines:

For a single trip, the cost of travel insurance can range from around $50 to $300. This range is influenced by factors such as the duration of your trip and the level of coverage you require. It's important to note that the cost may be higher for older individuals or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you are a frequent traveler and plan to visit Australia multiple times in a year, an annual travel insurance policy might be more suitable for you. The cost of an annual policy can range from $200 to $800, depending on the coverage and duration of your trips.

For those seeking comprehensive coverage, the cost of travel insurance can range from $100 to $500. This type of policy offers extensive protection, including coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost or delayed baggage. The cost will vary based on the level of coverage and the duration of your trip.

It's important to compare travel insurance policies from different providers to find the coverage that best meets your needs and budget. Take the time to read the policy details carefully and understand what is and isn't covered, as well as any deductibles or exclusions. Additionally, some credit cards and travel booking sites offer travel insurance as a benefit or add-on, so be sure to explore those options as well.

Comparing policies and understanding the coverage options available to you will ensure that you have the necessary protection during your trip to Australia. So, take the time to research and find the right travel insurance policy that suits your needs and budget.

• How much does it cost for family, couples or single when traveling to Australia?

The cost of traveling to the country can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the trip, the type of accommodation, the level of luxury, the activities planned, and the number of travelers. Here are some estimated costs for a trip to the country:

Airfare: The cost of airfare to the can vary depending on the departure city and the time of year. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a round-trip ticket from the United States to Australia per person.

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in the country can vary depending on the type of lodging and the location. For budget travelers, a night in a hostel or budget hotel can range from around $30 to $80. If you prefer a bit more comfort, mid-range hotels typically range from $80 to $150 per night, while luxury hotels and ryokans can cost upwards of $200 per night.

Food and drink: The cost of food and drink in Australia can vary depending on the type of cuisine and the level of luxury. For budget travelers, a meal at a local restaurant can range from $10 to $20 per person. If you're looking for a bit more variety and quality, a mid-range meal can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 per person.

Transportation: The cost of transportation in Australia can vary depending on the mode of travel and the distance. A single metro or train ticket can range from $2 to $5, while a long-distance bullet train ticket can cost anywhere from $50 to $150. Taxis and car rentals are also available, but they can add to the transportation costs.

Overall, the cost of traveling to Australia can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on the factors mentioned above. For a family, couple, or single traveler, the expected cost range for a trip to Australia can be anywhere from $1000 to $5000, covering the different travel styles and preferences.

• Methods to save money when traveling to Australia

Planning a trip to Australia can be an exciting adventure, but it's no secret that it can also be quite costly. However, with a little bit of savvy and some insider knowledge, you can make your dream trip Down Under more affordable than you might think. Here are some tried and true methods to help you save money when traveling to Australia.

First and foremost, consider traveling during the off-peak seasons. Australia's peak tourist season is during the summer months of December to February, which means higher prices for flights, accommodations, and attractions. By opting to visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn, you can take advantage of lower prices and still enjoy pleasant weather.

Another great way to save money is by booking your flights and accommodations in advance. Airlines and hotels often offer discounted rates for early bookings, so make sure to keep an eye out for any special deals or promotions. Additionally, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses, which can provide a unique and affordable experience.

When it comes to exploring Australia's stunning landscapes and attractions, there are plenty of cost-effective options. Take advantage of public transportation, such as buses or trains, which are often cheaper than renting a car. Additionally, consider purchasing a multi-attraction pass, which can provide discounted access to popular tourist sites.

Furthermore, don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine. While dining out at fancy restaurants can quickly add up, trying out local street food or visiting local markets can be a budget-friendly way to experience the diverse flavors of Australia. Plus, it's a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and immerse yourself in the culture.

Lastly, be mindful of your spending habits and set a daily budget for yourself. It's easy to get carried away with shopping or splurging on unnecessary items, but by keeping track of your expenses, you can ensure that you stay within your means and make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

So, if you're dreaming of a trip to Australia but worried about the cost, don't fret. By following these money-saving methods, you can make your Australian adventure a reality without emptying your wallet. Start planning today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey Down Under!

• Tips for Traveling to Australia

Planning a trip to the land Down Under? Australia is a vast and diverse country, offering a myriad of experiences for travelers. Whether you're seeking adventure in the Outback, exploring the stunning coastline, or immersing yourself in vibrant city life, Australia has it all. To ensure you make the most of your journey, here are eight essential tips:

1. Research the seasons: Australia's seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Keep in mind that summer runs from December to February, while winter spans from June to August. Plan accordingly to make the most of the weather.

2. Get your visa sorted: Before you embark on your Australian adventure, make sure you have the appropriate visa. The process can take time, so it's best to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

3. Embrace the local lingo: Aussies have a unique way of speaking, filled with colorful idioms and colloquialisms. Don't be afraid to use phrases like "G'day mate" or "no worries" to blend in and connect with the locals.

4. Pack for all weather conditions: Australia's climate can vary greatly depending on the region you visit. From scorching heat to chilly nights, be prepared for all weather conditions by packing layers and versatile clothing.

5. Explore beyond the cities: While Sydney and Melbourne are must-visit destinations, don't forget to venture into the country's stunning natural landscapes. From the Great Barrier Reef to the breathtaking national parks, Australia's beauty lies beyond its urban centers.

6. Stay sun-smart: Australia is known for its harsh sun, so make sure to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.

7. Mind the wildlife: Australia is home to some unique and fascinating wildlife, but it's important to remember that not all creatures are friendly. Be cautious around snakes, spiders, and jellyfish, and always follow local advice when swimming in the ocean.

8. Respect the Indigenous culture: Australia has a rich Indigenous history and culture. Take the time to learn about and respect the traditions and customs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Consider joining a cultural tour or visiting an Indigenous-owned business to support the local communities.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Australia Trip Cost: Pricing for Flights, Food & Accommodation

Plan your Australia trip with our comprehensive guide on flight, food & accommodation costs. Get tips on budgeting for an unforgettable experience.

Australia is famous for tropical beaches, wide-country spaces, Aboriginal culture, and lush rainforests. The country has so many beaches that it will take 27 years to visit, one per day. However, you'd want to know what a visit will cost you before you visit.

A one-week vacation in Australia costs an average of $2579 per person, including $1200 for your return flight. A solo traveler will spend an average of $197 per day on expenses. This average cost includes food, accommodation, local transportation, and other activities throughout your stay in Australia.  

Australia is large and expensive, but it offers visitors much value. The rest of the article will provide a detailed breakdown of travel costs. Read on also to find tips on how to save money vacationing in Australia.

How Much Money Should You Take For A 7-Day Trip to Australia?

Accommodation, food and drinks, and tours are the big spenders after flight tickets. A reasonable amount of money you need to take on a 7-day trip to Australia is around $2,579-$3,000 . 

This average amount should cover your round trip and afford you mid-range accommodation. Mixing up your eating styles by eating out a few nights and cooking some meals yourself is also more affordable. 

Tours are expensive in Australia, and the least amount you can spend is $92.81 for the barrier reef snorkel tour. Budget spenders can always opt for other sightseeing activities such as a $15 surfing museum, a $65 surf lesson, and a $23 Sydney tower visit.

Intercity travel alone can be as expensive as $150. However, you can save by focusing on one city at a time. You can take advantage of some free activities like visiting the beach, the Sydney opera house, and botanical gardens.

Traveling To Australia On A Budget

You can take a 7-day trip to Australia on a budget of $1050, but this comes with several lifestyle changes. If you can soldier through the inconveniences of taking standby flights, you can get a round trip to Australia for around $621.

Take advantage of Australia's dense network of campgrounds for lodging. There are free campsites all over Australia, and most of them are budget friendly . These camps have basic facilities and are mostly located in areas with relatively low costs of living.  

Pick campsites in central locations so you can easily walk to the beaches. If traveling with friends, you can rent a campervan for between $100-$200 per day to visit more scenic locations. 

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Australia

Basic Expenses On A Vacation To Australia

Before packing your bags for an Australia trip, creating a detailed budget for everything you'll need to spend on your trip is crucial. To enable you to create an accurate budget, here's an item-by-item breakdown of everything constituting the total cost of your Australia trip.  

1. Flight Tickets

Flight tickets are one of the most significant expenses on your journey, taking away a substantial chunk of your budget. The price of flight tickets may vary depending on several factors, such as the peak season, the day of the flight, and booking in advance.

The average cost of a round trip to Australia is $1200. However, this cost increases to $2100-$2900 from late December to January and decreases to $1100-$1200 from late August to early September . Collected data shows that Tuesdays are the cheapest days to fly to your destination and back.

Many travelers found that booking their flights at least 60 days before departure is cheaper than booking within 72 hours. Australian flight tickets are expensive because of the limited number of airlines and the lack of competition.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation is right on the heels of your flight tickets, also contributing significantly to your travel costs. Australia has a range of accommodation styles, such as hostels, hotels, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals.

Hostels are mainly found on the East Coast and include several options for different budgets. There are 12- bed shared dorms that cost between $25-$50 or ensuite rooms and private rooms for a slightly higher budget .

Hotels also offer different styles for different budgets. From the real-life experiences of many travelers, the average cost of a 1-star hotel is $50. 2-star- 5-star hotels cost $70, $80, $120, and $240, respectively.

Airbnb and vacation rentals offer a unique and comfortable option. They cost hundreds of dollars, from $100 to $1000 above. Although this is the most expensive option, they typically offer top-notch facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

The prices of accommodation fluctuate with the city, length of stay, and season of visits, such as Christmas or New year. You can always cut the overall cost of accommodation by not ordering your meals from your hotel. 

Related Read: Does it Snow in Australia?

As usual, food in Australia serves every budget, but the cost of a single meal will depend on your eating style. For example, eating out in some restaurants can be more expensive than cooking, and fine dining is usually more expensive than fast/street food.

Breakfast is cheaper than lunch and dinner, and some restaurants offer meal deals and discounts. The average breakfast cost is $20, while the main meal has a mid-range of $25-35 or an upper range of $35-$45. On the other hand, a MacDonald's meal costs just about $5-$7 .

Alcohol is costly in Australia because the government heavily taxes alcoholic drinks. The average beer cost in a bar is $5-$8, a glass of wine is $10 above, and cocktails cost $15. However, you can buy a box of Goon at $10-$15 if you don't mind cheap boxed wine.

4. Transportation

Australia is a country and a continent that is considered the most significant island and sixth largest country on earth. Its large cities and structures mean that it has several tourist attractions and beautiful sightseeing locations.

Taxis are more expensive than public transportation, and car rentals are also available . Here are all the options available to you and what you can expect to pay for each. 

• Taxi: Transportation is cheaper in smaller cities like Melbourne and expensive in bigger cities like Sydney. The average cost of a 20-minute taxi ride is $21.20 in Melbourne and $27.70 in Sydney. The waiting time is $34.00 in Melbourne and $56.68 in Sydney.
• Public Transportation: Although public transportation is cheaper than taxis and car rentals, the fares are still pretty expensive. Australia is the second country in the world with the highest public transit at $104.52 per month. A single bus fare in Sydney is around $1.39-$2.99.
• Trains: The Ghan and Indian Pacific provide train services between Australian cities. The Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin, while the Indian Pacific travels between Sydney and Perth. The average single train fare is between $2.32-$5.76.
• Ferries: Several ferries connect locations along Sydney harbor, Swan River in Perth, and Brisbane River. The single average fare of a ferry is between $3.98-$4.97
• Greyhound Buses: The most popular transportation network covering the East Coast, Red center, Northern Territory, and parts of the West Coast. This bus network offers unlimited travel for up to 30-90 days within a limited time frame. The average bus fare for a 7-day vacation is around $199.
• Car Rentals Services: Renting a car will enable you to explore the many attractions and avoid the limitations of other means of transportation. The average cost of car rentals is $35 per day and depends on the location, the type of car, and your booking four weeks in advance. Since the requirements are not uniform in all areas, remember to make inquiries. For individuals looking for a convenient way to travel around Australia, considering a  private jet charter with The Air Charter Group  might be a good choice. This service provides comfort and luxury, while also helping to save time that you might spend dealing with the schedules and crowds associated with commercial flights. Particularly useful for those wishing to explore multiple locations across Australia's extensive territory, opting for a private charter could enhance your travel experience, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful destinations in Australia and less time traveling.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance when going overseas is as essential as breathing. In the event of an accident or getting robbed, you will prevent yourself from significant financial loss with travel insurance. There's no fixed price; therefore, compare quotes from different agencies to get the best price.

Also, if you're planning to take long road trips, you may want to consider getting comprehensive car insurance from a company like ROLLiN' to give you peace of mind when on the road.

Related Read: 25 Fun Things to Do on a Long Flight

Australia has an extensive network of tourist attractions that are impossible to avoid. Some favorite big-name travel spots include the Sydney harbor bridge, the Great Barrier reef, dolphin kayaking, etc.

Taking tours around the big-name travel spots can get pretty expensive, costing several hundred dollars per tour . The following list will give an idea of how costly these tours can be.

• A tour of the Sydney harbor bridge costs $243.95
• A snorkeling tour at the great barrier reef costs $92.81
• Fraser Island 4×4 tour costs $310.91 
• The Budget open dive boat costs $460.73

Tips To Save Money On Your Australia Trip

Australia is a tourist haven with its beaches, deserts, and rainforests. It is a vast land so large it has three times more sheep than people, which makes it expensive.

However, visiting Australia doesn't have to be as costly as you think, especially when you know what costs to avoid and what costs not to. Here's a brief review of some money-saving tips to help you save money on your next trip to Australia.

1. Travel Off-Peak Season

You will save a lot of money when you plan your trip away from Australia's peak season. Australia is not a summer destination because there's competition for flights and accommodation, which makes the rates go high. 

Fall (March to May) and winter (June to August) are the best time to visit Australia. During this period, flights are cheaper, and hotels offer the lowest price on accommodation, especially in June . Even with the snow in some areas, you will still enjoy Australia's vast deserts, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Indonesia

2. Take Self-Guided Tours

There are free attractions like the botanical gardens, the Sydney opera house, and the beaches. Australia is also easy to navigate, with car rentals to the Northern Territory Outbacks for as low as $25. While there, visit Katherine to see interesting sights like the Jatbula trail, limestone cutta cutta caves, and hot springs.

The Gippsland lakes are over 600 square kilometers of lakes, lagoons, and marshes with exotic bird species, koalas, and dolphins. Swimming and fishing at Agnes Falls, Toorongo, and Amphitheater Falls are great tourist activities. Hutt lagoon is a stunning lagoon that changes colors from soft pink to lilac and sometimes red.

You can also rent a car for $52 a month to visit Fraser Island, the largest sand island. Or you can drive down from Cairns to the lush Daintree rainforests for $35 a month. There are several more tourist attractions, and all you need to do is look out for deals on car rentals .

3. Try Walking

Australia has many well-maintained footpaths along coastal cliffs, urban laneways, and parklands you explore. Some of the world's longest tracks and trails are in Australia .

Tasmania is a world heritage-listed wilderness; you can explore the overlands there. Or you can explore the Northern Territory through the Larapinta trail across the West MacDonnell ranges.

4. Cook Your Meals

Food prices in Australia take out the bulk of your money. Cooking your meals will save you a great deal of cash, especially when you stay in hostels. 

Go shopping at supermarkets to get the best deals out of your shopping. The best time to shop is at the end of the day when supermarkets offer up to 50% discounts, especially on fresh products . Local markets also offer good product deals towards the end of the day.

Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart organize "giving away food" events cooked from unsold products at supermarkets. You can attend these events to get a free meal.

5. Book Your Flight in Advance

No matter your destination, booking your flight 1-3 months from your journey is a great way to save money. When making travel arrangements, remember that traveling midweek to Saturday is usually cheaper than Sunday to Mondays. 

Always remember to change your browser to incognito when booking your flight. Websites use cookies that can tell you just checked flight prices, increasing costs . Finally, book accommodation, tours, and other services in advance to ensure you get cheaper deals.

