travel australia budget

The Cost of Travel in Australia: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Australia? Let’s just say that it’s not exactly an inexpensive country to visit.

In fact, out of the 100-odd countries that I’ve had the pleasure of travelling to, it actually ranks as one of my least affordable.

Let’s face it: it’s expensive to get to, expensive to travel around, and expensive to live here.

You can trust me on this: after spending a full decade visiting this Land Down Under on an annual basis, I made the big decision to apply for Australian permanent residency. Yes, in 2021, I settled down in beautiful Melbourne with my partner and set about building a life for myself.

So not only do I now call this country home, but I’ve also spent a significant amount of time exploring its other-worldly landscapes.

There was the lengthy road trip I ventured on down the east coast from Brisbane to Melbourne, the two weeks I spent hiking in Tasmania, the week I dedicated to swimming alongside the Great Barrier Reef, and even the five times I’ve cruised alongside the Great Ocean Road (what can I say? I love it!). I’ve fed kangaroos out of the palm of my hand, stroked a koala, swam with sharks, and taken selfies with quokkas.

Needless to say, I’ve seen a hell of a lot of this country over the years, perhaps even more so now that I’m based here.

Most importantly, I’ve travelled Australia on every budget you can conceive of: from a grungy backpacker living off of Vegemite sandwiches to a solo traveller in her thirties on a mid-range budget. I’ve jumped on a month-long family road trip to show my parents around my new home, spent weeks in a resort with my young nephews on a summer adventure, and hit up a remote island paradise as part of a couple on a romantic high-end 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.

But in short, yes, this country is expensive.

And it’s particularly expensive in 2024 — although, isn’t everywhere?

Unfortunately, Australia hasn’t been spared from the cost-of-living crisis that is currently rampaging around the globe and prices have been skyrocketing in response. If you’re from Western Europe or North America (as most of my readers are), you can expect travel in Australia to cost around 10-30% more than it does in your homeland.

But that doesn’t mean that Australia offers bad value for money.

In fact, I think that Australia offers fantastic value for money! Yes, you need to spend a lot of money to visit this country, but you’ll be receiving so much in exchange. for it You’ll be visiting some of the most iconic destinations in the world, making your way from world-class beaches to red-sand deserts, diving the Great Barrier Reef and watching the sunset over Uluru. These experiences are expensive for a reason: you can’t do them anywhere else in the world!

Today, I’m going to be sharing exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Australia. Let’s start by looking at how you can save money on accommodation.

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.

And so, visiting Australia, doesn’t have to mean spending your life savings on hotel. I’ll start this section by focusing on the budget accommodation options in the country, then move on to the mid-range hotels, and finish with the higher-end properties.

I first want to mention that if you’ll be travelling on the tightest of 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. No, it isn’t particularly comfortable! It doesn’t cost a cent to do so, however, and provides 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 difficult 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 current listings for Australia , 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 also 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 none of that appeals, then you’ll be getting down with hostel living.

A Guide to Hostel Costs 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.

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.

Related Posts

The Cost of Travel in Singapore: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

The Cost of Travel in Mauritius: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

The Cost of Travel in Thailand: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

30 Incredible Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia (By a Local!)

2023: My Travels in Review

The Cost of Travel in South Korea: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

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!

9 money-saving tips for budget travelers in Australia

Nov 10, 2023 • 8 min read

Stretch your budget further in Australia with these money-saving tips © Belinda Howell / Getty Images

Australia – with its wallpaper-worthy landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife – is a dream destination for many.

Unfortunately, while Australia is known to be laid-back, it is not known as a budget destination. Even locals find the cost of living a hard pill to swallow. Ultimately, how expensive Australia feels will depend on the exchange rate of the Australian dollar with your home currency.

Whether you’re in Sydney , Perth or an outback location in between, food, activities and especially accommodation can add up quickly. However with careful planning it is possible to keep costs reasonable on a trip to Australia. Here are our top money-saving tips along with a guide to daily costs.

