australia trip cost from usa

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

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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 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!

Related Articles on Australia 🇦🇺 30 Incredible Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia 🐠 Nerves and Nausea Over the Great Barrier Reef 🥑 Fitzroy is Home to the Best Brunches Ever 🦘 Tasmania Is Incredible And You Should Go There Now

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

Find cheap flights to Australia from $337

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 6/22. 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 43m, covering a distance of 8808 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 $113 one-way, and $274 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 $701.

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 (29%) and Brisbane (10%). Searches for flights to Perth (4%), to Adelaide (2%) and to Coolangatta (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 staff and crew on board were excellent. Business class however, was very weird. I thought we would have individual pods, but the way it was set up was unexpected. Not very private and If you wanted to lay down, you had to have an entire bed made up for you by the crew, rather than how Delta one works where you could just lie down whenever you feel like it. It was a 16 hour flight. I chose not to have my bed made, and that turned out to be a good idea because everybody who had their bed made had to wait for the crew to roll up their mattresses. So strange!

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.

Comfortable as one can get in Economy, food was very good, staff were super friendly & efficient.

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.

Following a marathon flight riddled by delays and changes from Santiago, Chile, my flight to Melbourne from Sydney was on schedule but I was transferred to the next flight. The reason by ticketing and the floor manager was I missed the entry to flight by one minute! That's right, the emphasised that if I was 1 minute earlier I would be on the flight. I asked what was the point them emphasising 1minute overdue and how that helped me or the situation. They didn't care at all. Replying that if it was one minute earlier they would've done something and smirking delivering the information. Australian's do call Australia home, Qantas calls Australian's suckers.

Rescheduled after ticket purchased and issued, not 2 or 3 times and not a fourth but by 5 times, by Qantas, that's right, 5 changes! Forcing an overnight stay in Chile and need for visa. Qantas can no longer provide basic services as a national or international service provider. Professionalism is extinct and the provider needs to be mentored and educated in perfecting who to operate as an airline. Qantas is the spirit of Australian dissatisfaction.

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.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

I just wrote a text which was supposed to be for the flight from Denver to spokane not Frankfurt to Denver.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

Hated every minute of it. This flight should have only taken 1.5hrs but was delayed over 10hours. Now I am being told I cannot be compensated or refunded my ticket price or extra leg room, which I purchased but did not receive, because the airline is throwing the blame on the 3rd party I purchased tickets through and 3rd party putting the blame on airline. No one wants to help. They received their money and that's all they care about. Im going on 3 days of still trying to get to my final destination, had to cancel car rental, car insurance and hotel. Currently staying in airport until hotels open up. Thank you Lufthansa, Kayak, Underpricer and United for making this trip the worst ever.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

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.

Cabin crew were great. Seats are criminal for tall people

Flight was delayed 1.5 hrs due to problem with a previous flight to mine; I was informed appropriately via Text & Email, however, website did not keep up with messages sent by nearly an hour. When checking-in warm & friendly reception at check-in desk until female Air Canada Rep noticed my flight number and instantly pivoted to a condescending & sarcastic comments about getting my bag checked in since I’m running so late; then tone instantly changed again few minutes later when she muttered, “Oh, they’ve delayed it” another sign systems & worse front line staff, not fully informed or simply not reading their flight status updates. Flight crew were very friendly & did a great job trying to make up lost time due to the delay.

It was great, love the experience and will definitely recommend 👌. Communication was great

My flight was great! Gate attendants and crew were great… pleasant and in good spirits. Flight delayed several hours and we were well informed of the status while on plane. Thank you!

The fact that I got to Toronto alive and well and safe is a huge plus. I thank the captain and crew for a safe flight The comfort of the aircraft leaves much to be desired. Human beings should not have to be that cramped and squashed on a flight that we pay a lot for and even have to pay for lousy food choices The cabin crew were pleasant and helpful Kudos to them as the flight was packed to capacity and there was a lot of work for them in a short space of time All in all a good experience, but too cramped

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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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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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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Is Australia Expensive?

• Is Australia expensive?

How expensive is Australia?

How expensive is a one week trip to australia, how expensive is a two week trip to australia.

• How expensive is a one month trip to Australia?

Is it expensive to backpack in Australia?

Are hotels expensive in australia.

• How expensive are activities in Australia?

Is food expensive in Australia?

Is transportation expensive in australia, is australia expensive to visit.

Australia is a moderately priced travel destination. Compared to the rest of the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced country to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of countries in the Pacific for its travel costs, and is comparable to places like New Zealand and French Polynesia.

As this is a very popular country for tourists, you'll find a number of great places in Australia to visit, all at a variety of price ranges. Some of the most expensive places to visit are Melbourne, Fraser Island, and Sydney. If you're looking for lower cost destinations, you can visit places like Torquay, Newcastle, and Cairns.

On average, visitors spend about $163 per day during their visit to Australia (U.S. Dollars). Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Australia here .

A one week trip to Australia costs about $1,139 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $2,277.

Based on the travel expenses of others, a two week trip to Australia costs around $2,277 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $4,554.

How expensive is a month long trip to Australia?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one month trip to Australia will cost around $4,880 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one month trip would cost $9,759.

Australia is a popular backpacker destination with more than 210 hostels around the country. Hostels cost, on average, $24 per night for a dorm. (See hostel prices in Australia here .) In particular, many backpackers head to Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. You'll find the most expensive hostels in Brisbane and Byron Bay, which average $31 and $29 a night. The cheapest hostels are in Perth and Adelaide which average $22 and $21 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Australia.

• $26 for a dorm bed at Wake Up! Sydney Central in Sydney more details
• $26 for a dorm bed at Flinders Backpackers Melbourne in Melbourne more details
• $12 for a dorm bed at Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns in Cairns more details

From our analysis of hotel prices in Australia , we can see that they are moderate in cost and have somewhat average prices compared to other countries. The average rate for a room is approximately $123 per night. Keep in mind that pricing can vary across cities in the country, with places like Noosa Heads commanding a higher average of $394 per night. Conversely, there are more economical options like Brisbane, Perth, and Rockhampton, where hotel prices average around $95, $93, and $83 per night.

Cambridge Cottages

Valentine on george.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Australia?

In Australia, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the country. On average, previous travelers have spent around $31 per day on sightseeing and entertainment.

• Yarra Valley grazing tour with Champagne Brunch at Chandon Viator $ 163
• Yarra Valley grazing tour with Champagne Brunch at Chandon: $163
• Half-Day Jervis Bay Sea Kayak Tour: $92
• Easy Bike Tour - Mt Wellington Summit Descent & Rainforest Ride: $97
• Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch: $177
• Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems: $293
• Sunset Sailing Cruise includes snacks & drinks: $78
• Phillip Island Helicopter Tour: $115
• Bushtucker Cruise: $49

In Australia, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $35 per day on food, per person.

• Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour Viator $ 49
• Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $49
• Chef Jacqui's French Cooking Classes : $144
• Small Group Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet at Bohemian Cafe: $62
• Green Food Kitchen: Vegan/Vegetarian cooking classes : $84
• Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $129
• Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney Harbour - Vivid Dinner Cruise: $144

Local transportation in Australia can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $30 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Expenses for intercity transportation within Australia can vary based on the type of transportation used and the distance traveled. On average, previous travelers have spent $129 per person per day for intercity transit. To save money, it's advisable to choose long-distance buses or trains over air travel. This is generally a more cost-effective choice despite the potential increase in travel time.

More for Australia

If you're planning a trip to 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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Accommodations

Australia attracts all types of travellers, from budget backpackers to luxury travel enthusiasts. As such, there is a wide variety of accommodation options across the popular cities and parts of the country. Now, keep in mind, ‘budget’ is a relative term and what is considered to be cheap in Australia may still end up being more expensive than you hope.

I’ve based my accommodation estimate on a midrange hotel in a large city (Sydney). Keep in mind, smaller towns and areas will likely be cheaper. That said, you should budget about $150 per night for a midrange hotel in Australia.