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Australian Budget Guide

Manage your budget and get the most out of your trip to Australia with a bit of clever planning. Read on to learn how to calculate the cost of a trip Down Under.

Understanding how much money you need to holiday in Australia depends on a number of factors. While you can certainly live life to the luxe here, you can also enjoy a budget-friendly holiday. From finding bargain flights to making the most of free attractions, here’s everything you need to know about how much it costs to eat, sleep and stay here. And how to save a bit of money along the way!

When to book your flight

Aerial View of Sydney Harbour, New South Wales © Destination NSW

So, you’ve decided to visit Australia? Great choice! Your next decision will be picking the right time of year to book your flights. Keep in mind, Australia is on the opposite side of the world to the Northern Hemisphere, so our travel periods are the opposite as well.

Flights are going to be most expensive if you’re visiting in summer (December to February) – when the sun is shining and the summer school holidays are in full swing. If you’re travelling at this time, it’s best to book flights 10 to 12 months ahead – before planes fill up and prices climb.

If you’re planning to visit Australia outside peak periods, you’ll still want to book seven to 10 months in advance. You’ll still find plenty of sunny days in shoulder seasons and off-peak periods, and the flights can be a few hundred (Australian) dollars cheaper.

Generally, the best flight deals are offered well in advance, so the earlier the better. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but if you’re risk-averse, then it pays to have plans in place so you’re not disappointed.

How to save money on your flights:

• Use a flight comparison site to find the best price – many have a ‘price alert’ function that will notify you when the price of flights drops.
• Visit a few different airfare search engines and input your itinerary to see which site finds the cheapest flight options.
• Speak to a travel agent who is an Aussie Specialist . They’re experts on travelling Australia and have the knowledge to help you plan and book the best options for you.
• If you’ve decided to book everything yourself, book directly through airlines. Comparison sites and search engines are great research tools, but often you get even better deals when you book through your airline of choice. Many also offer price-matching promises.

Booking accommodation

Pink Hotel, Coolangatta, Gold Coast, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast

Just like flights, booking your accommodation will partly depend on the time of year you’re visiting. There are a lot of different hotels and accommodation on offer in Australia, from free campsites to AUD$1,000+ per night luxury resorts, so availability will depend on where you’d like to stay.

If you’ve got your heart set on checking into a boutique hotel , you can expect to pay around AUD$250 per night. It’s best to book your stay well in advance – around six months for peak travel periods.

If you’re not fussed where you sleep, you can use last-minute hotel booking sites to lock in great deals just a day or two before you arrive – between around AUD$100 to AUD$200 per night. Accommodation providers don’t want empty rooms, and many offer unbeatable deals to fill them. Some sites let you set alerts, sending notifications when prices drop.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are affordable hostels all over Australia, starting from as low as AUD$20 for a dormitory bed and up to around AUD$85 per person for a private room. Most hostels have an incredible price to quality ratio – not to mention it’s a great way to make some new friends!

How to save money on your accommodation

• Avoid peak travel periods, such as summer and school holidays .
• If you have a favourite hotel chain, sign up for its newsletters to be alerted about deals and offers.
• Look for accommodation where kids stay and/or eat free. It's often a perk offered at big resorts and hotels.
• Consider sacrificing location for price. You can find great hotels with lower nightly rates just a bit further from the city centre or a few blocks back from the beach.

Explore   accommodation in Australia

Activities in Australia

Jellurgal Aboriginal Walkabout tour, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Booking organised tours and travelling with guides is the perfect way to get a complete and immersive experience Down Under – you’ll be able to learn from locals, get up close to the wonders of nature and won’t need to worry about managing your own schedule. Popular day tours, like whale watching and guided walks, cost around AUD$100 to AUD$200. If you’re booking high-demand activities – such as the Field of Light or swimming with whale sharks – secure your spot at least a month in advance to avoid disappointment. However, most activities, such as surf lessons (about AUD$120) and some sporting events (from around AUD$65), can be booked closer to the day.

If you’re a frugal traveller, you needn’t miss out on anything. From internationally acclaimed museums and galleries to world-class hiking , there are free activities aplenty in Australia. With just a little bit of research, you can self-guide to exquisite beaches and secluded lookouts by taking public transport (less than AUD$10 for the day) or renting a vehicle (from around AUD$50 per day). There are even free historical walking tours in major cities (although a donation of at least a few dollars is expected).

How to save money on your activities

• Walk! With leafy streets, water views and colourful neighbourhoods to enjoy, walking is the best way to take the pulse of Australia.
• Make the most of Mother Nature. Many of Australia’s greatest wilderness areas are free to visit (though a vehicle entry fee is charged in selected national parks in most states). From trekking through the rainforest to cooling off in waterfalls, getting outdoors is the ultimate way to see the country – for next to nothing.
• Visit museums and galleries without spending a cent. Many galleries offer free entry on certain days or times. Most also have year-round free entry to permanent collections.
• Check out multi-attraction tickets and family deals . Search online or check with reception staff at your accommodation for bundle packages that offer lower rates on group and family activities .

Discover more things to do in Australia 

More money saving tips

Rusty's Markets, Cairns, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

• Take public transport. Australian public transport is used by practically all Aussies. It’s clean, convenient and safe to use, only costing around AUD$2 per trip compared to AUD$20–AUD$30 for a taxi or rideshare for a comparable journey. Daily caps on public transport fares apply in most major cities: you won’t spend more than around AUD$17 on a weekday in Sydney or around AUD$9 on a weekday in Melbourne . Weekend fare caps are lower still. Better yet, some public transport (such as the Melbourne city circle tram) is completely free.
• Save when eating out. Restaurant meals can cost from around AUD$20, but you can get discounts of up to 50% with sites and apps that offer deals at restaurants across the city. You can also keep an eye out for daily specials, happy hours and weeknight deals.
• Make your own meals. If you have access to a kitchen at your accommodation, try your hand at preparing some classic Aussie foods . You can shop at local markets for fresh, seasonal produce, including Australian native ingredients .
• Refuel at the cheapest petrol stations. If you’re driving around Australia, keep in mind that not all petrol stations offer the same price. The cost of filling a tank can vary from one outlet to another nearby outlet by more than AUD$10.
• Access the internet using free WiFi. You’ll find it in most restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast-food outlets, libraries and even shopping centres. There are also free public WiFi hotspots in major tourist precincts.

Disclaimer: Costs outlined in this article are a guide only. Please check with the provider for actual prices.

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Trip Planning // Getaways

How Much Is a Trip To Australia?

Budget prep for a trip to the land down under.

The exact cost of an Australian vacation depends on the type of trip – are you a single 20-something spending a month in hostels, or a family of four seeking the country's best for a week? Either way, one thing's for sure: Australia will stretch the budget.

General budgeting

Australia boasts high prices and a relatively strong dollar, where $1 AUD (Australian dollar) is worth around $0.79 USD (about 15 years ago, it was worth only $0.47 USD). There's not much advantage in exchanging money, and this – tacked onto the high cost of food and drink there – can make for an expensive trip.

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Hostel-bound, low-budget travelers should prepare to drop between $100 and $150 USD (U.S. dollars) per day in the land Down Under, while families or couples hoping to stay in hotels should budget about $200 USD per person per day. For an entire month in Australia including flights, a single budget traveler is looking at around $3,400, while a vacationing couple can expect to spend more than $13,000.

Flying to Australia

Getting to and from Australia will almost definitely cost upward of $1,000 per person, though the exact price varies depending on destination. Round-trip flights from New York City to Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth hover around $1,300, while trips to and from Hobart, Launceston or the Sunshine Coast Region cost closer to $1,700.

Peak season for airfare on any airline runs from December through January, right smack-dab in the middle of Australia's summer. This will be the most expensive time to buy flights. The months of April, July and mid-September through October serve as the "shoulder season" for travelers, offering mid-prices for flight tickets. The remaining months tend to have cooler weather and lower travel demand, and therefore boast the lowest flight prices.

Accommodations

Like flights, hostel prices also vary depending on the region. In Northern Queensland, they average about $20 AUD per night; on the West Coast, they'll cost around $24 AUD per night; and on the East Coast, they can run as high as $35 AUD per night.

Hotels are obviously more expensive. A couple planning to stay in hotels will face an average nightly price of $268 AUD.

Transportation in Australia

The budget backpacker might consider taking a bus around the country, which is usually cheaper than flying within Australia – and fun, as well. Bus packages combine hop-on, hop-off bus travel on Greyhound buses, tours, accommodations and meals.

The cheapest Sydney to Cairns package through Oz Experience, for example, requires a minimum of 11 travel days and includes a free Great Barrier Reef tour and two nights of accommodation, all for $689 AUD. The most expensive package is for a minimum of 21 days and includes 19 nights' accommodation and 11 meals for $2,299 AUD.

Vacationing couples or families would probably rather rent a car than hang out on a bus for weeks on end, and it's possible to find rentals for as low as $30 AUD per day – but it requires research.

Food and drink

The average daily cost per person for food and drinks can inch toward $60 AUD, but travelers hoping to splurge on a nice meal now and then can expect to spend more. A good meal at a nice restaurant will average around $40 AUD, but even a value meal at McDonald's will cost about $8 AUD.

Drinkers should prepare to shell out $8 AUD for a pint, unless they hit a happy hour or a backpacker's hostel, where they might snag one for $4 or $5 AUD.

Daily activities

Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, hike in Sydney's Blue Mountains, four-wheel on Fraser Island and sail in the Whitsundays – that's what a visit to Australia's all about. And the most cost-effective way to make these adventures a reality is to bundle them together.

For example: Oz Experience offers a tour of Fraser Island that includes two nights of camping, two nights of dorm accommodation, all meals, camping equipment, a four-wheeler rental, ferry transfers and park permits and fees for $549.

On average, though, vacationers an expect to spend about $50 a day on club covers, shows and other forms of entertainment.

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About the Author

Brenna Swanston

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Find cheap flights to Australia from $328

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to australia departing on 9/3. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to australia.

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Best Australia Flight Deals

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Good to know

Faqs - booking australia flights, what other cities are accessible to visitors that arrive at syd airport from the us.

You may quickly fly to Australia from the US using direct flights and then visit a number of other cities close to SYD Airport. It is easy to travel from Sydney Airport to nearby cities, like Botany, Mascot, and Brighton-Le-Sands, using car rentals, taxis, or bus services.

To stay near sporting events in Australia, which airport should I fly into?

When visiting Australia, American sports fans should think about flying into Melbourne Airport (MEL). Numerous athletic facilities, including Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium and Marvel Stadium, are closer to this airport. Visitors from MEL Airport have the opportunity to support their favorite local teams in this stadium, especially on weekends.

Does the USO-AU0 airline route offer any special amenities for pet owners?

Yes. Passengers taking the USO-AU0 airline route ought not to be worried about the safety of their dogs while traveling to Australia. Most US airports, including LAX and SLC Airports, which serve international flights to Australia, have a pet-friendly policy that enables travelers to bring their four-legged friends with them. All pets must be on a leash at all times in the majority of US airports that provide flights to Australia.

How can I get to LAX Airport if they want to take the earliest flight to Australia?

The best method for catching an earlier flight on the LAX-AU0 flight route is to stay at a nearby hotel. LAX Airport is located near several hotels, which enables travelers to arrive at this airport within the shortest time possible. Some of these hotels offer a free airport shuttle.

Should I get a visa for Australia?

Yes, all US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Australia. The process is done electronically and allows for multiple entries for a maximum of three months per trip and up to a year from the date of issue. Since Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth, citizens of member nations may not require visas but you should check to be sure.

What’s the best airport to visit Tasmania?

Tasmania lies off the southern tip of Australia and is easily reachable from Sydney Airport and Canberra Airport (CBR), but Melbourne Airport (MEL) is much closer. You can also get a flight from any of these into Hobart International Airport (HBA) on Tasmania which should reduce your travel time.

Can I buy Australian dollars at the airports in Australia?

Yes, you can. There is a full-service branch of ANZ Bank at the International Terminal of Sydney Airport while Qudos Bank operates similar services at Melbourne Airport. In addition, agencies like Travelex and Global Exchange are on hand to make simple currency transactions at Brisbane Airport if that is your flight’s destination.

If I want to visit Bondi Beach, which airport is best?

The surfers’ heaven and famous enclave that is Bondi Beach is a section along the coast of New South Wales, a short 30 min drive from Sydney, making Sydney Airport the best choice. You can fly there from either Los Angeles (LAX) via Virgin Australia or Long Beach Airport (LGB) via Hawaiian Airlines. Jetstar also operates flights from Honolulu to Sydney.

How long is the flight to Australia?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Australia takes 21h 41m, covering a distance of 8824 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Sydney with an average flight time of 14h 55m.

What is the cheapest flight to Australia?

The cheapest ticket to Australia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $104 one-way, and $254 round-trip. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Sydney and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $724.

Which airlines fly to Australia?

American Airlines, Qantas Airways & Alaska Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to Australia.

What are the most popular destinations in Australia?

The next most popular destinations are Melbourne (27%) and Brisbane (10%). Searches for flights to Perth (3%), to Coolangatta (2%) and to Adelaide (2%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Australia

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Australia flight deals.
• When flying to Australia, disabled passengers should consider using the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) flight route. Travelers with disabilities, mobility issues, and special needs can receive airport special assistance based on their requests, like baggage assistance, medical and safety assistance, and specially equipped wheelchairs at LAX Airport.
• Airport lounges are typically thought of as one of the best places to unwind for passengers as they wait for their flights. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the airport of choice for most economic travelers who wish to relax at an affordable lounge before boarding their flights from the US to Australia. Before takeoff, budget travelers can simply and affordably unwind in the Delta Sky Club.
• Parents who want to take their children on vacation to Australia from the US can think about taking a flight on Virgin Australia from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD). This airline offers nonstop service between the airports of LAX and SYD. By using direct flights, you can travel from the US to Australia in the shortest amount of time feasible, lowering the risk that your children will become exhausted before they arrive in Australia.
• If your flight from the US is scheduled to land in Australia at night, think about the possibility of lodging in a closer hotel to SYD Airport. The Aerotel Hotel, located inside the international Terminal 1, is one of the best and nearest places to stay when visitors arrive in Sydney late at night.
• Los Angeles Airport or Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) are two major airport options for those travelers who want to go from the USA to Australia as quickly as possible. These are the main US airports that serve as the bases for airlines that operate direct flights to SYD Airport in Australia.
• The vast southern continent of Australia is served by a series of international airports that link its major regions with the outside world. Perth Airport (PER) and Port Hedland International Airport (PHE) are gateways to the plains of Western Australia, while Darwin International Airport (DRW) unlocks the region of the Northern Territory.
• The more populous southern half of the continent is dominated by the cities of Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne in the east, all of which provide numerous flights from the US to Australia. Virgin Australia offers nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL), while Jetstar provides flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Sydney and Brisbane.
• The eastern territory of Queensland provides the longest uninterrupted stretch of coastland in Australia, anchored by Brisbane Airport (BNE) and its city at the most southern point. Brisbane Airport is a good starting point to explore northern points along the Australian coast of the Coral Sea, or you can stay closer to home after your flight from the US to Australia and discover the legendary Gold Coast.
• There are no major airports that service the interior of the Australian continent, so if you wish to visit, you’ll have to fly from Brisbane Airport into a regional airport like Mt. Isa Airport or Charleville Airport. Both provide access to the Western reaches of Queensland, into the heart of the province of the Northern Territory and the state of South Australia.
• To explore the northern reaches of Australia, it will be necessary to get a flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne into Darwin International Airport (DRW), which is the gateway to the area. From there, you can set your sights on Derby and Wyndham in Western Australia as well as the coastal areas of the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Top 5 airlines flying to Australia

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

The recline on the seat in front of me came back so that I was staring at the top of the man’s head in front of me the whole trip. He refused to bring his seat back up twice every time he was instructed to do so and only relented when he had a tray of good in front of him. And then right back in my lap!!! Horrible man!! I complained to the staff multiple times, but no one would address the issue. Otherwise, it would have been a perfect flight.