A guide to daily costs

Shared bunk room in a hostel: $40–80

Basic room for two: $180–250

Single fare on public transport: $2–4

Bacon and egg roll for breakfast: $8–12

Meat pie: $6

Dinner per person, excluding drinks: $30–60

Beer in pub: $5–9,

Cocktails: $15–25

Total average daily cost: $200 – 300

1. Plan your trip during the off-peak season

Australia's peak tourist season falls during the southern hemisphere's summer. This makes December to February the most expensive time to visit Australia.

Instead, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when you're more likely to score a deal on accommodation, domestic flights and even tours. As most accommodation providers – particularly in urban centers – rely on dynamic pricing, these months are when you’ll be more likely to snag a room for a reasonable price. The same is true of seats on internal flights and tour buses.

It’s also a great opportunity to discover offbeat festivals timed to coincide with the seasons, such as Tasmania ’s winter solstice celebration, Dark Mofo, or cherry-picking in Victoria’s Yarra Valley .

2. Sydney is not always the cheapest city to fly into

Sydney is considered the gateway to Australia, but it’s not the country’s only international airport. You might be able to save a chunk of change if you fly directly into Melbourne , Brisbane or Perth instead.

You'll find that domestic airfares within Australia are surprisingly budget-friendly, although their high environmental cost bears careful consideration. One-way flights between Melbourne and Sydney retail for as little as $59. You can expect a slightly higher level of service and more inclusions when flying with Australia’s budget airlines (including Bonza and Jetstar ) than you may have experienced with low-cost carriers in other regions.

Another money-saving option is to consider a flight package. Qantas , Australia's largest airline, often has travel deals that include airfare, hotels and car hire . You can use its multi-city trip planner to budget domestic travel within Australia.

3. The cheapest places to eat are markets and pubs

Australia's big cities have top-notch restaurants , but they can be pricey and are likely to be a stretch too far for budget travelers. Instead, opt for the lively markets in laneways, parks, and historic sites. Savor street food, like Thai and Greek delights, at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market or explore Sydney's Chinatown night markets on Fridays, with dishes starting at just $5.

If you're in regional areas, weekends are a treat with farmers' markets offering everything from freshly baked pastries and picnic supplies to souvenirs to take home.

For more wallet-friendly dining, keep an eye out for food trucks – they're everywhere. In Darwin , Parap Village Markets serves up some of the best laksa (Malaysian noodle soup) in Australia, while Sydney and Brisbane have a variety of options from Texas BBQ to Filipino fare.

And if you're in the mood for a classic Aussie meal, check out the local pubs. Most will offer a daily special, like a $12 chicken parmigiana or a $10 burger with chips. Finally, before you balk at prices for mains, remember that they include tax and tipping isn't customary; what you see on the menu is what you'll pay.

4. Australia's best attractions are free

In Australia, the real treasures lie outdoors on captivating beaches, coastal walks, and mountain trails. There are over 600 national parks and while a handful charge an entrance fee, most are free to explore.

There are also hundreds of cost-free museums and attractions across the country, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Gallery of Victoria . Some may request donations or provide free entry only during specific hours, typically outlined on their websites.

Another option is to join a free walking tour that delves into local history and iconic landmarks. In Brisbane, volunteers spend two to three hours guiding visitors through the city; the Sydney Sights tour leads you around neighborhoods and to famous places, like the Opera House ; and in Melbourne, a Culture Capital tour takes you deep into the city’s labyrinth of laneways and arcades. While these tours may advertise themselves as "free," they often run on a tips basis or "pay what you think it's worth", so bear in mind that the guides are usually expecting a financial contribution.

If you’re having trouble finding a tour online, ask at an information center or chat with the booking desk or concierge where you're staying. Just remember to book your spot for these tours in advance.

For popular tourist attractions, consider investing in a multi-attraction combo pass. Sightseeing Pass Australia , for example, offers discounts for attractions in South Australia and Western Australia, while Sea Life Sydney ’s Pass will save you up to 50% on other nearby sights. Alternatively, scout for discounts on platforms like Klook , Red Balloon and Adrenaline to make the most of your sightseeing adventures.

5. Hire an RV or campervan for cheap accommodation and travel

Whether it's a road trip through the outback or along the coast , the best and sometimes only way to see Australia is by car. To explore efficiently, consider hiring a camper instead of a traditional car rental. Campervans provide affordable accommodation on wheels, with nightly fees at caravan parks averaging around $30 for unpowered sites, and upwards of $40 for powered spots (although you may find even better deals on private land through Hipcamp ).

