Australia Trip Cost
Your complete guide to budgeting for an Australian adventure
All prices on this page are in Australian dollars (AUD) and are our rough planning estimates, not quotes. Coming from North America? See Australia trip cost from Canada or from the US.
Budget by travel style first
Australia trip costs vary too much for one daily number to be honest. Start with your travel style, then adjust for expensive items such as domestic flights, rental cars, reef trips and major-city hotels.
| Travel style | Usually means | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostels/basic rooms, groceries, public transport, fewer paid tours | Long-distance transport can still be expensive |
| Mid-range | Private rooms/hotels, casual restaurants, a rental car for part of the trip, selected tours | Parking and one-way car fees |
| Comfortable | Better hotels, more dining out, domestic flights, several major experiences | Peak-season hotel prices |
| Luxury | Premium hotels, private transfers, high-end dining and tours | Remote lodges and premium experiences dominate the total |
The five numbers that matter most
- Nights: accommodation is often the largest controllable cost.
- Domestic movements: each added region can mean a flight, car hire or long transfer.
- Rental-car days: include fuel, parking, tolls where applicable and one-way fees.
- Major experiences: reef trips, scenic flights and guided tours can change the budget quickly.
- Season: Christmas/New Year, school holidays and major events can push accommodation and airfares much higher.
Use the calculator below as a planning estimate, then price the exact flights, accommodation and tours for your dates before treating the result as a real budget.
Interactive Budget Calculator
Estimated Total Trip Cost:
A$3,700
This is an estimate in Australian dollars (AUD), using the per-person figures below. Prices vary by season, location, and booking time.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
International Flights
Return flights from North America or Europe, per person, in AUD. Book 3-6 months in advance for best prices.
Accommodation
Per night cost for two people. Hostels, mid-range hotels, or luxury resorts.
Food & Drink
Daily cost per person. Supermarket meals vs. cafes and high-end restaurants.
Activities & Tours
Daily cost per person. Free walks vs. paid tours like reef trips or scenic flights.
Domestic Transport
Daily cost per person. Public transport, car rental, or domestic flights.
Fixed fees you can check today
A few costs are set by government agencies rather than the market, so they are the same for everyone:
| Item | Cost (AUD) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), e.g. USA and Canada passports | AUD20 service charge via the Australian ETA app | Home Affairs |
| eVisitor (subclass 651), many European passports | Free | Home Affairs |
| Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass, adult | $38 for 3 days, or $50 annual; under-18s free | Parks Australia |
Checked October 2026. Confirm on the official page before you pay.
Money-Saving Tips for Australia
Australia can be an expensive destination, but with smart planning, you can significantly reduce your costs. Travel during the shoulder seasons (Spring & Autumn) to find cheaper flights and accommodation. Cook some of your own meals by shopping at supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi. Look for "BYO" (Bring Your Own) restaurants to save on alcohol costs. Finally, take advantage of the many free activities, such as hiking in national parks, relaxing on beaches, and exploring city botanical gardens.