My preferred booking site is  booking.com  since it lists hotels, apartments, B&B’s, vacation homes and inns. In addition, they price match, and you’re not required to pay until after your stay for almost all accommodations. After five bookings, you become a member of their Genius program, which gets you an extra 10% off on selected properties.

• Find hotels in Sydney
• Find hotels in Melbourne
• Find hotels in Brisbane
• Find Hotels in Perth
• Find Hotels on the Gold Coast
• Find hotels in Darwin
• Find hotels in Adelaide

If you have the right credit card, you can save a fair amount of money on hotels. Americans should strongly consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card since you can earn up to 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and $300 back at U.S. restaurants as a welcome bonus . Canadians should consider the Marriott Bonvoy American Express , which gives you up to 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. That’s enough points for a few free nights at some hotels, which could easily have a value of over $500.

Local transportation

Australia is a vast country, so you’ll need to plan ahead on a feasible itinerary or else you will be wasting a lot of time and money on transportation. For long distances, you’ll need to fly. However, flying domestically isn’t cheap. For example, a flight from Melbourne to Perth can cost about $500 return.

There is a backpacker bus called the Oz Experience. However, unlike the Kiwi Express in  New Zealand  (which is incredibly popular), the Oz Experience doesn’t necessarily have the best reviews.

For this reason, most people choose to rent a car or use the public bus system to get around Australia. Greyhound Australia offers travel pass type tickets that serves a lot of the popular places on the east coast. The cost for the WHIMIT ticket (any route, any direction) is about $225 for the 15-day pass.

The obvious issue is that taking the bus can take a lot longer. You could end up spending days on the bus. Most people don’t have that kind of time to spare. Take a look at your itinerary and decide what’s the best bet, but factor in your time too, since it’s valuable.

Attractions

Australia has a lot to see, and not just in the cities. Many of the biggest highlights of this country are the natural ones. For example, Uluru and Kakadu National Parks in the Northern Territory and the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. Since this is the case, you will likely take some day trips. Day trips vary significantly in cost, from about $35-$200+ depending on what you want to see or do. I’m going to suggest $500 for attractions though I recommend you do some planning ahead of time to figure out what you want to see and do. You may be able to drop this estimate, or you may have to increase it.

Need some ideas on unique things to do in Australia? Consider:

• Surf Lessons in Bondi Beach
• Uluru sunset tour
• Whitehaven beach sailing tour
• Bungy Jumping in Cairns

Food and drink

Like everything else in Australia, the prices for food and drink are more expensive than in other countries. Even for places that are considered cheap, like McDonald’s (referred to as Macca’s). On average, basic food prices in Australia look something like this:

• Breakfast: $10
• Dinner: $25

Which is equal to $50 per day. Oh, and if you like to drink and party, you’ll definitely want to add more to your budget. Alcohol in Australia is, unsurprisingly, very expensive.

Random spending

It’s always a good idea to have a little extra cash on hand, just in case. Maybe you want to do some shopping, maybe you’ll want to do an extra day tour, or maybe you just want to let loose and have a night out. Since Australia is a more expensive country, I recommend budgeting an extra $200 for random spending.

Cost to go to Australia

So, how much does it cost to go to Australia? Based on my estimates, you can expect to pay about US $5,500. Yes, this is expensive. However, you can cut down these costs pretty easily. Stay in budget accommodation, cook your own food instead of eating out, focus more on free attractions than paid one and day trips, and don’t travel around as much.

That said, remember that Australia is quite far away and will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many, so it may be worth saving a little longer so you can spend the money and get the type of experience you want.

For more inspiration, check out these guides on  Perth ,  Malaysia ,  Japan ,  Thailand ,  Singapore ,  Italy ,  Greece ,  the Maldives  and  Morocco .

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit australia.

Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so if you are travelling from Canada, the USA, Europe or elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, remember the seasons are reversed. Summer is December, January, and February, while winter is June, July August. That being said, Australia is huge, and temperatures range across the country. There are also the wet and dry seasons to be aware of, as well as personal preferences. Humidity can be quite high in some places. 

Do your research first but shoulder season, as with most places, is always a favourite time with visitors. This means October and November for spring or April and May for fall.

What is Australia so famous for?

Plenty! Wildlife from kangaroos, koalas, and whales. Its nature ranges from desert to coral reefs to plains of wildflowers. Of course, there is also the city life. The architecture of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a favourite and Melbourne is known for street art and great restaurants. From food to hiking to snorkelling and more, Australia offers plenty of opportunities for a variety of interests. 

How long should a trip to Australia be?

Again, Australia is huge, and some will argue that tourists could spend months in Australia and still not see it all. Of course, most of us don’t have the luxury of being able to travel for months at a time anyway, which is why I suggested this two-week itinerary which will show you some of the highlights. Many first-time visitors stick to New South Wales and Queensland. But Western Australia is a great pick for adventure seekers and ocean lovers

About Hannah Logan

Hannah Logan is a freelance writer based in Ottawa, Canada. She specializes in finance and travel writing and has bylines at Fodor's Travel, O Magazine, and more. She also runs two travel blogs, Eat Sleep Breathe Travel and Ireland Stole My Heart . You can find her on Instagram and Twitter @hannahlogan21.

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• Travel Tips

Cost of Traveling to Australia: Budget Guide and Tips

Know the cost of traveling to Australia and organize your budget to maximize your experience at this remarkable destination!

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Australia, the land down under, has captivating scenery, delicious cuisine and dynamic cities. If you’re daydreaming of going, you will also want to know the cost of traveling to Australia. In our guide today, we’re going to dive into the financial specificities of traveling to the biggest island in the world, and help you make this a memorable experience.

A Trip to Australia Costs

When you leave home, there are plenty of details to consider. Expenses range from flight tickets, up to food and parties. Australia offers a diverse range of experiences, from the iconic Sydney Opera House to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef . Let’s take a look into expenses that you’ll run into.

Flight Costs

For our friends from the USA, UK, and Singapore, let’s explore the approximate cost of flights when traveling to Australia:

From the USA:

From the uk:, from singapore:.

Given that Singapore is a city state, there’s only one departure airport. We’ve laid out the several destinations in Australia. Additionally, given that Singapore is much closer than the USA or the UK, you’ll notice that prices and cost are much lower when traveling to Australia.

Hotel and Lodging Costs

When it comes to accommodation, there’s a variety of options and prices. If you’re going to spend most of your time, out and about, then save big at a cheap hostel. This is specially beneficial for solo travelers who are out at festivals , food markets and social events ,

On the other hand, if you’re with your partner and you two are looking for a more relaxing vacation, out at the pool with unlimited drinks, then an all-inclusive resort is your best option.

Overall, it depends on your preferences and your travel plans. Here’s a snapshot of price ranges:

• Hotel (5 Star) : $200 – $2000 per night
• Airbnb : $170 – $700 per night
• Inns/Motels : $45 – $80 per night

Food and Entertainment Costs

Remember to include Aussie cuisine and entertainment within your budget. There’s always fast food for those on the go and high-end restaurants for those with a larger wallet.

• Daily: $45 – $165
• Weekly: $315 – $1,155
• Two-Weeks: $630 – $2,310

Tourist attractions and Hotspots

Australia is home to a diverse range of attractions and tourist destinations, offering everything from vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes. But not all of these attractions are free, some have an admission price. Some of these places of interest are:

• Sydney Opera House (Sydney, New South Wales): A world-renowned architectural masterpiece, visitors can take guided tours or attend performances that range in prices from $25 – 150 *. However, keep in mind that this also depends on the exhibition and performance, and be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
• Great Barrier Reef (Queensland): One of the world’s most famous natural wonders, you can go snorkeling, diving, and exploring the vibrant marine life. Packages range to go from $80 for a basic tour up to more than $402 for all-inclusive.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Northern Territory): Home to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), you can visit this natural marvel on tours that are priced from $475 up to $1500 .
• Great Ocean Road (Victoria): A scenic coastal drive that offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. This attraction is free, your only expense is how far you’re willing to go.
• Kangaroo Island (South Australia): A wildlife haven, Kangaroo Island is home to diverse flora and fauna. There are plenty of activities that you can do here and tours where you’ll learn and discover the island from only about $20 , all the way up to $2500 .