There was a snafu with confirming seats at check which left us in limbo for the second leg of our trip. I believe the ANZ app is not well integrated with the systems at the terminal resulting in this disconcerting error.

The pilot tried to make up for lost time due to delays that were out of her control. She communicated the issues openly and clearly and made every effort to do what she could to alleviate issues.

2 of the 6 economy toilets were out of order. Drinks were not offered often enough - you have to order on-screen, which is often unavailable. Snacks and Milo ran out very early. Crew was fine but I think there was a sticking issue

Flight attendants are always pleasant and helpful. Pilot kept us updated.

The only thing that was less than excellent was the food server at dinner. (I had the chicken.) It wasn't that it was poorly heated or in difficult-to-open containers; it was just that it had a very peculiar taste. And I use that to describe not just the main course but the dessert as well. Very odd flavours for what seemed to be a mainstream item. I did like that the airline offered us a free glass of wine. The breakfast omelette wasn't bad, although it was quite bland.

Really liked the plane and business class seat. Food was ok but could be better. Service was very good.

Better connections, much better cabin crew, much cleaner cabin that Qantas, American and probably other carriers.

Better connections, much better cabin crews, much cleaner aircraft than Qantas, American and probably others.

Fiji left without me because American Airlines was too stupid to get to LAX on time. Fiji should have offered a standby on another flight but they told me tough luck. I will never fly with this company again.

The A350 aircraft business class experience was very good. Comfortable and well appointed pod, and supplemental bed pad available for sleeping. Food was very good.

Business class seats and amenities were excellent, crew very attentive. Slept well. Food good, lounge experience nice. Would fly them again. A350 aircraft excellent, very quiet.

The flight attendants were extremely friendly and helpful. Everything ran on time. I highly recommend Fiji Airways.

The experience was lovely in every respect. The crews were delightful.

Very clean aircraft. Friendly staff. New plane. Food quality was good. Not my flavor but I saw the effort.

Fiji Business Class was value for money. Would do again for a long haul flight.

Amazing! Was put on the earlier flight and I requested for an aisle seat and was given it. Thanks Qantas!

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

Business lounge in Melbourne mediocre. Look at Emirates or Qatar, Qantas! Great friendly crew. Food was good but Emirates is a level above. Business seat good. But can’t compare to Qatar. Main reason for booking Qantas is loyalty and terrific connection via Perth to LHR.

It's only a short trip from Sydney to Melbourne, which i have done many times. The trip met my expectations

The crew were amazing - A great job. They made me feel special and valued.

I really appreciated the fact that when I checked my bags at the Quantas counter after arriving from an international flight an hour early, the agent noticed I had a very long layover. He then found an earlier flight that allowed me to get to Cairns several hours earlier than I planned. That was amazing because I had already traveled over 20 hours and wasn’t looking forward to such a long layover. It allowed me to see my daughter and grandchildren much earlier (it had been two years since I visited last).

Qantas cancelled my flight for no good reason and rebooked me into a middle seat.

Boarding was terrible - the ground staff member Fredeya at lax was more military than customer service, have never encountered a customer service representative as rude as her. Apart from that all other staff were wonderful and the flight was good.

The flight met my expectations. It left and landed on time

My bag didn’t make it but otherwise it was a great experience.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

the flight from Tampa departed with a delay. The food on board was poor, usually on international airlines alcoholic beverages are offered free of charge , but here it was for a fee, the cutlery was wooden, there were no hot drinks (tea, coffee). Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the portions of food, but it wouldn't have been enough for a child either.And in the future, I will try not to use the services of this airline

they made me check my carryon. There was space in the overhead bins.

Nice flight, nice crew but no cookie or napkin with my seltzer.

Trip was smooth bumpy from the wind but no issues at all the crew attendant was very pleasant and had great customer service

This was a Lufthansa flight. Disappointing main meal. Very rough over Canada and arrival at FRA. IFE was almost unusable.

It got me where I needed it to; not much more. It had no competition so that was why I chose it.

I liked everything about the flight. The service was excellent!

The customer service was excellent! Check-in, baggage check-in, boarding, the flight went very smooth.

It was great to check carryon luggage at no charge when there was no room for ours. A hidden benefit of having low-tier tickets. Also great to stay off plane as long as possible. Airline gave us seats we wanted on this last leg, again at no charge.

Fresh fuit or veg snacks would be so great, but there are two good restaurants in Denver airport. Try Etais UDIS or Freshens DIA for nutritious delicious pita sandwiches/ donairs and crepes in Freshens.

The late departure Of two hours waitresses, immature, and gossiping

Crowded plane but it flew on time and had friendly staff

We had a good flight, service was good and lots of leg room. Service was good and the staff were friendly.

The Air Canada agent was very helpful helping with my luggage and cat carrier when I went there instead of United.

Overall I will say it was a very good experience. It was as comfortable as can be expected for such a long flight - 12 hours from Toronto to Tokyo. Everyone was very pleasant and polite. Even the passengers were cooperative and trying to be nice to each other. Of course the space is limited on such a long flight. The bathrooms were actually very clean. The food was very good. I liked how there was a variety of food options. The in flight entertainment system was also very impressive! There were some children on the flight but they were well behaved and hardly ever crying. Great Job Canada Air! I will definitely fly with Air Canada again!

It was upsetting that the flights were canceled but that was due to weather. I did not receive any vouchers for food or a hotel stay when I was forced to spend the night in Montreal. I was also upset when my seat was changed many times.. The plane seemed old with a non-functioning screen and loose side pockets.. All in all in need of updating. On the positive side, the staff in areas was friendly and helpful.

Lost my bag. My first ever flight with them that they forced me to gate check my bag on, due to them having a 30 year old plane with small carry on bins, and they lost my bag. Never again.

United force you to download their App to do the check-in.

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How much does a trip to Australia cost?

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• Australia travel budget

If you’re planning on travelling to Australia, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking Australia is best for travellers with some spending money.

Accommodation costs are generally on the high side and food and drinks are relatively expensive. Many of Australia’s best attractions are very affordable or even free and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.

How much should I budget for a trip to Australia?

A reasonable budget for two for a week in Australia is around A$2,589 .

The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and having a few meals out per week, while preparing some yourself . It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.

Generally speaking, the longer you travel, the cheaper it costs per day, while fly-in, fly-out trips can be more expensive.

How much does accommodation cost?

You can expect to spend between A$160-A$250 a night, per couple, on accommodation in Australia. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.

Hostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around A$90 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around A$30 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.

How much should I budget for food and drinks in Australia?

Budget to spend around A$750 for two for a week in Australia. This assumes you’re cooking some of the time and drinking some alcohol.

If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around A$93 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around A$57 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around A$18 each.

Assuming that you’ll be eating out some of the time, budget at least A$85 a week for groceries. If you enjoy a few drinks, you’ll need to increase this amount – beer costs around A$6 for a 500ml bottle and good bottle of wine is around A$17 , from a shop, although there are cheaper options available. Milk typically costs around A$2 for a two-litre bottle and you can expect to pay around A$5 for a cappuccino from a local café.

How much does it cost to get around Australia?

Getting around Australia is easiest with a car. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around A$330 for two per week is a good starting point. This should allow you to hire a cheaper rental car. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.

While you need a car to explore the country, the major cities have very good public transport networks. If you'll be in a city for more than a day or two, it's worth picking up the local public transport card to help make travelling around more affordble.

What should I expect to spend on activities?

A lot of the best things to do in Australia are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around A$20 - A$40 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around A$160 per activity per person.

Australia is a beautiful destination to visit and although it’s not cheap, it’s definitely possible to travel there for less. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. Slow travel is another great way to help your budget to stretch further, while exploring a place in more depth.

Travelling through Australia is definitely possible on a budget – just pick your priorities and compromise on the rest or consider travelling in the off-season and avoiding school holidays to cut down on costs. And, if you’re on the luxury end of the scale or wanting to treat yourself, the sky’s the limit.

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Last Updated 16 December 2021

Australia Road Trip Budget: A Detailed Cost Breakdown

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: December 16, 2022

Categories Australia

In this post you can read about our Australia road trip budget, I hope this will give you an idea about the cost to travel to Australia.

Australia is the 6th biggest country in the world, so big in fact that it counts as a continental landmass!

With more than 823,000 kilometers of road available to be explored, it is an amazing road trip destination ( read more Australia Trivia here ).

We love love love love road trips, in fact, it's our favorite way to travel. We've gone on lots of road trips in countries such as New Zealand , Japan , Portugal , Oman , Canada , and the U.S.A.

I can say from experience that road-tripping is one of the best and cheapest options to travel!

Australia road trip budget: how much does it cost to travel to Australia?

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

How much does it cost to go to Australia?

Have you always dreamed about a Working Holiday in Australia? Check out Global Work & Travel and get a €100 discount with the coupon code PHENOMENALGLOBE .

Australia is infamous for being a rather expensive destination, however, we managed to travel Australia on a very reasonable budget.

For everyone wondering: Is Australia expensive to visit? It doesn't have to be! We spent less than €100 a day (for us as a couple) during our 6-week road trip from Cairns to Melbourne.

Check the infographic below for our Australian budget breakdown and read along for tips to save money in Australia.

Australia travel budget: important facts and figures

• I traveled around Australia  with my husband , and all expenses mentioned are for the two of us together.
• I quote prices in € and Australian Dollar (AUD) . The exchange rate usually is around  €1 = 1,50 AUD. Of course, the exchange rate varies, check the most recent rates here .
• We spent 6 weeks in Australia, on an average day we spent  €98 / 146 AUD .
• Our average daily travel budget includes all our travel costs in Australia, it does not include the costs for our tickets to Australia. Also, as a travel blogger, I was fortunate enough to work with Travellers Autobarn campervan rental and several tour companies which decreased our expenses.
• My trip started in Cairns and ended in Melbourne. You can find our East Coast road trip itinerary here .

Cost to travel Australia:  our average daily expenses

• Campervan: 65% of daily costs
• Accommodation: 4% of daily costs
• Food and drinks: 19% of daily costs
• Activities and miscellaneous expenses: 12% of daily costs

1. Renting a campervan in Australia: how much does it cost?

I'm 100% convinced the cheapest way to travel to Australia is with a camper van (or a car and a tent).

We rented a Kuga campervan from Travellers Autobarn  and drove from Cairns to Melbourne in a little less than 6 weeks.

The Kuga van was great and very comfortable! The kitchen had a sink, a m icrowave, and a small fridge. The 35-liter water tank usually lasted us around 3 days.

The large bed could easily be converted to a seating area, but since we traveled in November and December we spent most of our time outside.

The curtains let in very little light, which was nice because the sun came up quite early in the South.  During our trip we never had any issues with the car, it was well-maintained and clean.

In the infographic, you can see that the daily rental costs for the campervan were  €63 / 93 AUD . These costs are divided into 2 categories:

Rent of the campervan

Costs for petrol.

Daily rental costs

I was fortunate to work with  Travellers Autobarn  and received a discount on the daily rental price of our Kuga. With this discount, the costs per day for the camper van were  €47 / 70 AUD .

The only insurance we added was a 75 AUD payment to insure any damage to the windshield.

We didn't take out any additional insurance to reduce our bond liability (in case of an accident we would have had to pay up to 2500 AUD).

It's always a gamble whether or not insurance will be worth it or not. During our New Zealand road trip I bumped into another car and I was very happy we had taken out additional insurance.

During our Portugal road trip we paid for extra insurance as well but didn't need it, so we kind of wasted that money.

In the end you won't know what's smart until you hand the vehicle back in, damaged or not. It's up to you if you want to risk it;-).

Check prices online

Depending on the season, the type of campervan you want to rent and the additional items you choose you can pay as little as 35 AUD per day .

You can see the different types of vans and get a quote on the Travellers Autobarn website .

Fuel isn't cheap in Australia and distances are big, so fuel made up a significant portion of our daily expenses (17%) .

On average we paid €16 / 23 AUD per day. We fueled up on either Unleaded 91 or Unleaded 95. Not all gas stations sell 91, but at the ones that do this is usually the most economical option.

What really helped us to find the cheapest fuel option available was the Motormouth website (also available as an app).

The website shows the current price level of petrol stations all around Australia, there can be quite a big difference between them.

Checking the Motormouth website or app before fueling up can definitely help to save some money!

2. How to find budget accommodation and free campsites in Australia

In the infographic, you can see that the total daily costs for accommodation were  €4 / 6 AUD . These costs are divided into 2 categories:

Paid campsites

• Airbnb accommodation

We slept in our campervan pretty much all the time and were pleasantly surprised by how many free campsites we found during our road trip.

We found these campsites via Campermate , a great free app where you can find information about the site and read comments from recent visitors.

Some of these free campsites even had free hot showers! During our six-week road trip we only paid for 2 campsites, the rest of the sites were free.

We stayed at an Airbnb in Brisbane (2 nights) and Melbourne (1 night). In Yamba and Sydney, we stayed with friends (3 nights), which was great and also saved us a lot of money.

3. Cost of food in Australia

The easiest and most effective way to save money in Australia is by cooking your own food. A cheap dinner will set you back at least  €10/ 15 AUD  per person.

Cooking your own meal will only cost about  €10/ 15 AUD for a couple , so you'll already save 50% each day by making your own dinner!

We paid  € 1 9 / 28 AUD for food and drinks on an average day. We made our own breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner on 95% of the days. Every once in a while we bought a fresh fruit juice, pizza or steaming bowl of ramen.

4. Activities and miscellaneous Australia vacation cost

The average daily costs in this category were  €12/ 19 AUD . These costs can be split between:

Miscellaneous costs

Most days we went bush-walking, explored a beautiful beach or did some sightseeing in a village or city, these activities were free. However, we also did some pretty cool excursions in Australia.

We went scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, flew over the treetops with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and sailed around the marvelous Whitsunday Islands.

I worked with these companies and received a discount or complimentary trip, which saved us a lot of money.

This category is a little bit of everything, ranging from public transport in Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra to costs for laundry, a local SIM, postcards home, etc.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Australia trip budget: in conclusion

That's all our Australia expenses! I hope this post has shown it's possible to travel to Australia on a budget and has inspired you to visit this beautiful continent! 

Feel free to ask any questions you may have and enjoy planning your trip to Australia !

Also check this post about work and travel in Australia in case you're interested in getting an Australian work and holiday visa.

Also read about the best things to do in Sydney with kids and about places to visit in Daylesford .

This post was updated in October 2020.

Wednesday 4th of March 2020

Thanks a lot for this information. I wanted to know, we are doing a road trip from Cairns to Sydney on a campervan. The payment for the campervan has already been made so that’s counted. My question is, if we want to go diving on the Great Barrier Reef and to Whitsundays (basically that’s all we want to do as “paid” activities), do you think we, as a couple, can manage to spend an average of 60 eur per day? (This would be excluding the campervan as I mentioned above).

Do you have any details of your trips to Whitsunday and the great barrier?

Thanks so much!

Monday 16th of March 2020

Hi Beatriz,

That sounds like a wonderful trip! Regarding your question, well, it will be a bit of a tight budget as these two activities unfortunately don't come cheap... Sailing the Whitsundays is around 200AUD per person and diving is 300AUD for 2 dives and 320AUD for 3 dives. Without these activities, 60euro for a couple is definitely possible but if you really want to do these two activities I'd try and save another 1000AUD for your road trip (if possible).

You can find more information here: https://cruisewhitsundays.com/experiences/camira-sailing-adventure/ http://www.tusadive.com/prices/

Have a great trip! Lotte

Veronica Ricalde

Sunday 21st of October 2018

How safe is to stay in free Camping sites? we would like to go with two small Kids (6 months and 6 years) and my husband Freak out when i said that we can camp for free. do they have toiletts and showers? thank u and lovely regards

Thursday 25th of October 2018

Hi Veronica,

We never had any issues at the free campsites and I always felt safe. Free campsites usually do have toilets but no showers (though some do, but you may have to pay for the shower). In the Campermate app (https://www.campermate.com.au/welcome/index) you can find information about free (and paid) campsites. Keep in mind that some free sites are located along busy roads, which may not be ideal for you and your family. Enjoy your road trip!