There are also free campsites available throughout the country, offering an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. These can be found using apps such as WikiCamps Australia and CamperMate . If you go this route, prepare for minimal amenities; some spots lack toilet facilities or access to clean water.

Van rental costs start at approximately $40 per day, depending on the model. Camplify (which is like Airbnb for motorhomes and vans) has an under $100 section, making it easy to pick your next home on wheels within budget. Jucy Rentals is another option, best suited to road trippers on a backpacker budget.

While you’ll save on accommodation, bear in mind that petrol (gas) is expensive in Australia. Prices fluctuate, but at the end of 2023 a liter of fuel was between $1.80 and $2.10.

6. Consider a farm stay for a different perspective

Australia is witnessing a rise in the popularity of rural farm stays among travelers. Whether visiting a region for a month or a weekend, you can book a tiny house on a cattle station or sleep in a chic converted shearing shed. They can sometimes be cheaper than hotels, with a breakfast typically included. Most importantly, they double as a free attraction for the whole family, as many farm stays encourage guests to pet the horses and feed the cows.

To find them, use Hipcamp or Booking.com 's "farm stay" filter. While some farm stays can be upwards of $600 for a luxe glamping experience, some cost less than $250 per night for an entire cottage to yourself. Many tourist-facing farmstays, such as the Tweed's Hosanna Farmstay , double as campgrounds with sites from $21 a night and huts from $125.

7. Work or volunteer while you travel

A working holiday visa in Australia can be a savvy move to explore Australia's culture and breathtaking scenery while padding your wallet. Available for visitors between the ages of 18 and 30 (and up to 35 in some cases) from eligible countries, these visas allow you to work as a tourist in Australia.

Housesitting is another option for travelers. You get to stay for free in great homes across Australia, in exchange for looking after the house, and possibly pets too, while the owners are away. Aussie House Sitters and Mindahome.com both list available house sits; there is a small membership fee to join, but it’ll pay off in accommodation savings if you land a housesitting gig.

8. Bring your own wine to dinner

Australia has steep taxes on alcohol, resulting in high prices. Expect to pay $13 for a glass of house wine. To lessen the blow on your budget, opt for happy hour drinks when cocktails are just $15 and tap beers will start at $5. Many places also offer food deals like $10 nachos and $5 fries.

For a budget-friendly dinner with drinks, some restaurants – particularly Chinese, Italian, and Mediterranean ones – will allow you to bring your own bottle of wine. This will typically be advertised in the restaurant’s front window, with a nominal corkage fee of around $3. Although if you walk in with a “goon” bag (a four-liter bag of wine, which will set you back about $12) you might turn some heads.

9. Join a group tour

A common oversight among travelers is underestimating Australia's vast size. With a population of just 25 million, its landmass rivals that of the United States. Travel times – particularly to remote regions – aren’t just critical to your itinerary; they’ll also affect your bottom line.

This is when group tours – which cover lodging, food, transportation, and experiences – can be particularly good value, especially for destinations such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and K’gari (Fraser Island) . Tour operators are typically able to negotiate lower group rates for their guests, saving you not just time and effort in planning, but money as well.

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

May 8, 2024 • 5 min read

With a little planning, a memorable, affordable family vacation is well within reach. Here’s how.

Nov 6, 2023 • 7 min read

Jan 29, 2020 • 9 min read

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

Nov 6, 2024 • 10 min read

Nov 6, 2024 • 9 min read

Nov 4, 2024 • 14 min read

Oct 31, 2024 • 11 min read

Oct 15, 2024 • 8 min read

Oct 2, 2024 • 19 min read

• Travel Planning Guide

Australia Travel Budget - Visit Australia on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Australia Costs

• Australia On-Your-Own Itineraries
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Australia Hotel Prices
• Australia Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Cheap Hotels in Australia
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Australia
• Best Party Hotels in Australia
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Australia
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Australia
• Best Hotels for One Night in Australia
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Australia Activities
• Australia Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia
• The Best Wildlife Tours to Australia
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia
• The Best Historical Tours in Australia
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Australia
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia
• The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia
• The Best Extended Trip Tours in Australia, One Month or Longer
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Australia
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Australia
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia
• The Best Adventure Tours to Australia
• The Best Eco Tours in Australia
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Australia
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Australia
• The Best Cultural Tours in Australia
• The Best Volunteering Tours in Australia
• The Best Camping Tours in Australia
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia
• The Best Safaris in Australia
• The Best Walking Tours in Australia
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Australia
• The Best Luxury Tours to Australia
• The Best Budget Tours to Australia
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Australia
• The Best Contiki Tours to Australia
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia
• Surfers Paradise
• How much does it cost to travel to Australia? (Average Daily Cost)
• Australia trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Australia?