Peak Season vs. Shoulder Season: Australia Vacation Costs

Knowing how prices fluctuate during the seasons can make a huge difference on cost and on how much you spend while traveling to Australia.

Certainly! Here’s a combined table summarizing the peak and shoulder seasons in Australia:

Advantages and Disadvantages

Essential tips to save on australia trip cost.

Traveling to Australia can be a remarkable experience, but it’s no lie that it can also be expensive. Here we’re laid out some vital tips to help you save a new dimes and nickles on your travel:

• Flexible Travel Dates:
• Be flexible with your travel dates. During low season, there are typically lower prices for flights, accommodation, and activities.
• Budget Airlines:
• If you’re traveling within Australia, consider using budget airlines. For your round trip tickets from home, you can look for deals online and even check if you have loyalty points and be sure to reserve in advance for even more savings.
• Accommodation Options:
• Explore various accommodation options, including hostels, budget hotels, and vacation rentals. Websites like Airbnb and hostel booking platforms can offer cost-effective alternatives.
• Public Transportation:
• Utilize public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars. Many cities in Australia have efficient and affordable public transit systems.
• Free and Low-Cost Activities:
• Take advantage of Australia’s natural beauty, which often comes at no cost . Explore national parks, beaches, and walking trails near Melbourne . Look for free events and festivals happening while in Sydney .
• Book in Advance:
• Plan and book major activities and attractions in advance to get lower prices. Many tours and experiences offer discounts for early bookings. This also applies to hotel reservations, and airfare purchase. Stay Connected Don’t over spend with roaming or pocket WiFi. There are flat rate options like digital SIMs that’ll provide an internet connection all throughout your trip while including 500 MBs to share with other people per day. You’ll connect when you land and get perks like 24/7 customer service !

FAQs About Costs of Traveling to Australia

The average cost varies, but generally falls within the range of $1600 – $2500 .

For a comfortable stay, budget around $170 per day, covering accommodation, food, and activities.

For a two-week stay, plan a budget between $1400 – $2000 , depending on your preferences.

To stay connected on a budget in the Land Down Under, a virtual SIM card is the perfect fit for you. For as little as just $19 , you’ll be able to post your adventures on social media, use maps, and stay on top of your finances.

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Your Australia Vacation

Visit a place that’s on another scale with our Australia vacation packages in 2024. Travel through vast desert landscapes to explore ancient cultures with an Australian outback vacation package. Modern cities— Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , Perth —have world-class beaches glistening in golden sunshine. Australia’s travel tour packages can take you hiking in misty rainforests abundant in unique wildlife or deliver you to delightful beach towns for surfing and sunbathing. At Expedia, discover family trips to the Gold Coast, combine travel to Australia with a New Zealand trip , and find last-minute offers that are bonza for you.

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From sophisticated cities and white sandy beaches to magnificent landscapes and astonishing wildlife, Australia has all the ingredients you need for the ultimate getaway.

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Your Australia Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-3: The perfect gateway to stunning beaches and epic road trips, Sydney is often the starting point on travelers’ itineraries. Spend the day exploring iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If the ocean is calling your name, head to the famous Bondi Beach.

Day 4-6: Rent a car and drive north on the Pacific Highway to the laid-back surf town of Byron Bay. During your eight-and-a-half-hour journey, stop by the vibrant city of Newcastle and get up close to adorable koalas at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

Day 7-10: Drive another hour and a half to the Gold Coast and zoom down thrilling roller coasters at Dreamworld. A short flight away, Cairns is a paradise for nature lovers. Popular spots include the Great Barrier Reef and the mighty Barron Falls.

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New Year’s Eve in Sydney is truly a night to remember. If you plan to ring in the new year here, you can expect a magical night of fireworks launched over Sydney Harbour, all-night parties and show-stopping performances at the Opera House.

A region of fascinating museums and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Australia’s lively capital. Browse through our Canberra Vacation Packages and immerse yourself in the city’s art and culture.

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Top Vacation Destinations in Australia

Visit a Sydney suburb on a Bondi Beach vacation

Bondi Beach is a popular Sydney suburb that puts you close to the action minus the crowds while offering beachfront fun. The beach itself is quite relaxing with calm blue waters and soft golden sands. The atmosphere here is quite eclectic, where you'll find world-class restaurants as well, especially along the beachfront strip. Chic cafes are also common throughout the area.

Enjoy the sun with Brisbane vacation packages

Brisbane is a thrilling city in Australia that gets about 280 days of sun a year, so this is the place to be for sunshine. This city is particularly diverse as well, so you'll find multicultural influences all over. Because of this, the local cuisine is especially exciting, with local and exotic flavors to explore. Plus, you'll be able to find museums and shopping malls to visit too.

Find a coastal metropolis with Gold Coast vacation packages

Gold Coast is a massive city located directly on the east coast that lets you simultaneously enjoy the big city and pristine beachfront. The city itself boasts a skyline full of towering skyscrapers, while the beach features golden sands and cool waters. The nightlife here is particularly bustling, so there's always something to do even after the sun goes down.

Visit the events capital with Melbourne vacation packages

Melbourne is known as the events capital of Australia because there's always something fun going on, whether it's the Australian Open or the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Regardless of when you visit, however, you'll find some of the most well-regarded museums in the country here, along with the oldest zoo in Australia. Street cafes are also common, so you'll never have to go too far to find a snack.

Enjoy a diverse trip with Queensland vacation packages

Queensland is a massive Australian state home to virtually endless things to do. Not only will you find bustling cities, quiet towns, and alluring beachfront, but this state also offers mountainous rainforests and bushlands. Several islands are also part of Queensland just off the coast, so be sure to set aside a couple of days if you want to take in the state's top spots.

Enjoy a fun city with Sydney vacation packages

Sydney is an impressive city where you'll find numerous cultural attractions that are famous around the world. The Sydney Opera House is among the most iconic buildings on the planet, and it regularly hosts massive and notably refined performances. Additionally, you can visit museums of art and history or relax at one of the numerous pristine beaches in this town.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in australia, crown casino.

Why not roll the dice by visiting Crown Casino where you can enjoy the games and entertainment of this top casino in Melbourne? Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

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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 Trips & Tour Packages

With bright blue skies, immense red deserts, sun-bronzed beaches and vast green wetlands, Australia is big, bold and full of contrasts.

Come and experience this extraordinary country that bursts with kaleidoscopic cultures and constantly changing colors. From snorkeling with jewel-toned fish on the Great Barrier Reef and discovering the wildlife and wilderness of the west coast to walking through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide and exploring Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta , an (Intrepid) in-depth Australia tour offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling as a family or a solo adventurer, a nature-lover or a sun worshipper, a food fanatic or a wine connoisseur, Australia can’t wait to welcome you. 

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Learn more about Australia

Best time to visit australia.

Being such a large place, Australia has a wide range of climates, so all year round, there is somewhere great to visit. 

Summer (December to February) can get very hot but is perfect for beach-going and other outdoor activities. In the far north, it is also the wet season, which can get quite humid, and some beaches may be closed due to jellyfish or 'stingers'.

Winter (June to August) is pleasant and dry in the north but can get quite cold in the south, especially in Tasmania and Victoria, where snowfall is common.

Spring and autumn are great times to visit Australia as the weather is milder but still warm enough for swimming in northern areas. 

Regardless of daytime temperatures, nights can get very cold in the desert areas of Central and Western Australia, so prepare accordingly.

The main school holiday period is from Christmas to late January and is considered the peak travel time within Australia; expect popular tourist spots to be crowded during this time.

Read more about the best time to visit Australia

From large malls and boutique shopping strips to weekend arts and crafts markets and vintage shops, Australia is a top place to shop. Shopping in Australia may not be cheap, but there are plenty of unique finds and original souvenirs to bring home. Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import certain items back into your home country. New Zealand, for example, has strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Australia

1. First Nation art

The quality of Aboriginal art is excellent in the Top End and Central and Western Australia. Be sure to buy from reputable galleries and organizations to ensure authenticity and fair prices for artists. Community-run organizations are typically the better choice.