Sunday 1st of April 2018

Hi Lotte! We are planning an East coast Australia road trip (4-5 weeks) in October and then on to New Zealand for 2 months. We will be using a campervan in both countries. How long in advance do we need to book the campervan to get the best deals? Can you still get a good deal a few weeks in advance or do they become really expensive by then? Thanks for your interesting blog!!

Monday 2nd of April 2018

Hi Charlotte,

Wow, your trip sounds awesome! Regarding your question, for Australia you'll be a bit ahead of the high season so I reckon you could get good deals there even if you don't book very early. For New Zealand however, you'll be traveling in peak season and I recommend to book as early as possible. While November may be easy to book, December is summer holiday for the Kiwis as well. Hope this helps! Have a wonderful time in Aussie and New Zealand!

Katie Farrant

Wednesday 17th of January 2018

Hey, I'm just wondering whether you will be uploading your Australia itinerary soon?! My partner and I are off there on the 31st Jan starting in Adelaide and going up to Cairns (by tours and greyhound) for 7 weeks. Would be great to read any recommendations you have for free/cheap activities. We have booked up a few tours- but the cost is adding up! We are off to NZ after Aus for 5 weeks and your blog made me decide to book a camper with car rental village! I can't wait!

Thanks for your comment and your trip(s) sounds great! Which tours will you be doing along the way? Yes, costs definitely add up but luckily many hikes and sightseeing in cities/villages is free. I'm working on the itinerary post, it's going to be very long (5000+ words;-). My goal is to publish the post this week because I start a new job on Monday. Perhaps you can subscribe via RSS feed so you'll receive an update when the article goes life?

So cool you'll be going to NZ as well, it's still my favorite country in the world... Have a great trip and let me know if you have questions about the itinerary once it's published.

How Much To Budget For A Month In Australia (2023 Update)

Want to know how much to budget for Australia? Here’s a full breakdown of the cost of backpacking Australia – inc hostels, tours and travel

Out of all the emails I receive in regards to budgeting for travel plans backpacking Australia is without a doubt the place people are most worried about or needing information on. With their ever strengthening economy it’s not the cheap backpacker country it once was and it’ll take up a large chunk of your budget.

With most places I usually say around £1,000 per month ( my monthly budget for Thailand was even less!) will leave you with plenty of cash to splash…backpacking Australia though (and I hate to be the person to break this to you!) will be nearly double that.

So here’s a break down of the main spends for backpacking  Australia – accommodation, food, booze, activities and transport – so hopefully you can prepare for an amazing adventure down under…

There have been some big changes in prices and options for 2023, with things changing quite a lot, but I’ll try and keep this post as updated as possible!

(Last updated – Jan 2023, all $ prices are $AUD)

Backpacking Australia – How Much To Budget For A Month In Australia (2023 Update)

Accommodation in australia.

As one of the biggest destinations on the planet backpacking Australia comes with a wide variety of accommodation – whether you’re looking for hostels, hotels, boutique spas or even couch surfing there’s something for everyones taste.

I’m guessing most of you will be hitting up hostels (as they’re the most budget option) so I’ll focus on that and these are some of the stats from hostels I’ve stayed at in Australia:

Cheapest Bed – Beaches, Airlie Beach $20 (£12.50)

Most Expensive Bed – Wakeup, Sydney $40 (£25) (well worth it though!)

Favourite Hostel – Aquarius Backpackers, Byron Bay – $35 (£20)

Average nights accommodation (shared dorm) – $40 (£22)

Average nights accommodation (double/twin) – $120 (£66)

Average campsite (per tent) – $30 (£16)

Some of my top Australia hostels include;

• YHA Central, Melbourne
• WakeUp! Sydney
• Aquarius, Byron Bay
• The Surf House, Byron Bay
• Bunk, Surfers Paradise
• Halse Lodge, Noosa
• Bounce, Noosa
• Nomads, Airlie Beach
• Jackaroo, Mission Beach
• Nomads, Magentic Island (formerly Base Magnetic Island)
• Bungalow Bay YHA, Magnetic Island
• Gilligans, Cairns

Estimated accommodation costs:

$1,200 (£667).

Food and Drink Costs

Australia is pretty expensive when it come to eating out – so if you’re on a budget you’ll want to mix it up with a good bit of home cooking.

Saying that though many hostels offer some great backpacker feeds ( like Sydneys “Wakeup” ) for around $5 and there’s plenty of backpacker bars which do the same, so you can grab a budget feed on the go too.

If you’re going out to party again the backpacker bars are the way forward and many of them ( like The Woolshed in Cairns ) offer a whole host of giveaways and competitions, from surfboards to dive courses, so you make your night out well worth the money!

Favourite dish – Beach BBQ’s!

Cheapest meal – 5 min noodles! – $0.50 (£0.30p!) (add some veggies to pimp it out a bit and give it some nutrition!)

Average backpacker meal – around $10 (£5.50)

Average meal (based on cooking veggie pasta) – $8 (£4.5)

Average cost of beer (stubbie of Tooheys) – $5 (£3)

Average cost of a box of goon (Golden Oaks, 4 litres) – $15 (£9)

Average cost of beer (schooner of Stone and Wood, bar) – $8 (£5)

Average cost takeaway coffee – $5  (£3.12)

Average cost fruit smoothie – $8 (£5)

Favourite place to eat – hmmmm…this is a tough one as I try to cook myself whenever possible in Australia to save my budget!

Estimated food costs (based on cooking lunch, backpacker meal for dinner):

$540 (£300).

Transport In Australia

Australia has a pretty solid travel network that’s easy to use, book and get to pretty much everywhere – from low cost airlines and campervan rentals through to backpacker hop on hop off bus passes.

For the purpose of this break down I’m going to concentrate on the East Coast route – which is the most common route for backpacking Australia and has the most option in terms of bus transport.

Unfortunately as beautiful as the West Coast is you’re limited to Campervan hire and tours on that side of the country.

Here’s a couple of the main journeys you’ll want to make and how much they’ll set you back.

Internal flight (single) – Cairns to Sydney – $150 (£95)

Internal flight (single) – Sydney to Melbourne – $50 (£31)

Internal flight (single) – Sydney to Perth – $150 (£80)

Internal flight (single) – Sydney to Brisbane – $50 (£25)

Internal flight (single) – Sydney to Ballina (Byron Bay) = $50 (£25)

Greyhound East Coast Pass – 30 day option – $399 (£222)

Greyhound WHIMit Pass (only restricted by time frame not route) – $349 (15 days), $439 (30 days) up to $639 for 90 days.

Australia Campervan hire – from $60 per day (£33 per day) but peak season expect around $110 per day (£62)

If you’re only backpacking Australia for a month I’d say Sydney – Cairns will be your route and the Greyhound Bus East Coast Pass would be the most cost effective way to achieve this.

You’d potentially add in a single flight from Cairns to Sydney for an onward flight or a brief stop in Melbourne and fly to Sydney to save time. If you’re not sure on how to travel the East Coast check out this blog post.

Estimated travel costs in Australia:

$549 (£305).

(Greyhound Pass + Sydney to Cairns Flight)

Top Activities In Australia

One of the biggest draws of backpacking Australia is the amount of epic activities on offer!

The East Coast is rammed from top to bottom with loads to do – from day trips to learning new skills you can pretty much do anything from skydive to kayak!

In fact listing them all would take agggggges, so here are some of my favourite and most popular things to do up the coast…

PADI Open Water – 3 days, Cairns – $815 (£452)

Whitsundays Tours (2 day, 2 night) – $525 (£290)

Sydney Bridge Climb – $248 (£165)

Blue Mountains Day Trip – $155 (£86)

Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife Park Combo Pass – $55 (£34)

Great Ocean Road Trip – $130 (£72)

Surf lesson – Byron Bay –   $80 (£44)

Australia Zoo – $100 (£62.50)  inc return bus from Brisbane

Fraser Island 4×4 Tag Along (3 day, 2 night camping option) – $499 (£277)

Fraser Island Day Trip – $180 (£100)

Kayaking tour – $89 (£50)

Magnetic Island Package (inc return ferry, 2 nights accom & welcome drink) – $140 (£77)

Great Barrier Reef Day Trip (snorkelling) – $195 (£108)

Great Barrier Reef Day Trip ( scuba dive taster ) – $240 (£133)

Skydive (15,000 feet) – $359 (£199)

Cape Tribulation day trip – $189 (£105)

If I had to pull out what the average backpacking Australia trip would include over a month I’d say you’d be hoping to include:

• Great Ocean Road Tour
• Kayaking tour
• Surf lesson
• Fraser Island Overnight Tour
• Whitsunday Island Overnight Tour
• Magnetic Island Package
• Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour
• Cape Tribulation Day trip

Estimated activity cost:

$1,847 (£1,082).

So How Much Will you Need To Budget For Australia?

So based on my personal experience and what I assume the average backpacker would like to achieve on the East Coast trail I’d say you’ll be paying for the following;

• 30 nights accommodation
• 3 meals daily
• 30 Day Greyhound Pass

MONTHLY TOTAL =  $4,136 (£2,297)

Daily budget = $137 (£76) per day, australia budget.

This budget for backpacking Australia includes accommodation, meals, transport and the main activities as listed above.

I’d like to point out though that this is merely a base point for your budgeting though and it’s always best to over compensate when it comes to money as it’s very much a personal thing – and of course you’re drinking will add some dollar on top.

This 4 weeks would allow you to pretty much cover the whole East Coast Australia backpacker trail and you’d be packing in all the main sites and things to do – including spots like Byron Bay , Fraser Island, Whitsundays, and Cairns.

Some people will easily spend less than this – especially if you’re on a years working holiday visa and pacing yourself up the coast, or simply have longer to spend on your trip.

And also keep in mind the longer you’re travelling for the more spread out your bigger costs will be (like tours and bus passes) so your daily spend will obviously be lower.

But if you’re pushed for time in Australia and want to do pretty much all the bucket list ticks it’s all parcelled into the above summary and 4 weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend on that route.

You can also customise your own East Coast package to suit your personal time frame, budget and preference.

Is It Worth The Money?

Even though it cost more than places like NZ or Thailand I totally recommend you visit there. It’s an amazing place to explore and is still one of my favourite countries on the planet to travel to.

You can also save heaps with some awesome East Coast Australia Package deals  which bundle in accommodation, tours and travel passes to help you save. So check these East Coast deals out – you can even tailor them even further to suit your times frames and budget.

Found this post helpful? Check out my other How Much To Budget Posts!

• How Much To Budget For A Month In Thailand
• How Much To Budget For A Month In New Zealand
• How Much To Budget For A Month In Bali & Indonesia
• How Much To Budget For A Month In The Philippines
• How Much To Budget For A Month In Cambodia
• How To Travel The Maldives On A Budget
• Backpack South Africa – How Much To Budget

For more info on where to head on the East Coast check out this post .

For more info on  how long to spend on the East Coast trail check out this post .

For more info on the best way to travel the East Coast of Australia check out this post.

For my sample 1 month Australia itinerary check out this post

And for the best places to visit in Australia check out this post

Or let me help plan your Aussie Adventure with my East Coast Australia Trip Planner !

Been to Oz recently?

How much did you spend backpacking australia and what was your original australia budget.

**PLEASE NOTE; This is to be used as a guide only – currency and cost fluctuate depending on season and exchange rates (calculated at 1.8AUD per £1GBP. Information was correct at the time of writing)**

Related posts

Travelling Around Australia – The Greyhound Australia Bus Pass Guide

Australia Opens For Tourism From Feb 21st!

The Best Hostels In Byron Bay (2023 Update)

Australia Is Opening Up From 1st Dec 2021!

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71 comments

Just came across your blog via Stephen’s @ A Backpackers Tale & glad I found both of your incredible blogs! I just returned from studying abroad in Australia; it’s so true that everything is quite expensive in Australia & we couldn’t believe their minimum wage is in the $20 range. Your post will definitely be helpful to future travelers though! As a bucket list blogger, I will definitely be returning to keep up with your travels :)

Cheers Christine – looks like I’ll have to search through your site for some more bucket list items hey?! Glad you agree that it’ll help backpackers heading that way – did you have fun there?

Really useful tips, thanks! I’ve been in Oz for 6 months now, so I have a pretty good idea of the costs, but it’s good to see it all broken down and added up again. I agree, it’s probably worth it. What I’ve seen of the country so far has me eager to explore as much as possible. Next on my itinerary: Byron Bay!

It’s totally worth it Arianwen! Anything you’d add to the breakdown that other travellers may find useful? You’ll love Byron Bay – stay at Aquarius Hostel and say hi from me (my little brother is working there at the moment too!)

This is the most useful thing EVER. I’m going in Sept and this is overall pretty much what I had planned – and I know I’ll have plenty of money to do this and more (bungee jump definitely being added to that list!) without having to worry too much as I have really over-compensated for the fact I’ve heard Oz is so expensive. This has taken the worry off a fair bit now- and I’ve got a WHV so will be able to top up money with other travels as well as you can earn such good money.

I’m so glad you do these blog posts – thank you!

Hey Georgina, Stoked that it’s helped you out so much and put your mind at rest. Obviously you can make things heaps more expensive if you choose but I’d say it covers the main points you’ll need to spend for. And indeed your WHV will definitely help you heaps, I’d look into work for accommodation too. Have an awesome time!

Hey Chris ! I love your blog ! Very funny and attractive ;) Thanks for making me stay on it for hours, as I want to read all your posts ;) (Will I still be here tomorrow ?) Cheers to you and keep going!

hahahaha sorry to distract you for so long Christina – let me know if you get lost!hahaha!

I never normally comment on blogs but i just wanted to say THANK YOU!! we’re heading off on our RTW trip soon and were getting a bit worried about the cost of Oz but this pretty much sums up exactly what were planning to do so it seems doable! these blogs are a great idea!

awwww that’s no worries Gina – stoked it helped you out and has put your mind at rest! Enjoy Australia – you’ll love it!

hey chris me and my partner are saving at the moment to do the east coast before we leave oz. just double checking is that money all in British pounds or Aus Dollars? Cheers

Hey Terrain – stoked to hear you’re heading to Oz! All those prices have been converted over to £GBP, so it’s roughly double for $AUD at the moment.

Awesome Summary I m thinking of going 1 month in Aussie and 1 month in Nz, starting March 2015 before heading back to Belgium in June 2015… I m currently based in Hong Kong so I don t earn a lot here and this helps quite a bit. I will need to save at least half a year salary for this…incl Visa, flights from HK down the Pacific and back up to Europe

Glad to see you’re prepared and you’re giving yourself enough time to save – I hope you have an awesome adventure…Oz and NZ are heaps of fun!

Chris, You have really taken the worry off me regarding my mid-life crisis trip up the East Coast! I head off in Sept, and you have totally calmed me down. Thank you! Mx

Good times Maggie – I hope you have an awesome trip! Let me know how you get on.

I’ve been reading your reviews for some time now, extremely helpful! I thought I’d go for it and ask you about my finances for my east coast trip from the 16th Nov to 13th Dec would really appreciate the advice!

Roadtripping it from Cairns to Sydney, car has been paid for along with hostels in Cairns/Sydney. Inbetween we are going with the flow.

I’m taking £5,000 this will cover petrol, food, booze, activities and hostels. My main question is – Will this be enough money? I obviously want to do the main activities, any help would be amazing!

Keep up the good work Chris!

Hey Steven, If you manage to burn through £5k in a month simply on petrol, food, activities and hostels I’d be very surprised and you’d be terrible and budgeting!hahahaha! Seriously though that should be more than enough. If you check out the budget you can do all the key things for under £2k all in – your fuel isn’t going to add crazy amounts to that figure so as long as you keep your personal spending and meal costs under control I’m sure you’ll be fine. Let me know how you get on!

