Australia Trip Cost from the US
Fixed fees, what to price yourself, and daily costs in AUD.
This page is for Americans working out what an Australia trip will cost. We do not quote airfares or exchange rates, because both change daily. Instead, it separates the costs you can pin down now from the ones you need to price for your dates, and gives our rough on-the-ground estimates in Australian dollars (AUD).
Quick method: (return flight) + (AUD20 ETA) + (insurance) + (nights × daily AUD estimate ÷ the current USD→AUD rate). Use the Reserve Bank of Australia for the rate.
Costs before you leave
Flights
Most routes from the U.S. connect through a West Coast hub, and some cities have non-stop flights to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Check airline schedules for your departure city. Airfare is usually the largest single item, and it depends heavily on season. Australian school holidays and the December–January summer peak push prices up. Compare on airline sites or a flight search tool for your own dates.
Entry: the ETA
U.S. passport holders are eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601). Home Affairs says applying through the Australian ETA app costs a AUD20 service charge. The ETA is valid for 12 months or until your passport expires, allows multiple entries, and stays of up to 3 months each time. Apply only through the official app.
Travel insurance
The U.S. State Department says Medicare and Medicaid do not cover care abroad, the U.S. has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, and you will be billed even at public hospitals. It recommends insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Costs once you are there (AUD)
These are the same rough planning figures used in our trip cost calculator. They are estimates, not quotes.
| Per person, per day (AUD) | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per room, per night, for two) | $40–80 | $150–300 | $400–1,000+ |
| Food and drink | $40–60 | $80–150 | $200+ |
| Activities and tours | $30–70 | $80–200 | $250+ |
| Local transport | $20–40 | $50–100 | $150+ |
Fixed fees worth knowing
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: adult pass $38 for 3 days or $50 annual; under-18s free (Parks Australia).
- Tasmanian national parks need a parks pass; check current prices with the Parks and Wildlife Service.
Paying in Australia
The currency is the Australian dollar. The U.S. State Department notes that cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for remote areas. Before you go, check your card's foreign transaction fee; a card without one saves a few percent on every purchase. If you carry more than AUD10,000 in cash, you must declare it.
Where the money goes, and how to save
- Domestic flights: each extra region usually means another flight. Fewer regions, more days in each, is cheaper and less tiring.
- Timing: shoulder seasons are often cheaper than December–January. See the best time guide.
- Tours: reef trips and scenic flights add up fast. Pick one or two headline experiences.
- Food: supermarkets and BYO restaurants cut costs.
Next steps
Run your numbers in the calculator, then choose a route with the trip quiz or the 2-week itineraries.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Fees, timetables and rules change, so confirm with the source before you book.