If you’re looking for one, Coober Pedy has the best quality and variety on offer.

These precious gems are plentiful in Broome due to the booming pearling industry.

4. Modern art

Melbourne and Hobart are modern art and craft hot spots, making them great places to pick up one-of-a-kind mementos.

Top 10 places to see in Australia

Nothing will prepare you for seeing Australia's most famous landmark for the first time. An important part of Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, this ancient monolith is a photographer's dream as it changes colors with the sun; from dazzling orange to dusty purple.

Combine First Nations' culture and the magnificence of Australia's desert wonders on a 6 day Red Centre & Uluru Explorer tour.

2. Great Barrier Reef

See the world's largest reef system - so big it can be seen from outer space! This World Heritage site, just off the coast of Queensland, is home to whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, colorful coral and more than 1,500 species of fish. Go scuba diving or snorkeling to explore this incredible underwater world.

See the beauty of the reef and its residents on our 5 day Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree tour.

3. Twelve Apostles

Although there are actually only eight 'Apostles', these spectacular limestone rock stacks are a popular tourist spot along Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Formed by erosion that began 10-20 million years ago, the stacks rise majestically from the churning Southern Ocean. Hit the boardwalks, tracks and viewing areas for spectacular views.

Set off on a Twelve Apostles journey when you 7 day Hike the Great Ocean Walk.

4. Kakadu National Park

This region is a place of breathtaking beauty and incredible biodiversity. Steeped in Dreamtime history, Kakadu nurtures a staggering variety of landscapes and wildlife. Venture deep into the wilderness and discover gushing waterfalls, deep gorges, shimmering waterholes and rocky outcrops adorned with 20,000-year-old art.

Combine the best of history, wildlife, culture and beauty while venturing through a 6 day Top End & Kakadu Explorer tour.

5. Sydney Opera House

Set against a backdrop of that famous bridge that spans the sparkling harbor, the Opera House is one of Australia's most iconic sights. Those familiar sails, adorned with more than a million white tiles, host thousands of events and performances each year. Catch a show to admire the ornate interior, or take in the spectacular view from a ferry.

Climb the Opera House steps or tour the harbour as you start an exciting 18 day East Coast Encompassed tour.

6. Kimberley

From deep gorges and dusty Outback roads and lush rainforests to idyllic billabongs, the landscape of this beautiful region is truly enchanting. A trip to the Kimberly can be as active or relaxing as you wish - hike past the strange 'beehive' domes of the Bungle Bungle Ranges, explore underground caves at Tunnel Creek or simply relax on white sand beaches.

Be swept away by the beauty of the Kimberley on a 11 day Wild Kimberley Overland tour.

7. Daintree

With verdant tropical rainforest stretching to white, sandy beaches, the Daintree is nothing short of spectacular. This complex ecosystem in Far North Queensland is home to a prolific amount of wildlife, including frogs, reptiles, bats and butterflies, as well as the highest concentration of primitive plant species in the world. Australia's largest rainforest is a true natural wonder just waiting to be explored.

Walk among the diverse ecosystems of the Daintree Rainforests while on our 5 day Queensland Daintree Explorer tour.

8. Wineglass Bay

With its white sand, crystal-clear water and distinct crescent shape, Wineglass Bay on Tasmania's gorgeous Freycinet Peninsula is a pristine paradise. It's easy to see why it's often voted as one of the top 10 beaches in the world! Hike a trail to the summit overlooking the bay for breathtaking views, or descend to the beach and set up camp. Go snorkeling to discover colorful fish and perhaps some playful dolphins.

Stroll by the waters of Wineglass Bay on a nature-lovers 6 day Tasmania Adventure tour.

9. Clare Valley

This beautiful wine-producing region is famed for its delicious local produce, picturesque scenery, friendly people and, of course, its fabulous wine. Explore back roads lined with vines and go wine tasting to sample the very best drops this region has to offer.

Cycle and sample your way through one of Australia's oldest wine regions on our 6 day Cycle South Australia's Wine Regions tour.

10. Blue Mountains

Covering over one million hectares, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is rich in verdant rainforest, dramatic waterfalls, looming forests and an abundance of wildlife. Greet the iconic Three Sisters and wander the boardwalks to soak up this breathtaking area of Australian bush.

Walk, trek, and discover the beauty of the rugged New South Wales region home to the Blue Mountains on a 3 day Best of the Blue Mountains from Sydney.

Top destinations to visit in Australia

1. ikara-flinders ranges national park.

Discover Ikara with an Adnyamathanha guide on a tour that shines a light on Adnyamathanha history, uncovers the park’s more recent past, and looks towards the future.

Wander through Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park on our 7 day Flinders Ranges Explorer tour or on our 7 day Walk South Australia's Flinders Ranges tour .

2. Arnhem Land

Explore the rugged wilderness of Arnhem Land , where Australia’s First Nations people have lived for thousands of years. Share Dreamtime stories, learn how to gather local food and create traditional paintings.

Experience Arnhem Land for yourself on our 8 day Walk Kakadu National Park tour tour.

3. The West Coast

The West Coast of Australia certainly feels like the Final Frontier. Perhaps visit the red rock gorges of Karijini National Park, take in a camel ride on Cable Beach, or unwind among the vineyards of  Margaret River. 

Marvel at the beauty of the West Coast on our 8 day Hike Western Australia's Cape to Cape Track.

4. Tropical North Queensland

Join an Aboriginal painting class at Janbal Gallery and hear East Coast Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime stories about the animals, environment and language of the Indigenous rainforest people from Mossman and the Daintree rainforest.

Dive into Tropical North Queensland on our 7 day Queensland Coast Adventure or on our 8 day Brisbane to Cairns Adventure.

5. The Kimberley

While Broome could keep you occupied for days, it’s really the Kimberley’s natural beauty that lures you in. Away from the stretches of Cable Beach, you find a region that rapidly unrolls into a world of dense rainforest, underground caves and boab-dotted horizons straight out of Africa. 

Discover the beauty of the Kimberley's on our 5 day Kimberley Family Holiday.

Kakadu National Park is packed with billabongs, waterfalls, strange rock formations and all types of native wildlife. ‘Roos bounce through the bushland, dingoes are spotted along rocky outcrops, dugongs wallow off the coast, and, despite the name, crocs patrol the waters of Alligator River. 

Explore Kakadu National Park on our 8 day Walk Kakadu National Park tour or on our 4 day Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure.

7. The Red Centre

Also known as Central Australia, the Red Centre is where Uluru rises from the landscape in all its beauty. But there’s far more to this region than the iconic rock of the Outback. Discover Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and its 36 stunning red domes; Kings Canyon , with its natural amphitheater and the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

Uncover the magic of the Red Centre on our 6 day Premium Red Centre & Uluru tour or on our 4 day Uluru & Kings Canyon Family Adventure.

8. The Outback

Experience the untamed beauty of Outback Australia, hear tales of the Aboriginal Dreaming with a First Nations guide, cross incredible scenery in a 4WD, and walk among a carpet of wildflowers in the Flinders Ranges. 

Explore the Outback on our 4 day Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon tour or on our 10 day West Coast & Karijini Overland Adventure.

9. K'gari (Fraser Island)

K'gari (Fraser Island) isn’t just the largest sand island in Queensland, it’s the largest one in the world. Explore the rugged headlands, silica sand beaches, lush rainforests hugging the shore and freshwater lakes that lay hidden throughout this World Heritage-listed island.  

Experience K'gari for yourself on our 14 day Sydney to Cairns Adventure.

10. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a winding coastal route of sandstone cliffs and dense rainforest hinterland that stretches all the way from Torquay in the East to Allansford in the West. While the region is famous for its Twelve Apostles, there are plenty of local secrets to be discovered if you’re willing to take the time.

Drive along the Great Ocean Road on our 6 day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure.