Just thought I’d say how useful this was in prepping my Oz trip for a month over Dec-Jan….just counting down the work days now. So keen its unreal!

Appreciate the helpful other articles! Safe travels. Smirnoff

Stoked that you found it useful Smirnoff – let me know how you get on!

Thanks for the tips Chris, I’ve been looking for something like this post for a while now!

I’m heading out to Sydney for the new year and then will be making my way around oz for 2-3 months. Presumably that’ll bring the monthly cost down a bit by spreading transport, big activities etc? I was hoping around £40-50 a day if I’m careful.

Spot on Craig – if you’re spreading the big costs – especially transport it should reduce your budget. Your big spends will then be food and accommodation, which depends on how you eat and sleep! Let me know how you get on!

Thanks for the tips Chris! This is so useful, I’m going to Australia with about £3000 so at least I know I’ll need to find work within the first couple of months! Thanks!

No worries Aleesha – let me know how you get on…and have an awesome time!

Dreams currently shattering. I need to just work through this holiday, only way around it…

Awwww sorry to hear that Casey! Still at least you know how much it costs now rather than turning up and finding out you have no money to spend! Keep in mind that the big expenses and trips won’t all be crammed into a month…

This has helped so much, thank you! I was trying to find out how much to take, how to budget etc. and then came across this. Life saver! I’m off to Australia for 2 months in February and I’m so excited, it’s ridiculous! Fab blog, it’s definitely my favourite now!

Hey Lauren, Stoked that the post helped you out! Have a blast in Oz and let me know who you get on! I’m actually in Byron Bay in Feb for a couple weeks, if you’re around for a beer let me know!

Awesome post! Im not off until October but planning on going for the year! Defo have to save hard until then! Hope you’re having an awesome time where ever you are! :)

Hope you enjoy it Katie – let me know if I can be of any help! Good luck with the saving – it’ll be totally worth it!

This blog has been has been an incredible help in planning my trips. Im off to Oz the middle of February. Thanks for your help and insight!

No worries Thomas – glad it helped you out! Whats your plan?

I am so sorry that I did´t find this blog before my trip to Australia. But I survived:) And my budget was way under your estimate. I was backpacking and couchsurfing throug Australia. And all my plane tickets were prebought. For five tickets (returning to Europe) I paid 1100€. And all together (with plane tickets and insurance, all accomodation, transport, food and drinks) I spent around 2000€ (around 1500 Ł). Now I have to go and read BUDGET THAILAND :) tnx

Stoked to hear you got it under budget Jasmina – couch surfing is a solid shout to save whilst on the road! how long were you out there for and anything you’d recommend I add into it? When you heading to Thailand?

This was really helpful. Im starting in Sydney in 12 days time and hoping to be there for a year or longer. Im in no rush to travel up to cairns but want to do it all! obv i know i will need to work probs after a month or two. Whats the best way to travel? stay in hostels and then greyhound it up? or campervan?

Hey Alice – stoked the post helped you out! To be honest it depends on your cash flow with travel. Oz Experience or Greyhound are good shouts, but the passes are only valid for 3 or 6 months. You’d be better off with a KM pass which is valid for 12 (or until the kms run out!) check out my other site for some more info;

http://www.epicgapyear.com/portfolio_page/greyhound-bus-passes-australia/

Campervan wise if you have the cash it can be a great option (I did it myself) however if things go wrong with it it can ruin your trip too! Many of the key spots you’ll need to book into a campsite anyway so sometimes the buses are the most hassle free option!

Hey Chris, I was wondering whether you could help me?

I’m looking to go Oz and want to do the east coast, but not sure whether it would be cheaper to book the grey hound bus and then pay for the trips when I’m out there like whitsundays and fraser island or would it be better to do the Oz Experience which includes the trips?

I’m going to get a working holiday visa as well so would probably want to travel first and then go back to somewhere to try find work.. Is that the usual thing to do or would you say to work whilst travelling up?

Thanks in advance :)

I actually jus put up a post about this which is worth checking out!

https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/best-way-to-travel-east-coast-australia

If you’re on an Oz working visa I’d go for the Greyhound KM passes as they have a longer validity that you can also top up along the way too. This means you’re not on a timescale and can go with the flow a bit more. You can then book your Fraser Island/Whitsundays trips en route.

You can get more info and book on my other site – Epic Gap Year – on the following link;

In regards to work/travel it depends on how much cash you have saved really and where you want to work. I’d maybe do a little trip (say fly into Melb, do the great ocean road then travel to Sydney) so you have a little adventure before topping up the funds, but it comes down to how far you’re money will go really.

Thanks Chris, that’s really helped! Think we will go for the KM passes! If we wanted to go from Sydney – Cairns what pass would we need? Not sure on how many km that will be… Would the 2500km cover it or would we need to get the 5000km?

As we’re getting the km passes I think we will do the travelling bit first then look for work :)

Hi Chris, I came across your website as I am researching a trip around the East Coast of Oz for about a month. You’ve got some really useful tips so I definitely need to read on more but quick question, do you think 4 weeks is too long to spend just in Victoria and NSW? Thanks

Hey Sarah, Stoked the site is helping you out! Hmmm time wise it really depends what you’re getting up to, but you can do the whole of Sydney – Cairns in 4 weeks if you really want! Check out this mini guide for some extra tips to help you decide;

https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/east-coast-of-australia-how-long

Hi Chris, Great blog glad i stumbled across it!

I’m traveling to oz in May starting in Cairns. Was wondering whether to work straight away as its Australian winter time when i get over there and wait till it starts going into summer before i work my way down the east coast? I’d love to spend Christmas and new year in Sydney

Any help would be much appreciated

Cheers James

Cheers James – stoked you like it! Personally your plan to start working straight away is a solid shout and what I’d do, that way you have a even more savings to play with and can enjoy the Aussie summer even more! If you’re already planning NYE in Sydney I’d get that booked as quickly as you can because hostels book out super early in the year – WakeUp Hostel is where I stay, great place and super central!

So glad you said that. Would never of thought about booking in advance. I’d been pretty gutted if every where was full and i couldn’t see in the new year in Sydney!

Where you recommended is fully booked up, as is a lot of other hostels for NYE. i managed to get a reservation at Surfside coogee beach hostel.

I owe you a beer!

Amazing blog, sobglad I came across it.

I and a mate are planning a trip to Oz on 1st Oct. The plan is to start in Cairns and campervan along the east coast to Melbourne where we will stay for a while before heading to Perth. We want to stay over in Sydney for NYE. Do you think Oct to Jan from Cairns to Sydney is too long? Any advice would be great! Cheers Dee

Hey Dee, Stoked you’re loving the site! To be honest the longer you take on the East Coast the more you’ll enjoy it! Are you looking at working at all? A lot of it will come down to budget and what you’re doing along the way. 6 weeks is the minimum I’d really recommend to take so you’ll have plenty of time to chill and soak it all up!

Your sites are really helpful and you have encouraged people to travel OZ.Alot of people are now travelling Asia and New Zealand instead of Australia because because it is too expensive and people think that Australia is not worth the money.It is a shame because they are missing out on some beautiful places.With your website ,you have given people peace of mind ,when travelling my home country ,Australia

I love travelling Oz Louisa – it’s a shame it is a bit more expensive but I still think it’s totally worth doing…in fat I’m living in Byron Bay at the moment!

Hi, thanks for your tips!

I’m coming to Australia for a year on a working visa and plan on spending the first months working and living with my relatives. I then want to do an East Coast backpacking trip and then go on the New Zealand/Asia. I’m worried I will have too much luggage with me to go on the buses/stay in hostels. Would you recommend leaving the majority of my stuff with my family and getting them to send it back to the UK? I don’t know what the best way would be.

No worries Molly! To be honest I wouldn’t take more than 65litres of stuff unless you REALLY have to, trust me you’ll accumulate stuff along the way but you’ll also realise a lot of your gear isn’t being used!hahaha! The best rule to travel by is half the stuff, double the money! ;)

Hi really good article you wrote! Great tips gonna use them to planning for my trip to the east coast, i’m traveling to oz in about three weeks! :) I will check your other blogposts to!

No worries Adam, stoked they helped! Enjoy Australia, heaps of fun!

Hey Chris, love your blog and found it super helpful. I’m a New Zealand resident and wanting to go to Aussie next year just before Spring. I can spend as much time in Aussie as I want because of this and am wanting to find work as I travel up the east coast ( mostly farm/fruit picking work) and just want to know how much you would recommend me to go over with after I pay for the plane ticket, clothing, insurance etc. I will be ( If everything goes to plan ) either staying in working hostels/ hostels, and or buy a car/van to sleep in. What do you think of this and again I love your blogs :)

Hey Zequoia, jealous of your Kiwi passport! Personally the more dollar you can take to Oz the better, but given your passport situation I don’t see it being an issue picking up work pretty easily!

We’ve travelled on east coast in 2011. We had a car, slept in tent in camping’s, between the camping-holiday parks are very good equipped, you can cook by yourself. so I don’t see any reason to be in hostel/hotel in such nice weather in Queensland. We also took 2x day trip to coral reef.

I campervanned a lot of it the first time I was there and loved it! Depends if you want to meet heaps of travellers and how you’re making your way along the coast I guess!

Want to drink on the cheap follow some of these goon recipes!! (www.goodgoonguide.com)

Hello, Chris! You gave us so useful tips. Australia is one of my dream destinations and I hope that one day I will be able to use on practice your advices :) Gooood luck trough the New year :)

Stoked to have helped you out Julia – let me know when you’re heading this way!

Thanks this is a really useful post! I’ve been trying to figure out when to move to Australia based on money and this was super useful! What month would you suggest going to have the best luck getting a job?

Stoked it helped you out! Hmmmmm it really depends on where you’re heading and what kind of work I guess…

Awesome post! i really like your budget travelling posts. Many people think travelling is very costly (sometimes can be), but with proper budgeting, it isn’t really hard to save up!

Indeed it’s a case of being prepared. Yes some countries (like Oz) are more expensive, but it depends how you’re mixing them up and spreading out big costs.

Thanks for this! If people realized how much money they throw around each month, they’d see just how easy it is to save up for a super awesome trip in Australia. I was working on a visa in Australia and for a few months I saved up quite a bit to have an amazing trip in Nepal for 6 weeks.

Yeah, a lot of money is spent where it’s not even noticeable.. Great writeup!

Wow this is crazy that this is just for backpacking Australia for a month. That’s close to $5,000 Canadian Dollars. I couldn’t imagine even if you might want to live it up just a bit.

That does include pretty much everything you’d want to tick off and it is heaps of fun. My advice is always travel for a bit longer and spread it all out as that drops your daily spend down quite a bit and makes it much more affordable

So glad I found this blog – great advice. Thanks for sharing!

No worries Anthony!

Hey Chris! This is such a helpful blog. My family and I has been planning to come over to Australia for vacation this coming April but we’re estimating how much we should bring. Such a life saver!

You are right about How Much To Budget For A Month In Australia

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• Qantas - 173 flights to or near Australia each month, including 99 flights to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) per month.
• United Airlines - 117 flights to or near Australia each month, including 60 flights to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) per month.
• American Airlines - 30 flights to or near Australia each month, including 30 flights to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) per month.
• Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) - 256 flights per month.
• Tullamarine Airport (MEL) - 95 flights per month.
• Brisbane Airport (BNE) - 43 flights per month.
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) - 15 hours and 5 minutes
• Honolulu, HI (HNL-Daniel K. Inouye Intl.) to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) - 10 hours and 38 minutes
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Traveling in Australia: How Much Does It Cost?

The land of eternal summer (in some parts of the country, at least), Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This country (also a continent, by the way), has a little bit of everything for everyone. 

It is perfect for people who love nature since it has a lot of outback and wild nature to explore but it’s also great for city lovers since it has a wide range of big cities and small towns. Plus, Australian beaches are famous worldwide, and tourists can choose between water sports or laying around in the sun all day long.

Still, before you jump on the next plane to Australia, there are quite a few things to figure out such as accommodation and the overall cost of your trip. To make things a bit easier, we’ll talk a bit about the average cost of a trip to Australia and how to make sure your experience will be a positive one. 

How to Budget for your Trip to Australia

Australia is a country where you have to keep your budget under control since the Australian dollar (AUD) is not that far away from the USD. Plus, if we take into consideration the current level of inflation and economic unrest , you should expect higher prices than in the past. 

Therefore, your budget needs to be divided into three main categories:

• Safety measures
• Daily spending

1. Safety Measures

You should never leave on a trip without travel insurance! Australia is not a dangerous country for tourists, but you never know what could go wrong. Plus, no matter where you’re traveling from, you will be far away from home and you won’t have the benefit of being a citizen.

The right travel insurance policy should cover any health risks (especially if you plan on having any sportive adventures or have pre-existing medical conditions), but it should also cover documents and luggage loss/theft, or any unexpected changes in your travel plans.

Luckily, you can compare various travel insurance policies and find the one that suits your needs the best. 

2. Lodging Costs

Your lodging costs will differ depending on location, but whether you choose to stay on the continent or on one of the many Australian islands , a hotel will cost somewhere between $55 to $238 per night, while a vacation rental is somewhere between $180 to $510 per night for the entire home.

Of course, things are a bit different when you think about the size of your party trip and the time when you decide to visit. For instance, a solo traveler or a couple will pay between $69 to $87 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room, while a family of four will pay between $137 to $175 per night.

Quick tip : if your budget is a bit tight, late August to early September is the period when prices are lower.

3. Daily Spending

Given that Australia has so many cool things to do and explore, you should be prepared with a bit of extra budget for your daily spending. 

First, the basic needs (food and drinks) will have you pay between 20 AUD to 45 AUD per person. Even McDonald’s will give you a run for your money at 12 AUD per value meal. A beer costs around 9 AUD, but many bars offer happy hours and discounts for tourists, so you may find it cheaper. 

When it comes to tours, there are lots of offers, but it may cost between 50 and 400 AUD per day. Still, you can save your budget if you look for cheap transportation options (there are quite a few interesting offers) and do some exploring on your own. 

As long as you plan your trip and budget for most scenarios, your trip to Australia should be a blast! Whether you travel alone, in a couple, or with a big family, everyone will have a great experience and will most likely want to return. 

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Your weekly budget will be $1100 to $1200 with accommodation, food and fuel adjustment. For a couple, it will be almost $5,000 for two weeks. If you are going to Australia for a trip, you should plan your budget. Due to economic unrest and the current level of inflation, your expenses can be higher than before. Your budget can be divided into 3 parts:- • Daily Spending • Lodging • safety Measure Australia is a beautiful country to visit. In summer, it is the top priority of tourists. I am working with a UK based assignment writing service and now planning to go to Australia for an official holiday tour with my colleagues.

I loved Australia years ago and had the time of my life. Now that things are returning to normal I plan to return…though I’m betting I can’t just buy sushi rolls for $1-$3 anymore. 🙂

Ooof yes I’m sure things have changed a bit! Seems like costs have gone up almost everywhere unfortunately.

Incredible articles and awesome design. Your blog entry merits the greater part of the positive input it”s been getting.

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💵 How Much Does it Cost to Travel Around for 12 Months?

How much does it really cost to travel around Australia full-time for 12 months? This is one of the most asked questions for those wanting to tackle the Big Lap or road trip Australia.

While some people make it all the way around in one year, others wander and take many years to complete a lap. A 12-month travelling Australia budget can vary depending on how fast you travel and what you experience along the way.

We were a family of four, living on the road, just meandering around Australia, exploring and living slow. We officially survived one whole year of travelling in a caravan. Well, if you want to get really specific, we haven’t actually left our home State yet. In our defence, Queensland is one BIG State!

While this is nowhere near a ‘Big Lap’ Budget, it does accurately reflect a snapshot of our caravan lifestyle expenses. For a look at other associated costs, heres the Full Breakdown of Caravanning Costs .