11. Tasmania

This island state turns heads thanks to its thriving gallery and gastronomy scene, plus its bounty of natural wonders. Boasting some of Australia’s finest beaches, mistiest mountaintops, loneliest patches of wilderness and most elusive animals, Tasmania is a nature lover’s wonderland.

Discover Tasmania on our 6 day Highlights of Tasmania tour , on our 4 day Hobert & Southern Tasmania Explorer tour or on our 6 day Trek the Cradle Mountain Overland Track.

See the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, take a dip at Bondi Beach, explore the historic Rocks area and discover everything this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

Marvel at Sydney's iconic sights on our 7 day Sydney to Brisbane Adventure.

13. South Australian outback

Explore the South Australian outback at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary on a 4WD tour that takes in science, education and conservation and showcases this incredible and unique wilderness area.

Delve into the South Australian wilderness on our 10 day South Australia Outback Adventure or on our Outback South Australia & Eyre Peninsula tour .

14. The Great Barrier Reef

Be inspired by the beauty of the world’s largest coral reef – The Great Barrier Reef. Go snorkeling in the warm waters with exotic sea creatures and colorful coral.

Go swimming on our 12 day Brisbane to the Daintree Discovery.

15. The Daintree Rainforest

Explore the world's most ancient rainforest, the Daintree in Far North Queensland , with a local family who lives in a privately owned part of it.

Experience the serenity of the Daintree Rainforest on our 5 day Daintree Family Holiday or on our 8 day Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure.

Geography and environment

The continent of Australia is known for being one of the flattest, hottest, and driest places on earth, but despite this, there is an astounding variety of terrains and environments on this island nation. While large areas of Australia are covered in desert, there are also tropical rainforests, alpine snowfields, dense bushland, beaches, gorges, lakes, and rivers to be found.

Australia’s national parks are home to many species of birds and mammals not found in the wild anywhere else in the world, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and wombats.

Boasting many stunning white sand beaches, Australia has a coastline like none other. From busy Bondi to surfing icons like Bell’s Beach and Tasmania’s stunning Wineglass Bay , there are endless places to swim, surf, snorkel and paddle. 

Despite Australia’s large landmass, most people tend to live in urban, coastal cities. Faster-paced cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne hold much of the population, as do regional satellite cities such as Albury, Dubbo, Bunbury, Townsville, Newcastle and Geelong.

Outback towns have a unique flavor and a distinct way of life; things are slower here, and due to smaller populations, space is plentiful, with most locals relying on agriculture for a living. Venturing away from the city to visit the Outback and rural areas of Australia is highly recommended, as it gives travelers the chance to see a different side of Australia. Traverse the northern regions of Australia's iconic outback landscape on a 11 day Darwin to Broome Outback tour.

Culture and customs

With a strong history of immigration, modern Australia is made up of people from many different cultural backgrounds. This mix makes Australia an endlessly fascinating place to visit, as travelers will be exposed to a variety of different customs and cultures during their stay. From the ancient, spiritual ways of the First Nations population to the wide array of faiths, foods, and festivals on display in the big cities, Australia is a cultural melting pot. 

Despite the differences, there are many things that unify the people of Australia. Sports, in particular cricket, soccer, and football (Australian Rules), are played and watched by the masses, irrespective of age, race, gender, or income. Large sporting events like the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Day, and the Boxing Day Cricket Test have universal appeal for Australians. 

Australians relish public holidays, with national and state holidays offering locals time to relax with friends and family over a barbecue or picnic. Making use of Australia’s natural environment is also paramount during this time, with outdoor activities like bushwalking, swimming at the beach, or lazing in the park popular with locals.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat, or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

Australia is a land that has been built by immigrants, and these multicultural influences are evident in the wide array of food available. In the cities, it’s possible to find world-class Vietnamese, Turkish, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Indian restaurants, as well as excellent gastro-pub fare. Head to the Outback, and you’ll find authentic ' bush tucker ', simple campfire meals, and sizzling barbecues.

Food to try in Australia

1. Fresh seafood

With such an impressive coastline, it’s no wonder fresh oysters, prawns, mussels, and ‘balmain bugs’ are devoured by locals and savored by visitors. For those on a budget, there’s nothing wrong with eating fish and chips on the beach.

Australia creates some of the best wines in the world at South Australia’s Barossa Valley , Western Australia’s Margaret River , and New South Wales’s Hunter Valley .

Whether you’re downing a can of VB in Victoria or sipping micro-brewed ale in Sydney, sharing a beer with mates is a social experience not to be missed when in Australia

4. Hot pies

An Australian classic – savory meat pies (or vegetable pies for vegetarians) are best eaten with tomato sauce and are easily found and served in city cafes, country bakeries, and football matches around Australia.

Read more about Australia's must-try foods

Festivals and events in Australia

Anxiously anticipated by many – the Australian Rules Football Grand Final is a great time to be in Melbourne. Tickets are notoriously scarce but pubs, clubs and backyards overflow with people watching the ‘Big Game’ and celebrating (or commiserating) afterwards.

Tasting Australia 

Feeling hungry? Tasting Australia is a food festival that takes place once a year throughout South Australia and showcases the culture, producers, and regions that make this state such a delicious destination to explore. 

Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney lights up the harbor city with a Festival of Ideas featuring inspirational speakers, performances by local and international artists, and light installations that transform buildings and cultural icons into colorful works of art. 

Margaret River Pro

See your favorite professional surfers at work against the backdrop of the beautiful Margaret River region in South Australia at the Margaret River Pro.

State of Origin

Turn your Brisbane, Perth or Sydney adventure up a notch by experiencing a State of Origin game. 

Cairns Ecofiesta

Switch your Cairns holiday to sustainable mode at Cairns Ecofiesta: an eco-conscious festival that celebrates and supports the environment through eco workshops, live music, local produce markets, and vegetarian food options. Suitable for the whole family, this festival aims to both encourage a sustainable lifestyle and leave you with plenty of eco-inspo so you can start your very own planet-protecting journey. 

Alice Springs Beanie Festival 

Celebrate the very best of Aboriginal talent, creativity, and skill at the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. Bursting with silly and colorful handmade beanies, this festival aims to encourage and appreciate the work of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with various textile workshops and demonstrations on sight to help you understand and learn how to make local arts and crafts. 

Barunga Festival

Barunga is a closed community in the Northern Territory that you usually need a permit to enter, but for three days they open up to the world to celebrate life in Katherine's remote Indigenous communities. With a jam-packed program featuring storytelling circles, art and bush medicine workshops, and some of Australia's best First Nations musicians, Barunga Festival is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the vibrant community.

Darwin Festival 

Promising to give you a real taste of the Northern Territory, the Darwin Festival brings together a myriad of performances, shows, concerts, and exhibitions for you to enjoy. From comedy shows to art galleries, this bubbling festival will have you wanting to come back again and again and again. 

Similar destinations

Inspired by Australia but still browsing? Why not check out these incredible destinations:

New Zealand

• New Zealand tours
• Should I travel to Australia or New Zealand?
• Canada tours
• The United Kingdom

Further reading

Australia travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What's the weather like in Australia?

The weather in Australia varies depending on where in the country you are. For example, winter in Victoria and Tasmania tends to be very cold (around the 50 °F -60 °F mark), whereas, if you head further north to the Northern Territory and Queensland, temperatures in the winter months are much nicer (usually around 65 °F -77 °F ).

This pattern also applies to summer, where the southern states tend to experience lower temperatures (but still warm), while the northern and western states are warmer, with temperatures reaching as high as 100 °F +.

Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Australia – excluding passport holders from  New Zealand  who can enter Australia without a visa.

Passport holders from 34 countries are eligible to apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA/601), which permits multiple entry to Australia for up to three months within a 12-month period. 

All other foreign nationals will need to apply for a visitor visa (600). This permits stays of up to 12 months with the option to apply for single or multiple entry.

Learn more information about Australian tourist visas on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website

Last updated: 28 June 2023

Is tipping customary in Australia?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Australia; however, rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is common practice. Restaurant staff, taxi drivers and other service workers welcome tips for good service.

What is the internet access like in Australia?