Read on to find out the costs!

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How Much Money Did We Start With for Travelling Australia?

If you think that the cost to travel Australia full-time needs to be expensive or requires a large sum of savings, let’s just squash that preconceived notion right now.

Do you want to take a guess at what our start-up figure was when we embarked on this adventure? $30,000? $20,000? Nope, we didn’t even have $10,000. We hit the road with just $2,500 in our back pocket!

To be fair, we always planned to have much more savings than that.

In the end, we were just so tired of looking at the ‘To Do’ lists. We basically put them aside and figured we’d get to them later (we never even looked at them after that and survived just fine). I guess that’s just a testament to thinking you need more than you actually do.

How Did We Fund 12 Months Travelling Australia?

So, if we only started with $2,500, how did we fund our travel around Australia for the first 12 months?

Well, we survived in a variety of different ways, but mostly from our few stints of stopping for work. My partner at the time was a Truck Driver and found it pretty easy to pick up work. We were also lucky to have a decent tax return last year, which gave our budget a nice little injection.

I kept myself busy building up the website and creating a range of Travel Planning Resources to help people like yourself, which also helped. Head on over and check out the OZ BIG LAP series!

Without further ado, let’s crunch some numbers!

12 Month Costs For Travelling Australia

Travel budget break-down, accommodation.

As you can see our weekly accommodation outlay was a mere $34.40 per week towards the cost to travel Australia full-time. That’s definitely loads cheaper than what we were forking out each week on our mortgage before we sold the house! Our favourite way to keep that figure down was with Free Camping as much as we could.

Free & Low Cost Camping

I really enjoy the freedom of being self-sufficient and have found that Free Camps are more readily available (and you can stay for longer) once you get away from the coast. Being able to carry up to 300 litres of water also gave us an extra few days off-grid.

Before heading off, we spent the money on a great solar set-up. That effectively meant that we didn’t need to do the old chase-the-sun-with-the-portable-panel dance. We honestly never had to stress about our usage, so it was worth it.

Of course, having an onboard ensuite was also a must for us. We stayed at plenty of Free Camps where there were no porcelain thrones available, let alone showers. You can see our caravan and tow vehicle for more of the ins and outs.

We were pretty lucky to have had enough friends and family spotted around with offers of grass patches. That was amazingly helpful (especially when stopped for work and caravan repairs).

RELATED POSTS: ◆ WikiCamps Tutorial → ◆ Free Camping Guide →

Caravan Parks

You may note that our Caravan Park cost per night ($12.56) was rather low. One main factor being that we had a voucher for one park, which we’d won through a competition. That meant that our stay didn’t cost us much out of our hip pocket.

The other factor was a due to a personal incident, which had us prearrange a very good deal with another park along the way. Both of those factors together kept our Caravan Park expenses really low. Without those opportunities we would have sought out alternative accommodation to help keep our cost of full-time travel in Australia as low as possible.

I’m pretty happy with our weekly grocery cost for full-time travel around Australia ($166.26 per week). This is also taking into account that we spent five months in Central and Outback Queensland, where the big chain grocery stores where few and far between.

Just to give you an idea, we went 5 weeks without seeing a Coles or Woolworths. Let me tell you, feeding a family from those tiny Outback Food Stores is EXPENSIVE! The range of food is tiny (especially with gluten intolerance in the van).

Check out these frugal living hacks to give you some ideas that’ll get you through those rainy days. But, being a budget shopper from way back (in fact this is more than I used to spend!) we survived. Let me share some of my tips and tricks with you.

TIPS TO REDUCE GROCERY COSTS:

Use What You’ve Got

Before buying more stuff, use up what you’ve already got first. This doesn’t just apply to food, but toiletries and cleaning items too. Dig deep into the back of the pantry and use up those items that keep getting shoved to the side. This is also a great way to avoid adding unnecessarily to your payload.

Keep a Running Shopping List

Stick a piece of paper onto the fridge/ whiteboard titled ‘Shopping.’ Whenever you notice an item has run out or needs to be replaced, add it to the list. Come shopping day, all you need to do is add anything extra that you know you need and you’re good to go. This curbs excessive unnecessary buying because you know exactly what you do and don’t need.

Meal Planning

Creating a meal plan doesn’t need to comprise fancy gourmet meals. It’s simply the deliberate act of seeing what ingredients you’ve already got and filling in the blanks to create 7 meals for the week. Add in lunches, snacks and breakfast as well.

Cooking in Bulk

When cooking, it doesn’t hurt to make the meal big enough to stretch out for another night or two. For example, when I make a stir-fry, I use two jars of sauce with the usual veggies, 2 pieces of chicken breast and boiled rice. That way, we end up getting an easy two to three nights out of the one meal. It really helps to keep the cost per meal lower.

Utilise Leftovers

Even if you don’t bulk cook, leftovers are still a thing. It’s much easier to reheat food the next night than it is to cook another meal from scratch, so why not use them up? If we don’t feel like the same meal by night two or three, I just freeze the leftovers. They’re great to have on hand for those busy travel days or if you’re wanting to stretch the budget out and cut the grocery bill down a bit.

Mix it Up with Cheap Meals

Yes, we consider baked beans on toast topped with grated cheese and pepper to be a meal sometimes! Another cheap meal is putting some of those leftovers into toasted sandwiches or adding them into a stew. A bit of leftover meat can be thrown in with rice and whatever veggies are left with some soy sauce and an egg for a basic Fried Rice.

Ditch Disposables

Not only is the elimination of disposables great for the world around us, but it saves quite a bit of money as well. I haven’t bought Glad Wrap or Alfoil in years – I just use containers, jars and beeswax wraps instead. The only cleaners I buy now are detergent and laundry liquid. The rest of the cleaning is done with reusable Norwex cloths. Get a good water filter on your tap and invest in a stainless steel drink bottle to replace bottled water. There is a solution for every disposable item once you start looking.

Another little grocery bill saver is with a little DIY. Making things from scratch will save you money if you’re that way inclined. For me, I like to make my own deodorant, rather than buying it. I also opt for straight out coconut oil as a moisturiser, which saves having to buy expensive creams.

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I wouldn’t say that our weekly fuel costs were neither low nor high, but somewhere in between. What I can tell you is that travelling slower is the key to keeping that cost down. It’s simple mathematics that the further you are travelling each week, the more fuel you’ll be going through.

Not everyone is in a situation where travelling slow is an option. I know many people are on a year-long quest to do the Big Lap, in which case, travelling slow just isn’t going to work. The cost of fuel is without a doubt one of the biggest additions to your travel Australia budget costs!

We had chosen to run a Petrol car for a variety of different reasons. Mainly because my partner could easily service, maintain and fix a petrol vehicle (diesels are more technical and specific). Plus, the parts are generally cheaper if things go wrong. Before we made our vehicle choice, we put hours of thought and research into what was the best financial choice for us overall.

Jerry Cans (eBay) →

When we weren’t plugged into power, we went through about one gas bottle per fortnight. That powered our hot water, BBQ, stove top burners and fridge. If we ever found ourselves needing to replace the fridge though, I’d definitely opt for a Compressor Fridge, which would run off the solar.

One tip that reduces gas consumption is to keep the hot water turned off at the switch and only turn it on 10 minutes before showers. This stops the hot water system from continuously heating up all day and night.

If I needed a bit of hot water to wash the dishes, I’d just boil a cup or two in the kettle as it was much quicker than heating up the 30 litres in the hot water system.

ALCOHOL & EATING OUT

We weren’t massive drinkers but certainly couldn’t resist a good Happy Hour here and there. We met some amazing travellers while sharing a yarn and partaking in a cold beverage, which is something we really enjoyed.

Evidently it seems we’re quite the sucker for the old Bakery and Pub Schnitty though. Who knew?!

Maybe I’m just justifying it to myself… or maybe I’m on to something, but we love being able to support those two local businesses. Eating out would certainly not have been something we could have done as often if we weren’t free and low cost camping as much.

Here’s cheers to all the Pub and Bakery owners out there, keeping all of us hungry and thirsty travellers well fed!

Insulated Mugs & Tumblers →

EXPERIENCES

The main experiences that we enjoyed were in Outback Queensland. I ticked off one bucket list item – The Dinosaur Trail . Plus, we also did the QANTAS Founders Museum in Longreach, which was brilliant.

While we were in The Gemfields in Central Queensland, we did a lot of Sapphire Fossicking . We also ferried over to Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville, while in North Queensland.

Besides those big things, we frequented many other local museums and attractions along the way. We always made the most of free activities when they popped up, particularly council run Water Parks.

MAINTENANCE

The ‘Maintenance’ category covers not only servicing, but also tools, parts and other things that needed to be done to both the Patrol and the caravan during the year.

Here’s a look at what maintenance tasks popped up for us:

• Two car services (DIY labour, so we only need to pay for parts)
• New Tie Rod ends
• Wheel rotation & alignment
• Indoor/ outdoor car thermometer
• Airbag sleeves
• Car battery
• Water filter & hose fittings
• TV aerial cord
• General tools, parts & supplies
• Car wash costs

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Our only real medical cost while travelling around Australia for the year, was an impromptu visit to a Rockhampton Dentist. A sore tooth resulted in a tooth being pulled out.

Indii also had a hospital visit after getting mild concussion while wrestling with her brother in Townsville. Thankfully hospital visits are free in this country!

RELATED POSTS: ◆ Travelling First Aid Kit → ◆ Travelling Ambulance Cover →

Dominic and Indii were Home Educated, which didn’t cost anything as such. We still had some workbooks to get through from the year before, so we only needed a couple of extra ones to kick start the year.

When due to get some more, I hit up Officeworks, Kmart, Big W and the like for relevant Maths and English books. We picked up reading books and educational games from Op Shops along the way, the rest was learnt through hands-on experience.

ON-ROAD BILLS

The ‘Bills’ category was the second biggest expense, coming in just behind ‘Groceries.’ Insurances were one of the mains costs, but making sure we were properly insured was not something worth skimping on.

Below is a list of all bills that we had, keeping in mind, we sold the house and did’t have anything in storage, so it’s just what we needed to live on the road.

• Car Insurance
• Caravan Insurance
• Car Registration
• Caravan Registration
• Phone #1 ($69/ month postpaid | Telstra | Unlimited calls, sms & data)
• Phone #2 ($35/ month prepaid | Aldi | 26 gb data + unlimited calls, sms)
• We put money aside to cover all servicing & maintenance
• Website costs

MISCELLANEOUS

The ‘Miscellaneous’ category was kinda like that third drawer that collects all of the bits and pieces without a home. Our figure for that year was particularly high ($3,496) because of a last minute trip, where we flew back home to see family and friends.

The other things that fell into the Miscellaneous this category:

• Op Shopping
• Gifts & souvenirs
• Post office
• Fishing bait
• Replacing the flogged out camp chair – $99 for the cheapest one in the Outback!
• Laptop charger
• Uber and any other random thing that pops up

Keeping Track of Travel Expenses

To keep up with all of our associated fuel and kilometre figures, we used the Fuel Map App .

Every time we put fuel in the car, we logged how many litres of fuel and how much it cost. In turn, the app automatically kept track of how many km’s we’d travelled, how many litres per 100km we were using and how many fuel top-ups we’d had.

It was brilliant, I totally recommend using it!

WALLET APPS/ PEN & PAPER

I knew before we’d even hit the road that I wanted to be tracking our total cost to travel Australia full-time in a caravan. After all, facts and figures can be highly motivating.

I began by trying a few different Wallet Apps, but they all failed to do what I needed. Some linked to my bank account (which I’m highly uncomfortable with) and weren’t categorising the info correctly. For example, it would log Woolworths fuel under ‘Groceries,’ instead of ‘Petrol.’ Too much time ended up being spent editing it all, just to keep on top of the true running costs.

I soon ditched the idea and went back to good ol’ pen and paper. This worked fine for a while, but I knew the notes would be stacking up too quickly before long.

EXPENSE TRACKER SPREADSHEET

Since I couldn’t find what I needed elsewhere, I created an Excel spreadsheet to track my cost of travel around Australia full-time. I included all of the categories relevant to travelling Oz across a 12-month time frame. I spent hours inputted all of the formulas so that everything would automatically tally up as I logged it. Now the numbers-nerd in me was happy.

Then I figured, well if I’m finding this rather useful, surely others could get a lot out of it too. So, I made the spreadsheet available for download and hence, the Expense Tracker was born!

In just 10 months it had easily become our Best Seller . That definitely shows that there are others out there who love to keep track of their own stats!

Here’s where you can download the Travel Expense Tracker Spreadsheet for your own trip.

Planning Your Big Lap Budget

If you’re in the planning stages and want to nut out how much a Big Lap or Road Trip around Australia is going to cost you, download our Big Lap Budget Spreadsheet.

It’s the perfect tool to work you through all expected costs, savings/ income, at home expenses, plus all of your set-up costs.

Final Thoughts

As with every budget write up, there is no one size fits all. Please bear in mind, this is just one family’s cost for one year of full-time travel in Australia. No doubt yours will look different.

Even our own numbers looked vastly different after a second year on the road. There are just so many variables at play.

To be honest, I could have easily cut a few things out if I wanted to (which I didn’t). We could even have lived a bit more luxuriously if we wanted to as well, but we were working to live, not living to work.

This budget layout is merely a snapshot to be used as a helpful tool. It’s an opportunity to see some real costs to help plan your own budget.

What does your travel budget look like? How do you keep track of your own costs and figures? Let us know below in the comments.

Packing Up to Travel Australia

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32 thoughts on “💵 How Much Does it Cost to Travel Around for 12 Months?”

What an amazing account of your planning and annual expenses. This is such a great inspiration to those who love this type of travel. You have really put it into perspective that this is feasible for anyone if they really want it. I applaud you for following your passion. You are providing yourselves with such an enriching experience. And, such a great experience for your children- priceless!

Thank you. I really believe that it can be achievable for most people if they really want to travel Australia for an extended length of time. With the right planning it can be done.

I love your detailed breakdown – thanks for sharing all the numbers. It strikes me that managing and categorising expenses is a big part of cheap/frugal travel living. I find it funny that you never left your home state – but I guess that just says that there’s lots and lots to do in Queensland!

It sure is a part of frugal living, I learnt those skills from when I was a poor student in my early twenties. Queensland is HUGE! We covered over 16,000 km’s and only really looped around half of the state.

We just got back from a one month loop around outback QLD (around 3,500kms) from Townsville, up to Kurumba in the gulf and back through different towns including Longreach and the gemfields ( I’m still sifting my bag of gems lol. I got a handful but small ones). It was amazing. I’d love to have done what you are doing and doing it much slower. We will one day and it was amazing bumping into people you met before hundreds or thousands of kilometres away in another town all doing a similar trip. Thanks for all your advice.

Hi Sue, sounds like an amazing trip! How cool that you’ve still got some gems to go through – we loved sapphire fossicking. I have some small ones that I’ve put into a locket pendant and wear all the time as a keepsake. Meeting like-minded people and bumping into familiar faces along the way is the best. Thanks for checking out our blog and safe travels in the future.

Well, you turned the myth that ‘travelling is expensive’ on its head. Impressive figures here, showing that one can save in so many different ways. Not that I would mind the extra frill 🙂

Haha I don’t mind a bit of extra frill here and there too 😉

That’s a brilliant and detailed insight into life on the road. Aus can be expensive for things like food (my mum was an ex-pat in Addie) but you’ve stretched your grocery budget until it squeaked. And with someone gluten-free too! As a coeliac, I know that can be expensive.

I love how you got to the point where you decided it was time to go. We can all wait for the perfect time, and sometimes that time is now. And what an adventure it must have been and will continue to be. Wishing you lots more happy miles!

Australia can definitely be an expensive country to live in. It’s kinda like we have no choice being all the way over here on our own. There were some really tough moments being GF on the road where I just wasn’t organised enough, so I’ve had a few lessons there along the way.

We could have been prepping forever, but got so over it. It was time to just bite the bullet.

So awesome that you traveled around Australia for a year in a caravan. This detailed budget report was so interesting. I always wondered what the costs would be like to live on the road. I actually was surprised at the total as I actually thought it would have been cheaper. I also am impressed that you kept track of all your expenses for an entire year.

Haha yeah tracking it all for a year takes commitment. There are definitely people doing it cheaper and some spending much more. As with everything in life, the variables are far and wide.

Such an awesome and very detailed post chock full of useful information and insight. You have fully embraced the travel nomadic lifestyle, good for you. But even better for your family. I know one family that picked up, sold their house, bought a sailboat (hey, a caravan is a land yacht) and headed off to see the world. It was a life-altering experience for them and for their children. The sort of education and upbringing you simply cannot get in a school house immersed in only books and theory.

Man, I couldn’t even imagine doing it in a yacht. But I am more of a land-dweller. I can see how it would be have been such a fantastic experience for that family. You certainly do learn so much more through life than you possibly can do through books within four walls.

Congratulations on completing a year out on the road, that is something we are looking forward to be doing later on. The pie chart was a touch of genius and gave a very quick understanding of how the money flows. Also thank you for all the individual tips you included under the different sections, ready pointers like these help future travelers and gives them a lot of confidence 🙂

Thanks so much for having a read of our budget break-down Mohana. It really does become useful data and seeing where the money flows I think is extremely important when understanding your own financials. Knowledge is power 🙂

That’s a great breakdown on costs. Aus is expensive especially on fuel and food in the outback but there are ways to keep costs down. We lived in Aus for a year but we worked and did shorter trips but still quite long with one from Melbourne to Darwin and Brisbane to Cairns!

It sure can be an expensive country to travel! But there are definitely ways to save a bit of money and keep the dream alive a bit longer. Melbourne to Darwin and Brissy to Cairns are huge trips! It’s a big country.

Good for you for embarking on your journey, even though you didn’t have the funds you were aiming for. It seems you’ve found ways to be very resourceful and budget carefully – – good tips for keeping food costs down. I could do a much better job of tracking travel expenses, so I’ll take a look at the Expense Tracker.

Hi Cindy. Yes being resourceful is such a great skill to have and luckily I learnt a lot about that in my younger years!

I just loved reading this as I love life in a camper! (Dream!) The map shows just how huge Australia is! The details around the budgeting are super interesting to read. How great that there is free camping to reduce the overall daily budget from time to time. Love how you have developed an app to suit your needs and those of others. Happy Travels.

Thanks Alison. Free Camping in Australia is just amazing. Really, pulling up on a piece of dirt or grass should be free anywhere in the world in my opinion. After all, it’s everyone’s planet. The Expense Tracker is not quite an App, but rather a spreadsheet ;).

I absolutely love how thorough a post this was. My goodness! I’m absolutely impressed that you left with $2500 in-hand! That’s so brave! I don’t have the skill to pick up the same sort of work as your husband, but I am able to pick up freelance writing work and the like. I’ve often extended vacations that way!

What a lucky life for your girls too! My goodness! If I could go back in time, I’d raise my children much the same way! As for the compressor stove, have you considered seeing if you could get sponsorship? Maybe write some sellers of the product, or the product manufacturer and show them this amazing post, then sell the older stove so that it’s not wasted?

Lastly, are you ever in one place long enough to get Amazon deliverys? If you are, I usually get my beeswax sheets for free. If you look up Amazon Deal and Code sites on Facebook, that’s one of the items that sellers are often looking to give away to get their position up further in search results.

Anyway, I’ll be bookmarking this. I’m in the US, but still, there’s so much useful information in this post… SOO Much!

Hey Cathy, I’m so grateful that Allan is able to pick up work along the way, I don’t think we’d be able to live this way if he couldn’t. Freelance writing is definitely a great way to help fund the travels, I’ve done a bit of that myself.

It’s actually the fridge that we’d get compressor-style if we could. It’s definitely possible to look into sponsorship to get it changed, we might possibly look into that in the future.

We can easily get mail delivered. I didn’t know about the free beeswax wraps. Thank you, I’ll definitely have to look into that! At the moment I’ve got a nice stash of some that Mum bought for me for my birthday. They are great, love them!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post!

Hi there, great information for those of us planning to do a loop in the not too distant future. How many people are you feeding?

Hi Anna, we’re feeding 4 (2 adults and 2 primary aged kids).

A very good read, we aren’t proposing to do a big lap but travel to Darwin via Uluru. We will get the Fuel Map App and Expense Tracker, I’m a figures person also, thank you and safe travels to you.

Hi Margaret, thanks so much for having a read. That sounds like a really Aussie trip to take, it’ll be loads of fun. We definitely recommend the Fuel Map App and Expense Tracker if you’re a numbers person, they both make life much easier when it comes to recording and tallying up figures.

What caravan did u buy and why

Hi Jason, after many months of research we ended up deciding on the Jayco Starcraft Outback bunk van (23 ft). We love and haven’t had any problems with it, besides the usual wear and tear type stuff. You can see the full run down if you click on ‘OUR SET-UP’ at the top of the page.

How many kilometres did you do in the 12 months

Hi Jenny, our total distance travelled is 16,204 km’s.

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Sydney Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Sydney?

How much does a weekend trip to sydney cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to Sydney cost?
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The Cost of a Trip to Sydney

Typically, the daily expenses for a trip to Sydney for one person fall between $96 and $880, while for two people, it can range from $191 to $1,761. These price ranges are based on the average daily cost of $274 (AU$421) which is calculated from the expenses of previous travelers. These numbers include expenses for food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on your overall travel style, level of luxury, and the activities you choose. If you book standard hotels, eat at typical restaurants, and take in the main attractions, your budget should stay close to this average cost. Below, we provide a breakdown of travel expenses by category, as well as a general price range for accommodation and activities for your visit. Please bear in mind that individual attractions and hotels may vary in price, although they generally adhere to the price ranges discussed in this article.

If you're considering an independent trip to Sydney, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $96 (AU$147) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $274 (AU$421) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $880 (AU$1,351), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Sydney from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Sydney .

Travelers spend, on average, $823 per person on a three-day trip to Sydney. This includes sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. You can stick close to this average price by staying at mid-range hotels and eating at mid-level restaurants, while also paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. If you wish to travel cheaper, it's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities. It's also common for many visitors to have a much higher travel budget, as many high-end hotels and restaurants can be found around town.

How much does a five day trip to Sydney cost?

With five days in Sydney, you can expect to spend about $1,372 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Sydney cost?

Most visitors spend between $670 and $6,163 for a one week trip to Sydney, with the average being $1,921 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Sydney. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hostel Prices in Sydney

With more than 50 hostels in Sydney, the average price is $25 per night for a dorm bed. The cheapest hostel costs $1 and the most expensive is $42. Usually popular with younger travelers, hostels are a great way to save money while also being social. But not all hostels are the same, and we've analyzed the prices of both dorms and private rooms to find the average prices and best places to stay. You can see more details about the hostel prices in Sydney here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Sydney.

• $26 for a dorm bed at Wake Up! Sydney Central in Sydney more details
• $25 for a dorm bed at Wake Up! Bondi Beach in Sydney more details
• $31 for a dorm bed at The Village Surry Hills in Sydney more details

Hotel Prices in Sydney

The average price for a hotel room in Sydney is $96 per night. This average is based on our detailed analysis of available hotels in the area. If you want to save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by location and amenities. You can see more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Sydney here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Valentine On George

Best western casula motor inn.

Should you do a tour in Sydney?

You'll find a wide range of guided tours in Sydney and many visitors enjoy the convenience of having an expert guide leading them through the chosen activity. Tours range in price from $22 for the Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour to $425 for the Sydney Highlights and Beaches Full Day Private Tour .

• Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems Viator $ 293
• Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems: $293
• Private Blue Mountains Tour with Kangaroo and Koala Experience: $242
• Flying Fox Experience, Thousands of Australia's Largest Bat: $46
• Sydney Half Day Private Tour: $278
• Our Best Hidden Harbour Beaches Tour: $98
• Ultimate Blue Mountains and Wildlife Tour: $199
• Beautiful Sydney Harbour Breakfast Kayaking Tour: $127
• Sydney Harbour, surf beaches and national park private tour: $216

More for Sydney

If you're planning a trip to Sydney, Australia, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

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Complete Breakdown of Australia Backpacking Budget: Everything You Need To Know!

Posted on Last updated: February 1, 2023

Australia is one of my favourite places in the world as I’ve visited four times, travelled all around and through the country and even lived in Sydney for two years, working as a hostel receptionist and travel agent. Over the years though, I’ve seen the country change a lot and especially when it comes to estimating your Australia backpacking budget, the prices have changed SO MUCH since I first visited in 2006.

One of the most often asked questions that still land in my inbox are: How much money do I need for Australia? And I find this perhaps the most difficult to answer!

Besides the fact that we haven’t been living in Australia since 2013, our general knowledge about living, working and travelling here is getting a bit outdated as well. On top of that, there are so many different ways in which you can travel Australia, the amount of money you need will depend on a lot of factors.

But, I’ve taken a bit of time to update this entire post with tips on backpacking Australia budgets for you, and I hope it helps you prepare for your next trip!

AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING BUDGET PER MONTH FOR BACKPACKERS

How much to allocate to your  backpack Australia budget? Keep reading and have the best time backpacking through Australia!

As you can see from what I just wrote, whatever way you choose to travel, Australia is a country where you really want to set yourself a budget. It’s very expensive to travel here, so you really don’t want to overspend too much if you can prevent it!

Below, I’ve created a bit of a budget planning for you, based on the way I travelled myself in 2006: 3 months of backpacking Australia alone and 2008 (with my brother for 2 months). Both times I stayed in (not always the best) hostels in Australia and used public transport and a couple of organized tours in the more remote areas. I tried to cook myself where possible (easier when you’re travelling with others than when alone) and went for budget Australia ‘backpacker meals’ where available.

Of course, I’ve tried my best to give you the updated prices for Australia for a month costs (2018), but always check the linked websites to find a more accurate estimate. I hope you enjoy this extensive backpacking Australia guide!

Backpacking Australia Route: Itinerary Suggestion

I’ll add up the costs from my trip in 2006 at the bottom of this post, because that was for the most part a ‘typical’ backpacking route Australia:

10 days SYDNEY (Bit long, most people would stay around 3-5 days) 5 days TAMWORTH (I did a Jackaroo/Jillaroo Cowboy course, it was AMAZING) 2 days BRISBANE (Some people love it here, I didn’t see it) 5 days BYRON BAY (Loved it here! Hippies & Surfers everywhere.) 5 days SURFERS PARADISE (Bit long, but we had a good group, 2-3 days should be plenty) 2 days BRISBANE (In transit) 4 days NOOSA (If you surf, you probably want to stay longer, it’s your last chance on the East Coast really nice place!) 5 days FRASER ISLAND (3 Day tour + 1 day before and 1 day after) 6 days AIRLIE BEACH (Including 3 day Whitsunday Sailing ) 4 days MAGNETIC ISLAND (Some people go to Mission Beach to skydive, I liked Magnetic for the quiet time and hiking!) 7 days CAIRNS / GREAT BARRIER REEF / CAPE TRIBULATION (Perfect time for all of this) 6 days DARWIN (Including 3 Day tour to Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park , unmissable!) 13 days ALICE SPRINGS + ULURU / AYERS ROCK + GREAT OCEAN ROAD TO MELBOURNE  (11 Day Tour + 2 days in Alice Springs ) 3 days MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY  (Organised tour) 4 days SYDNEY  (bonus!)

For your Australia travel budget, think about all the Unique once-in-a-lifetime Experiences you want to have!

Total Australian Budget Planner (Estimate)

Back then, I spend around AUS $ 6800 for almost three months of travel (that is around GBP £ 3726, EUR € 4276 or USD $ 5295) in current conversion, but I know that prices went up a LOT for accommodation, transport and activities, so I would take that as the absolute mini-minimum if you’re planning to do a similar trip. If you can round your savings up with 1000-1500 AUS Dollar on top of this, then you should be ‘safe’, but again, it’s just a (very rough) estimate.

If you compare 1 Australian Dollar to exchange rates of other currencies the years I visited (2006, 2008, 2011-2013, 2017), this is what they did over time:

• GBP £ 0.42 > £ 0.47 > £ 0.65 – £ 0.67 > £ 0.60 and now £ 0.55
• EUR € 0.60 > € 0.59 > € 0.74 -€ 0.79  > € 0.71 and now € 0.63
• USD $ 0.74 > $ 0.93 > $ 1.05 – $ 1.03 > $ 0.76 and now $ 0.78

Interesting to see, right? No wonder we got such few visitors when we lived there, but budget travel Australia is possible, don’t worry! Below I’ll try to give you a further break-down of what that money I spend went to exactly. Again, it’s just an estimate and really depends on where you go to and what your travel style is!

Backpacking Tips Australia: Hug a Koala! It’s 100% Worth the Money!

Australia Budget Break-Down

Cost of travel in australia: accommodation.

In Australia, there is a big choice in types of accommodation: you can go from budget hostels to luxury hotels, spend time on (free) camp sites or even spend some days or even your entire road trip sleeping in a car or camper van. What’s your preference?

The average price for a budget backpackers hostel Australia is AUS $ 30-35 per night in a 6-8 shared dorm (a bit less in low season, around AUS $ 20-25 perhaps). Bigger (luxury) hostels can go up to about AUS $ 40-50 a night. Also, the further away from the big cities you get, the cheaper a dorm room will be. In the North and West, it shouldn’t be too hard to find beds for about AUS $ 20-25 per night.

Also note that the smaller your room is, the more expensive it will be. On average, Australia hostels offer rooms for 10(+) people, 8, 6, 4, 3 and private rooms (doubles, twins or singles). For a private room, calculate about AUS $ 60–120 per night. Of course when you’re looking for private rooms, also check hotel and Airbnb prices, as they even might be cheaper.

[AUS $ 30 x about 50 days (the rest of my nights were included in tours) = AUS $ 1500 for 3 months travel]

• Hostelworld – www.hostelworld.com
• Booking.com – www.booking.com
• Airbnb – www.airbnb.com

Budget travel to Australia – Staying in a Hostel – Are you ready for the mess? This is such a typical Youth Hostel Australia!

Cost to Travel around Australia with Public Transport

I often get asked ‘how much does it cost to travel around Australia?’ Well, depending on how long you’re travelling for, you have to choose between self-drive, taking an organized tour or travel by bus.

Backpacking Australia East Coast is easiest when it comes to using public transport, as they have regular services with bus companies like Greyhound & Premier, but the other parts of the country your best option is probably to either rent a car/van or go on a group tour. Of course you can do this as well on the East coast, bus the bus is cheapest.

I went backpacking the East Coast of Australia with the Greyhound Bus, on a “Mini Traveller Pass” from Sydney to Cairns. This costs around AUS $ 450 and is valid for 90 days. This was super convenient, as you can get off and on when you want, total freedom!

[AUS $ 450 for 90 days = AUS $ 450 / AUS $ 150 per month in australia]

• Premier Motor Service –  www.premierms.com.au
• Greyhound Australia –  www.greyhound.com.au

How much money to travel Australia you need mostly depends on your own personal travel style…

Australia on a Budget: Renting a Car

If you are looking into renting a car to go driving around Australia on a budget, we had a great experience with a company called “Spaceships”. Especially in low season, there should still be some cheap deals with them, but in general they have a great price/quality. The cars have a bed in them, so they work out cheaper than renting a car + staying in a hostel/hotel. A similar company is Jucy.