Internet access is widely available in most parts of Australia, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots commonly found in urban areas. Please note that internet access won’t be available in Outback and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Australia?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in most parts of Australia, especially in large cities and urban areas. Remote, rural and mountainous places may have limited to no coverage, so be aware of this before venturing away from the city. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving your home country if you want to use your cell phone, or you can purchase a sim card when you arrive. The provider that will have coverage in the majority of Australia is Telstra, secondly Optus and then Vodafone. A hot tip – when you are in remote areas and don’t have cell phone signal, turn your phone to flight mode which will conserve battery and prevent your phone from using data trying to search for internet signal.

What are the toilets like in Australia?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Australia, and many of our campsites have proper facilities with flushing toilets. In remote areas such as the Kimberley, there is no established plumbing and therefore we have installed ‘drop toilets’. Some campsites we use are managed by the National Parks and have either eco-toilets or drop toilets, most of which are maintained regularly.

What will it cost for a…?

Newspaper = AU$2.50-$4.00 Cup of coffee = AU$4.00-$7.00 Pint of beer in a pub = AU$11.00 Basic lunch at a mid-range cafe = AU$20.00

Can I drink the water in Australia?

Drinking water from taps in Australia is considered safe, unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Australia?

Credit cards are widely accepted by shops, restaurants and cafes in Australia. Smaller establishments may only accept cash or require a minimum purchase for credit card use, so be sure to carry enough cash for smaller purchases.

What is ATM access like in Australia?

ATMs are commonly found in large cities and regional towns in Australia. ATM access will be very limited in remote areas so be aware of this before heading into national parks or the Outback.

What public holidays are celebrated in Australia?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 26 Jan: Australia Day
• Good Friday*
• Easter Monday*
• 25 Apr: Anzac Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day
• 26 Dec: Boxing Day

*Please note, Australia public holidays may vary.

This list does not include State governed public holidays.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Who are the First Nations people of Australia?

There are two distinct groups of First Nations peoples in Australia - Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people - both of which have lived on this land for centuries. While there are only two Indigenous groups, there's actually a wide range of language and location communities that are made up of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people including the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges (Aboriginal Australians) and the Badu people from the Near Western Group (Torres Strait Islander people). 

Is Australia LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Australia is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers thanks to its anti-discrimination laws, diverse population and welcoming culture. There are many LGBTQIA+ friendly neighborhoods and establishments across the country, as well as a wide variety of Pride events. 

What's the transport like in Australia?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. Depending on which trip you're on while in Australia, you may even find yourself traveling overland. 

Overland tours

Australia is a big place – like, huge.   Overland tours   involve a lot of time on the road covering long distances, and sometimes the landscape can be pretty barren, so bring a book or some tunes to keep you company.

What's the accommodation like in Australia?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Australia you may find yourself staying in a:

Our lodge accommodation is located outside major cities, such as near the entrance to a National Park, and has its own amenities such as a restaurant or dining room. Lodges are comfortable places to stay and offer a good night's rest after a day spent exploring the natural beauty of Australia. 

Permanent Tented Campsite

There's no need to put up your tent when you spend the night in a Permanent Tented Campsite. You'll have a roof over your head and will bunk down on sleeper mats on the ground or stretcher (camp) beds, with access to a toilet/shower block. Tent sizes can vary depending on the trip you're on and the location you're visiting. Some of our permanent tented campsites are a little bit fancy, others are very simple. Sometimes you'll be sharing a tent with others in your group. 

Our bush camping experiences are as diverse as Australia itself. Some offer swag camping under cover or under the twinkling stars. You could be sleeping in a tent with access to simple toilet or shower amenities or you might not have access to a shower at all. However, the scenery at these magical spots makes it worth going without a bath for a day or so. Sometimes a trip has participatory camping where everyone pitches in to help. Other times, a staff member is on hand to look after things like cooking. 

We provide accommodation at a wide variety of hotels around Australia. Some are quite upmarket, others less so, but all of them offer a comfortable stay and ensuite facilities. 

We use hostels on some trips which means your bed could be in a twin room or a shared dorm room. Some of these rooms come with their own facilities while others have share facilities. 

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Australia support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Australia directly support our foundation partners, Blue Carbon Lab, Greening Australia and WWF-Australia.  Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Blue Carbon Lab

Blue Carbon Lab is helping to mitigate climate change by restoring and protecting blue carbon in coastal wetlands. We've already lost 65% of wetlands globally, and multiple impacts, including urban development, agriculture, industry, and more, threaten these crucial blue-carbon ecosystems. Donations from our trips help Blue Carbon Lab to restore the natural coastal wetland areas in Victoria, Australia. 

Find out more or make a donation   

Greening Australia

Greening Australia is taking action to rebuild resilient ecosystems across Australia, from the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the cool island ark of Tasmania. Donations from our trips help them tackle Australia's complex environmental challenges through large on-ground restoration projects and innovative research initiatives that help scale their impact.  

Find out more or make a donation

Country Needs People

Country Needs People support Indigenous land and sea management in Australia. Donations help them empower Indigenous communities to rehabilitate and protect places of significance on land and sea using traditional knowledge paired with modern technology.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

Tourist visa to Australia for US Citizens

Key aspects.

Cheapest and fastest visa for touristic purposes.

Visa Duration

12 months total, up to 90 days each visit .

Approval time

95% of tourist visas are granted within 24 hours .

If you are planning a visit to Australia for holiday, as a US citizen you will need an Australian tourist visa (also known as “Australian vacation visa”) .

A tourist visa for Australia is technically type of ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa: a visa that you simply apply for online without having to fill in a paper form or send in your passport to any embassy. This is why a touristic ETA permit is sometimes referred to also as “electronic tourist visa” or “e-tourist” visa : filling the Australian tourist visa form directly online is all there is to do .

To be able to apply for an Australian Tourist Visa you must be travelling to Australia for holiday or for visiting friends or family, and hold a valid passport.

In-depth information on Australian Tourist Visas

• Tourist Visas for Australia for American Citizens
• Australian Tourist Visa: How to Apply
• Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans
• Process and Processing Time of Australian Tourist Visas
• Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visas

Types of Australian Tourist Visas (Alternatives to Australian Touristic ETA)

Re-entry, renewal and extension of australian tourist visas, working in australia with a tourist visa, getting married in australia on a tourist visa, australian tourist visa: costs and fees, tourist visas for australia available to american citizens.

A standard Australian tourist visa ( Electronic Travel Authorization ) authorizes visits of up to three months at a time and is valid for 12 months after the date of issue. Unlike traditional visas, there are no paper applications to complete, and you will have no visa labels or stamps in your passport. Instead, your tourist visa for Australia will be electronically attached to your passport.

United States’ citizens can apply for a tourist visa to Australia using their passport , and the passport number will then be linked to the visa. If you lose your passport or it is stolen before you enter Australia, you will need to re-apply for a new vacation visa.

Apart from the standard ETA tourism visa, there are a few more specific tourist visa types one can request in order to travel to Australia as a tourist: if you feel an ETA does not satisfy your needs, you will need to determine the most appropriate visa for you among other visa options.

The most common short-stay tourist visa types for Australia are:

• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 601
• Work and Holiday Visa – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 462
• Tourist stream – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 600

Online Tourist Visa for Australia (ETA e-Tourist)

An e-tourist visa, which is also called an ETA, is a subclass 601 visa . You can use this visa to tour Australia, visit family or friends or study or train for short-term. Business visitors can also use this visa for short-term. An ETA tourist visa is a temporary visa that is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and it is a multiple entry visa. For each entry, you can stay up to 3 months.

You can enter and leave as many times as you want as long as it is valid. However, the ETA cannot be extended: you must get another Australian tourist visa if you want to extend your holiday or stay longer for other reasons. U.S. passport holders who are planning trips shorter than 90 days are almost always immediately eligible for electronic tourist visas (ETAs) , which will be electronically matched to the traveler’s passport in the Australian immigration official databases.