• Spaceships –  www.spaceshipsrentals.com.au
• Jucy –  www.jucy.com.au

We didn’t have such a good experience with Britz, so won’t recommend them. And we heard bad things about Wicked Campervans as well, just for your information, but here are the links anyways:

• Britz – www.britz.com.au
• Wicked Campers – www.wickedcampers.com.au

Other options are:

• Apollo Campers –  www.apollocamper.com
• Mighty Campers – www.mightycampers.com.au
• Hippie Campers – www.hippiecamper.com
• Travellers Autobarn –  www.travellers-autobarn.com.au

You can also check out “Compare Campervan Hire” ( www.comparecampervanhire.com ), a site that have built a site for travellers to compare leading rental brands and save money on their rental. 85% of the time they are cheaper than anyone else on the internet, so it’s a great option for budget travellers & backpackers.

Car rental in Australia is not cheap, think around $50 per day as an absolute minimum for a small car (not the Spaceships/Jucy vans!) and then you still have to pay for fuel, which is also very pricey. If you can travel with others and share the costs, that would make a huge difference.

For backpacking Western Australia, you don’t really need a 4-wheel drive, only if you’re planning to go onto the beach (tip: DON’T – you will get stuck and you won’t be happy, like us, haha), the Pinnacles Dessert is fine with a normal car as are national parks like Karijini and Kalbarri . Usally you park in the front and go further on foot.

You do need a 4-wheel drive for the part between The Kimberly’s and Darwin , but I would personally recommend to do a tag-along 4-wheel drive tour for that, as this road is very, very rough and known to make backpackers cry. For backpacking East Coast Australia, the only 4-wheel drive you would need is on Fraser Island and for anything north of Cape Tribulation , but this last one is a bit off the normal tourist track, so you probably won’t go there. For Fraser, I recommend going on a tour, they are more fun anyways!

• Fraser’s on Rainbow Beach – www.frasersonrainbow.com/…/frasers-on-rainbow-3-day-tag-along-tour
• Fraser Dingo 4WD Hire – www.fraserdingo4wdhire.com.au/tag-along-tours-fraser-island
• Nomads Fraser Island Tours – www.nomadsfraserisland.com/tours

Backpacking Australia Tips to Buying a Car

Buying a car in Australia would only really be a good idea if you’re looking to travel longer than 2-3 months with it. First of all, it takes a while to find a good car, as there are a LOT of bad ones around (we can tell you all about that!), which you’ll only really know if you have the time to take it to a proper mechanic for a check, a test drive…and then you still have to be lucky. Most hostels will have these boards or folders where backpackers leave a copy of their advert for selling their cars, but don’t expect the best car of the world to be in there, they have been handed down from traveller to traveller, so any serious work hasn’t been done on them.

If anything goes wrong while you’re on the road (we broke down every other day, but we were VERY unlucky I guess), you have to spend extra time in a place to get it fixed, which can be quite costly and is really quite stressful, especially if you’re short on time (1,5 months sounds long, in Australia it isn’t, trust me). If you rent a car, the company will always have their mechanics and even spare cars to help you out and you can drop them off pretty much anywhere. If it’s your own car, you wait and you pay, simple as that.

When you’ve finished you’re trip, returning the car to the rental place is easy (just a quick car wash works like a miracle), but when you’re trying to sell a car, this can take days to (probably more realistic) weeks. We actually didn’t manage to sell our car at all in the end and sold it back to Travellers Autobarn (where we bought it) for not even half the price we bought it. This place is literally the worst place to buy a car if you ask us now, but unfortunately there just aren’t that many options and you never have that much time to do thorough research, and they know it.

When you travel around June-August, realize that this is Winter time in Australia, so low season and there will be a lot less tourists around to buy the car from you in the end. That time waiting anxiously to sell your time can be much better spend, I’m sure!

Whitsunday Islands – A Must See When Backpacking Around Australia!

Organized Backpacking Tours Australia

How much money do you need to travel to Australia when you want to do organized tours?  There are a couple of 3-day tours that you probably definitely want to do in Australia, such as: Fraser Island 4WD Safari , Whitsunday Island Sailing Trip, Kakadu National Park Visit and the Uluru/Ayers Rock and  Kata Tjuta Tour . The average cost to travel to Australia with these kind of tours are around AUS $ 400-500 in average for the 3 days.

Booking multiple tours can give a discount in most cases and you can count on wanting to do them all (I did, for sure!)

[AUS $ 400 x 3 (one of these tours was part of a bigger tour for me, which I’ll include below) = AUS $ 1200]

Overland Tours: a good place to spend your travel money Australia

Between the sections Darwin to Alice Springs, Alice Springs to Adelaide, Adelaide to Melbourne and Melbourne to Sydney, I travelled with a company called ‘Adventure Tours’ over the different years that I visited. These tours are quite pricey (a bit more than above tours), as they include everything from accommodation to food, a tour guide, national park fees and most activities.

In 2006, the trip that I’m using to calculate this budget for you, I did a tour from Alice Springs to Melbourne and then another from Melbourne back to Sydney. Back then, these tours were a LOT cheaper than now, I think I paid around AUS $ 1150 for the 11-day first part and then AUS $ 400  for the 3-day second part, so about AUS $ 1550 for the whole trip of 14 days (AUS $ 111/day).

When I check their website now, I see a 10-day trip from Alice Springs to Melbourne for AUS $ 1470 and no more trips from Melbourne to Sydney (but price-wise, their 3-day trip from Adelaide to Melbourne is around AUS $ 680, so in total you would pay AUS $ 2150 for a similar trip I did in terms of travel days now), yeah, prices sure have gone up!

[14-day trip around AUS $ 2150]

We had great experiences with group tours in Australia, the country is really well set up for that with tours suited for all types of travellers. You get a knowledgeable guide, groups are small and usually they also sort out your food and accommodation, especially in the more remote places. You get to see all the highlights without any hassle, so perfect if you’re short on time or just want to cover as much ground as you can.

Check out the following tour companies for itineraries and prices:

• Adventure Tours –  www.adventuretours.com.au
• Gadventures –  www.gadventures.com/destinations/oceania
• OZ Experience – www.ozexperience.com
• Groovy Grape Tours – www.groovygrape.com.au
• Topdeck Travel –  www.topdeck.travel/destinations/australia-new-zealand
• LOKA Travel (part of Stray) –  www.loka.travel

All these companies usually also have smaller 1-3 day tours if you just want to use them to visit Kakadu National Park or take an Outback tour or something like that.

A cowboy course was high on my list of things I didn’t mind to spend money on from my travel Australia budget

Backpacking Australia: Leconfield Jackaroo/Jillaroo School

As I mentioned briefly above, I did a 5-day ‘cowboy course’ when I was in Australia and loved it! I definitely always include this experience in my backpacking in Australia tips to friends and family, because not many people have heard of this!

In the course of a week (or 11 days if you’re hardcore), you get to learn everything that comes with working on a farm, from herding and shearing sheep to mustering cows and fixing fences. It included accommodation and food for the week. I can’t remember what I paid back then, but if I check their website they ask AUS $ 695 now. They also have a 11-day course that’s AUS $ 900.

[5-day course AUS $ 695]

• Leconfield 5-Day Course – www.leconfield.com
• Leconfield 11-Day Course – www.leconfieldjackaroo.com

Tips for Backpacking Australia: Learn how to Sheer a Sheep :D

Travel in Australia: Domestic Flights

Domestic flights may sound expensive, but Australia is HUGE (it’s a whole continent!) and so you should really consider getting domestic flights with Australia budget airlines to some destinations and do a shorter tour around them instead of going for the more expensive overland tours. Check prizes on budget airlines Australia such as:  Jetstar , Qantas , Virgin or TigerAir .

You can roughly count (for one way flights with Jetstar) on:

Sydney – Melbourne = AUS $ 50 – 100 Sydney – Brisbane = AUS $ 75 – 125 Sydney – Adelaide = AUS $ 90 – 140 Sydney – Cairns = AUS $ 130 – 185 Cairns – Darwin = AUS $ 200 – 400 Sydney – Darwin = AUS $ 175 – 220 Alice Springs – Adelaide (Qantas) = AUS $ 250- 450 Sydney – Alice Springs (Qantas) = AUS $ 350 – 550

[about AUS $ 500 for 2 flights I used = AUS $ 500]

What’s at the top of your list of experiences to have while backpacking in Australia? 

Budget Meals Australia: Food & Drinks

How much money do you need to travel Australia? That also depends on your daily spending habits! Some people go out dining and clubbing every night, others cook themselves and read a book at night. What is your favourite way to travel?

You will spend around AUS $ 15-25 per day on food (B/L/D) in a basic restaurant. Whether you go out or cook yourself when you travel alone, I found that usually you’ll spend about the same, because you can’t really buy anything in bulk or keep things cooled when you’re not staying in the same place longer than 3 days.

Some hostels have free breakfasts, but often they aren’t that great, so don’t get your hopes up. But if you’re really going for the cheap wins, then they are great of course.

A good tip to save money on food is to have a bigger lunch and a smaller dinner, as there are many places offering AUS $ 5-10 lunches! Cooking with multiple people in the hostel in Australia can also bring down the cost on food and of course if you’re in one place longer, you can also save money here for sure.

The real way to save money on things you consume in Australia are however (sorry)… your alcoholic drinks. Don’t be mistaken: alcohol in Australia is a LOT more expensive than in Europe or the US. Beers start at AUS $ 7 a pint (but can go as far as AUS $12 or more!), a glass of wine is often AUS $ 6-8, and a cocktail will often cost more than AUS $15.  We found that even alcohol in the liquor store is super expensive, so there really isn’t much ‘drinking in’ happening before you go out, like we often do in The Netherlands with friends.

[AUS $ 20 x about 50 days (on tours, food is included) = AUS $ 1000]

Supermarkets / Places to get Groceries in Australia are:

• Woolworths –  www.woolworths.com.au
• Coles – www.coles.com.au
• IGA –  www.iga.com.au
• Foodworks – www.foodworks.com.au
• Harris Farm – www.harrisfarm.com.au

Budget Travel in Australia: There are a lot of Activities you can do for Free!

Travelling Australia on a Budget: Activities

Count on AUS $ 40-70 for ‘simple activities’, such as visiting the aquarium or a wildlife park, going on a day trip to the Blue Mountains , take surf lessons or go on a snorkel trip, etc. I did about 10 of these activities in the 3 months of travel. The only activities really that I didn’t do was skydiving (did that later in New Zealand ) and deep sea diving (can’t do it with my asthma), but other than that, I did pretty much all the activities backpackers do on the East Coast.

[average of AUS $ 55 x 10 = AUS $ 550]

Of course, if you really want to travel Australia on a budget, choose activities that are free! In all major cities there are gorgeous parks to have a picnic, there are beaches everywhere along Australia’s coast, often with BBQ facilities for you to use, you can do coastal walks, hikes in one of the hundreds of National Parks, or simply stroll over one of the local markets. Also, many museums and galleries have free entry on certain days of the week, so make sure to check their websites out and save big!

Book your tours here:

• PeterPans Adventure Travel Australia –  www.peterpans.com
• STA Travel Australia – www.statravel.com.au/australasia-tours
• Also check all the tour companies that I mentioned under ‘organized tours’!

Check GetYourGuide for fun activities to add to your travelling Australia budget:

Travel in Australia on a budget: Save on Transport & Accommodation, Spend it on Experiences!

Total Travelling in Australia Budget for 3 Months

Here is the total Australian budget breakdown for you, so you have a pretty good guess of how much would it cost to travel to Australia as a backpacker for 3 months (and shorter can be found below):

Accommodation AUS $ 30 x 50 days = AUS $ 1500 Transport AUS $ 450 for 90 days = AUS $ 450 3-Day Tours AUS $ 400 x 3 times = AUS $ 1200 14-Day Organised Tour AUS $ 2150 x 1 time = AUS $ 2150 Leconfield Jackaroo/Jillaroo School AUS $ 695 x 1 time = AUS $ 695 Domestic Flights AUS $ 500 x 2 times = AUS $ 500 Food & Drinks AUS $ 20 x 50 days = AUS $ 1000 Activities AUS $ 55 x 10 = AUS $ 550

TOTAL = AUS $ 8045 (that is around GBP £ 4409, EUR € 5059 or USD $ 6264)

This comes for about 80 days to around AUS $ 100 of Australia spending money per day (that is around GBP £ 55, EUR € 63 or USD $ 78)

Don’t forget to add any additional costs you make, such as the cost of traveling to Australia with an international flight, gear you might have to buy (backpack, shoes, clothing), insurance , souvenirs you buy, any alcohol you might consume, getting a SIM card for your phone, etc.

Travel Cost Calculator Australia: 

How much spending money for Australia 2 weeks?

For a 2 weeks in Australia budget, I would set aside a minimum of AUS $ 1400.

How much spending money for Australia for 3 weeks?

For a 3 weeks in Australia budget, I would set aside a minimum of AUS $ 2100.

Total Cost to travel Australia for a month?

For a 4 weeks in Australia budget, I would set aside a minimum of AUS $ 2800.

See more Australia Tours on Get Your Guide :

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How much does it Cost to Travel to Australia? Ask the Experts!

Here are a few other travel blogs with tips on budgets for Australia, perhaps that’s helpful for you as well:

• yTravel Blog – www.ytravelblog.com/travel-australia-budget  (One of the best Australia travel blogs!)
• Backpacker Banter – www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/budget-for-a-month-in-Australia
• Nomadic Matt – www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/the-cost-of-traveling-oz
• Rocky Travel – www.rockytravel.net/blog/the-cost-of-travelling-australia  (Also one of the best travel blogs Australia!)
• Where’s Mollie – www.wheresmollie.com/…/budgeting-backpacking-australia
• A Globe Well Travelled –  www.aglobewelltravelled.com/…/backpacking-australia-much-cost
• Pommie’s Travels –  www.pommietravels.com/how-much-do-i-need-to-budget-for-backpacking-in-australia
• Phenomenal Globe – www.phenomenalglobe.com/australia-travel-budget
• Drink Tea, Travel –  www.drinkteatravel.com/travel-australia-on-a-budget

THIS INNOVATIVE CARRY ON BACKPACK WAS MADE TO SPARK JOY!

How to Use the Clever Konmari Folding Method for Travel

All and all, I hope that this little budget planner Australia can help you a bit further in making your Australia adventure dream come true. If you’re still not sure on what to do, I can tell you not to worry and just travel to Australia, talk to people in the hostel when you arrive and ask what they recommend in terms of transport and accommodation.

Also make sure talk to the people at the travel desk that most hostels have around the country, they know the best deals around at the moment and can get you a sweet deal. Or perhaps you’ll meet people right away who already have a car that you can travel with, or go on a backpacker tours Australia together, you never know! Be open to change and I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

As you can see, travel to Australia on a budget is going to be hard, as things are expensive, but with this Australia travel guide and budget overview you should be able to make conscious choices on what you want to spend your money on! Any questions? Let me know below.

KEEP ON READING:

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Finding a Job in Australia

Travel Collage Australia : 10 Top Sights Not To Skip on Your Next Trip

10 Bucket List Ideas to Complete in Sydney , Australia

Hostel Membership Cards in Australia

Car or Public Transport in Australia?

Wednesday 13th of March 2019

I learned something new from your blog, maybe I am naive, but I didn’t know that Australia grows wine. I guess I always thought of it being dry or desert-like.

Thursday 28th of February 2019

Australia is a great place to visit and every one have this experience at least once. Thank you for the informative post.

Tuesday 1st of May 2018

All pictures are so beautiful. So lovely post.

Nienke Krook

Thursday 3rd of May 2018

Thanks Aneezy!

Ryan Biddulph

Friday 27th of April 2018

Great pic with the koala Nienke and REALLY good breakdown! Being in NZ now, although Oz and Kiwi land are more expensive than most lands for travel, budget routes exist. We have been house sitting here. Save 2 weeks Air B and B's coming up, we'll have spent 2 and a half months house sitting, paying zero in rent. Thanks for the rocking share!

Thanks Ryan, House sitting is a great tip! Never done it, but it must definitely save costs!

Wednesday 25th of April 2018

So Lovely Post. It’s really helpfull and informative type post.

Thursday 26th of April 2018