More info on Online Tourist Visas for Australia (ETA) – updated for 2024:

• Both passport holders and travel agents can apply for ETAs.
• Overstaying a short stay tourist visa in Australia could lead to exclusion, detention and removal. If you plan to stay in Australia longer than 3 months per entry, please make sure you apply instead for the Long Term visa, subclass 600.
• Once you have your online tourist visa for Australia, you can use your e-passport at the SmartGate system when you arrive in Australia.

If you are not sure what tourist visa to apply for, we recommend you apply for this kind of visa .

Tourist Stream (Subclass 600)

The Tourist Stream visa is an alternative to the ETA tourist visa, but typically slower . Getting this holiday visa for Australia, you can visit family and friends, travel the country, and study or train for up to 3 months. This visa may be valid for between three months and 12 months, and you can request it for single entry or multiple entries. You can enter and leave as often as you want as long as the Tourist Stream is valid, but you may not stay more than 12 months during 18 months. This visa is also typically more expensive than an ETA and takes longer to process . Also, immigration office can request more documents from the applicant, for example a scanned copy of passport ID page or bank statement. In general, whenever possible we recommend applying for a Tourist ETA, for a faster – 100% online – visa release process.

Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462

Getting a tourist visa for Australia also allowing you to work is possible: this is what an Australian Work and Holiday Visa is for , as this permits allows you to work during your stay in Australia, and to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while working or studying.

With a work and holiday visa (often referred to also as “working holiday visa”) you can have the freedom to work to pay for your holiday, or study for up to 4 months . It is a temporary visa that is valid for up to 12 months from the date you enter the country. It cannot be extended. You can remain in the country up to 12 months, and you can leave and enter Australia as often as you like. Read more about work and holiday visas for Australia .

• Apply for WHV now

Additional type-independent Australian Tourist Visa Information:

• Regardless of the type of 2024 Australian tourist visa or ETA you need, it is highly recommended that you get health insuranc e to protect you during your time in Australia. You will be responsible for any healthcare costs that you incur while you are in Australia, and proper insurance coverage will help reduce your financial liability.
• Visas are electronically linked to your passport. There is no need for stamps or labels .
• Simplify the process by applying for your ETA tourist for Australia directly online as soon as possible .

Australian Tourist Visa for US Citizens: How to Apply

U.S. citizens need visas to travel to Australia. An Australian tourist visa requested from the USA via Electronic Travel Authorization will allow you to enter Australia for up to 90 days at a time for a year from the date of issue. After the first visit, subsequent visits are at the immigration officer’s discretion.

Getting a Tourist Visa to Australia from the USA

In order to get a tourist visa to Australia from USA you must have a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia in order to comply with the requirements of most airlines flying to Australia – even though not strictly required by Australian Immigration Office) and obtain your US tourist visa to Australia before arriving in the country.

You may also need to complete a medical exam depending on your condition (any medical requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process). Visitors may also need to provide financial information upon request to receive their tourist visa. Also in this case, any requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process .

It is easy to apply for a tourist visa to Australia from the USA online: simply choose the right visa for your needs and follow the instructions on-screen. Most visa requests are processed and approved instantly .

Australian Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans

The conditions and eligibility for visas can vary based on the type of visa. Most U.S. citizens are eligible for ETAs as long as they hold valid passports.

US Passport Validity and Photo Requirements

We strongly recommend that your US passport be valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia . This is why if your passport is due to expire soon or during the time you will be travelling, you may need to get a new passport before applying. Australian tourist visa photo requirements are similar to passport photos. Please ensure your photos are accurate and current.

Documents Required to US Citizens for an Australian Tourist Visa

The document checklist can vary based on the type of visa requested: with an ETA, you will only need your passport, and the ETA permit will be electronically attached to your passport.

For other visa types, you may be asked for other identification, including the biographical pages of your passport, travel documents and the IDs of your fellow travelers. Other required documents may be requested if authorities are not satisfied as to your identity.

Funds Required for an Australian Tourist Visa

When travelling to Australia, you may be required to show proof of funds. This can include displaying a minimum bank balance on your bank statement, audits, taxation records or other proof of satisfactory employment and income. After the application is processed, in the rare case a bank statement is required by Australian Immigration in order to verify your bank balance, an immigration officer will contact you .

Medical Requirements for an Australian Travel Visa

If you are applying for a non-ETA Australian visa and plan on staying in Australia for more than 6 months, you might be required to complete a health check and a chest X-ray. This can extend your visa application process up to 20 days. You are more likely to be required to complete a medical test if you are from a high-risk area or are over 75. In these cases, Yellow Fever is the only vaccination requirement.

Australian Tourist Visa Age Limits for American Citizens

For US passport holders willing to travel from USA to Australia there is no age limit on tourist visas . Of course, anyone who is travelling to Australia without an Australian passport will need a visa on arrival – and for a child under 18, the ETA will be based on the child’s passport. This means children will need separate ETAs, using details from their passports (children who are on their parents’ passports also need their own ETAs, but the information from their parents’ passport will be used).

Process and Processing Time for Australian Tourist Visas

Visa processing time for an australian eta tourist visa (subclass 601).

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most commonly used Australian Tourist Visa. The process can be completed online and requires no extra application forms, no visa labels and no passport stamps.

To be eligible for and maintain your instant Australian tourist visa, you must abide by specific conditions, including – in order:

• Being free of criminal convictions
• Passing a health check as required
• Departing within the required time period
• Not working during your time in Australia
• Not engaging in study or training for more than three months

In general, the Australian tourist visa processing time for a Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) can take from 48 hours to more than a month . A Tourist ETA though – which is the most common type of tourist visa – has a much lower estimated waiting time, as it is much faster to process. An ETA e-visa for tourists can often be requested and issued just days before your planned visit . It is a 100 percent secure, paperless process, and the visa will be electronically linked to your passport just moments after it has been issued.

However, we always recommend to request your Touristic ETA Visa at least a few weeks before departure , to avoid any risk. Don’t worry though – with an ETA, you can also track your application online via an online tracking system.

Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) Processing Time

The amount of time taken for an Australian tourist visa to be processed can vary based on how promptly you supply the supporting documents, your response to requests for further information, how long it takes to verify your information and peak processing times.

Also, the Australia tourist visa process is quite straightforward:

• Check that your current U.S. passport is valid.
• Apply for your visa.
• Wait for verification of receipt.
• Wait for notification of your status.

If the Australian tourist visa procedure was successful, you will be granted a visa. You can keep track of your progress using the online Australia tourist visa tracking system.

The maximum processing time for a conventional Australian tourist visa (Subclass 600) is about a month , with the waiting time ranging from 20 to 33 days in the vast majority of cases. For fast-tracked visas or ETAs, the waiting time can be mere minutes or days, especially if you have all the necessary documentation to complete the verification time.

Finally, as far as Work and Holiday Visa Processing Times are concerned, we recommend you check the dedicated page on this site .

Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are valid for varying periods of time, depending on the type of visa.

The ETA is a 12-month tourist visa . It is a popular visa, but it is limited regarding the length of stay and only allows visitors to remain in Australia for 3 months or 90 days at a time . You can enter as often as you like as long during the one year the tourist visa is valid.

For a visit of longer duration or if you want to stay more than 3 months during any period, you will need a different Australian visa. The tourist visa stream (Subclass 600) has a length and duration that can vary based on the purpose of the stay. In most cases though, Australian tourist visa validity lasts at least 12 months .

As an example, the Australian e600 visitor visa is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.

The subclass 870 visa instead is a longer-term 3-year tourist visa specifically designed for parents. With it, parents can stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years and no more than 10 years. This allows them to enter and re-enter Australia as needed to visit their stepchildren, adopted children or biological children more conveniently and affordably.

Whether you are planning an Australian trip that lasts 2 weeks, 90 days or even a year, there is a visa designed to suit your purpose. Check and apply online to find the right one for you or to explore samples of tourist visas.

There are several types of tourist visas in Australia that may apply if you do not qualify for a Tourist ETA or if the ETA does not suit you needs, such as a work and holiday visa or other types of Australian visas for tourism. Here they are:

Australian Work and Holiday Visa

Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600 – Application form 1419)

The Australian tourist visa stream Subclass 600 (to which people apply using form n.1419) is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.

Australian Visiting Academic Visa

The former Australia Tourist Visa 419 is closed to new applications for 2024 . However, the Tourist Visa Subclass 408 may be an alternative. This visa, which is also called the Temporary Activity Visa, allows you to participate in special approved programs, including:

• Gap year volunteer work
• Cultural enrichment programs
• Youth exchanges
• Community programs
• School language assistants

This visa is valid for up to 12 months.

Australia Tourist Visa 771 (Australia Transit Visa)

Also known as the Australian Transit Visa, this visa allows people to spend up to 72 hours in Australia to “pass through”. With this visa, you may not spend more than 72 hours in the country.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about re-entering Australia with a tourist visa, about extending your stay in Australia as a tourist or about renewing your tourist visa while you are in Australia.

Is the Australian tourist visa multiple entry?

The Australian ETA is good for 90 days at a time, also allowing multiple-entries . This means that within one year sinve when the ETA Tourist visa has been issued you can enter, leav and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish – as long as each entry lasts a maximum of 90 days.

However, if your current visa is due to expire while you are still in the country, you will need to apply for an Australian tourist visa renewal, via a Long-stay tourist visa application .

What happens if I stay too long and my Australian tourist visa has expired?

Overstaying your stay with a tourist visa in Australia will result in your becoming an “unlawful non-citizen” – which can lead to detention and removal from the country. Worse, it could interfere with your ability to re-enter Australia on a tourist visa in the future. If you overstay your visa by more than 28 days, you could even become excluded and prevented from re-entering Australia on a tourist visa for as long as 3 years. Don’t do it.

Can I change my Australian visa once I am in the country?

No, you cannot change your visa type , such as an Australia tourist visa multiple entry, once you are in the country. However, you can apply for a further stay via the Long-Stay Tourist Visa, subclass 676.

What are my other options for extending my tourist visa?

Because the consequences of an Australia tourist visa overstay can be so serious, it is critical that you apply for a tourist visa renewal or extension as soon as possible and before your visa has expired . Applying online is fast and convenient.

• Extend your visa

If you are planning to travel to Australia with a ETA Tourst Visa, you must know that it is not legal to work with an ETA . ETA-visitors have no right to “work”. However, they can do volunteer work or engage in other business activities, such as business meetings, conferences or seminars . Of course, you can stay in Australia on your tourist visa while looking for work, but once you found it you should obtain a different kind of visa in order to legally maintain your work.

However, working on a “tourist visa” in Australia is fairly common – especially for those who wish to work to pay for their holidays. If you want to legally work in Australia during your holiday though you will need a special, dedicated visa – not an ETA. This visa is called “ Work and Holiday Visa ” (often referred to also as “Working Holiday Visa”).

You can do any kind of work or jobs while on a tourist visa in Australia. However, your Work and Holiday Visa must be used within one year of the date it is issued, and it will be active for 12 months from the date you enter the country.

A working holiday visa cannot be extended: if you choose to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa. Additionally, you cannot bring dependent children or other family members with you, and you must pay taxes from anything you earn during your tourist visa working days.

The cost for a work and holiday tourist visa is of $ 625.00 as of 2024, but additional costs may also arise, including costs for police certificates, biometrics and health checks. Processing time can take from 13 to 22 days but may take longer if more information is needed or for verification purposes. Private health insurance coverage is highly recommended during your stay in the country. Read more about Work and Holiday Australian Visas for US Citizens here .

• Apply for a WHV

According to Australia Marriage Law, you do not need to be an Australian resident to get married in Australia . You simply need the tourist visa (e.g. visa subclass 651) and you must file a Notice of Intended Marriage form along with any other requested documents .

If you are planning on getting married in Australia on a tourist visa, your celebrant can help ensure you meet all necessary requirements , including that you:

• Are not married to anyone else
• Are not marrying to a closely related family member
• Are at least 18 years old
• Freely consent to the marriage

Notice that if you plan to live in Australia after marriage, you might need to apply for permanent residency as needed .

In order to obtain your Australian Tourist Visa, you will need to pay an application charge when applying for your visa – plus all costs related to the visa release. The total Australia tourist visa cost can therefore vary based on the type of visa and when you apply. Both paper applications and e-visas such as ETA tourist visa costs must be paid online , and forms of payment accepted are credit cards and PayPal.

While there are no Australia tourist visa fees associated with the ETA, there is an online service charge of $ 69.00 .

The cost of a Work and Holiday visa is instead of $ 625.00 .

The visa application fee may change periodically: if the Australian immigration tourist visa fees increase between the date of the application and the date of the receipt, the new fee will apply.

Australian Government official resources:

Entering or leaving Australia

Australia welcomes millions of overseas visitors each year. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country.

International passenger caps have been removed for all international passenger arrivals into Australia.

All travellers should be aware that: People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status Unvaccinated visa holders do not ​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory . It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

Australian Citizens

All Australian citizens must enter and exit Australia on an Australian passport. Your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day of your arrival in Australia. It does not need to have six months remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it. Citizens are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. Please see the  Department of Home Affairs website  for more information. 

Immigration and Visas

All foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

»    Immigration and visas

If you have a specific question, please contact the Department of Home Affairs .

You will also need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia, knowing the duty-free concession limits and what to experience when travelling through Australian airports and seaports.

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Plan your trip with  australia.com , the official Tourism Australia website, offering a wide range of travel information and planning tools including over 2000 images, a currency converter, daily weather updates, interactive maps, suggested holiday itineraries, holiday deals, specialist travel agents and more. Available in nine languages.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The  Tourist Refund Scheme  enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

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Fares fall as Australian air travel returns to pre-Covid capacity, Flight Centre says

Higher seat availability has resulted in lower airfares, group says, but cost-of-living pressures continue their impact on holiday plans

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Airlines have finally shaken off the lingering effects of Covid, with capacity back to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, according to data from Flight Centre.

Global seat availability climbed back over 100% of 2019 levels in April, with travellers enjoying lower air fares as a result.

“An analysis of key international routes for Australian travellers found fares on some international routes out of Australia dropped by up to 25%,” said Flight Centre Corporate’s managing director, Melissa Elf. “With more and more capacity and competition being introduced to the market, it’s a trend we’ll continue to see throughout the rest of the year.”

Australia’s international capacity is expected to tick up from 95% to 98% next month, while domestic capacity has been hovering between 98 and 100% for the last few months.

Elf said there are promising signs that air fares will continue to fall beyond the short term, with major carriers – including Delta, Singapore Airlines and China Southern – recently announcing new routes to Australia.

In the first quarter of 2024, flights to Australia’s most popular travel destination Indonesia were down 21% from the previous year at $798 return on average. Available seats to the holiday spot were at 115% of pre-pandemic capacity.

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Capacity to Japan, Qatar and Papua New Guinea are also above pre-Covid levels, while the UK is back even. Routes to Hong Kong and the US have the biggest room for recovery, at just 63% and 70% of pre-pandemic capacity respectively.

International and domestic seat capacity across Qantas and Jetstar recovered to 90% of pre-pandemic levels in the second half of 2023, an increase of 25% on the previous year, the group said.

Despite falling air fares, rising cost-of-living pressures elsewhere are forcing more Australians to holiday within their own state or cancel travel plans altogether.

In a survey of 1,500 Australians conducted by Pure Profile for the travel industry’s peak body, 70% planned to go away for a holiday during the autumn school break, including 41% within their own state, up from 36% during summer.

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A further 21% will holiday interstate and 8% were planning to go overseas.

The Tourism and Transport Forum’s chief executive, Margy Osmond, said it was pleasing to see Australians supporting the local economy and tourism operators.

“But we’re concerned the sector is still feeling the impact of cost-of-living pressures with many families taking shorter holidays than originally planned, staying with friends or relatives to save money or recently cancelling their travel plans altogether,” she said.

Just over half of respondents said cost-of-living pressures had affected their decision to travel, with a quarter saying they would go away for shorter than originally planned as a result.

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Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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