Is australia expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Australia?
• Cost of Accommodation
• Cost of Transportation
• Cost of Food
• Cost of Sightseeing & Entertainment
• Cost of Alcohol & Nightlife
• Budgeting Tips & Challenges
• Travel Guide

Australia is a large and diverse destination known for the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, the Sydney Opera House, and Uluru in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide , we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending. So, whether you're taking in the beauty of Katoomba, scuba diving around Airlie Beach, or hiking in Alice Springs, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Australia?

You should plan to spend around $188 (AU$284) per day on your vacation in Australia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $58 (AU$87) on meals
• $31 (AU$46) on local transportation
• $143 (AU$215) on hotels

A one week trip to Australia for two people costs, on average, $2,633 (AU$3,976) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 188 AU$ 284
• One Week Per person $ 1,316 AU$ 1,988
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,633 AU$ 3,976
• One Month Per person $ 5,642 AU$ 8,520
• One Week For a couple $ 2,633 AU$ 3,976
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 5,266 AU$ 7,952
• One Month For a couple $ 11,284 AU$ 17,040

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Australia cost?

A one week trip to Australia usually costs around $1,316 (AU$1,988) for one person and $2,633 (AU$3,976) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Australia on average costs around $2,633 (AU$3,976) for one person and $5,266 (AU$7,952) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Australia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Australia on average costs around $5,642 (AU$8,520) for one person and $11,284 (AU$17,040) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Australia is $309 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Ultimate 10 10 Days - 12 Destinations $ 1,945
• Sydney to Cairns Best Of The East Coast – 17 Day Boutique… 17 Days - 20 Destinations $ 5,117

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Australia is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Australia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Fiji or French Polynesia.

No matter your travel style or budget, Australia has plenty of sights, activities, and places to stay that will meet your needs. Hostels in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth provide budget accommodation, while luxury hotels cater to those who prefer something more upscale, and there are mid-range hotels ideal for families or couples.

Australia offers a luxury experience, but you can still keep your spending in check with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants, taking public transit, and enjoying free activities.

On average, budget travelers spend $75 (AU$110) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $195 (AU$284) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $517 (AU$755) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Australia.

For more details, see Is Australia Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Australia?

The average Australia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Australia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Australia cost?

Australia on a Budget

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.

Who are Budget Travelers?

It's common to hear that a visit to Australia can cost just $75 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.

Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.

Fortunately, Australia is home to numerous hostels, and you'll find the largest number in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Some places feature solid public transportation options, enabling budget travelers to dodge the high expenses of taxis or Ubers. For visitors of all kinds, food is an important aspect of Australia, but those on a budget often eat street food or whip up meals in their hostels, potentially missing out on the culinary experiences available.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. Most visitors will want to go to the long sandy beaches in Gold Coast, the SkyPoint Observation Deck in Surfers Paradise, or Noosa Main Beach in Noosa Heads on their trip. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $195 per person each day.

With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Australia, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Gold Coast and Cairns where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at Noosa Valley Manor B&B in Doonan or Yallambee B&B in Bundanoon for a kid-friendly experience. Couples heading to Thredbo should look into Rydges Thredbo Alpine Hotel for a cozy and romantic stay. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Australia here .

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $517. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like Fraser Island and Sydney. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as 3 Day Adelaide to Melbourne - offered by Australian Natural Treasures Touring.

Accommodation Budget in Australia

Australia has a surprising range of hotel prices. During peak season, everything gets more expensive, so visit in the off-season for better deals. There's also a big gap between budget and luxury options, but booking early helps keep costs down.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Australia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $143 (AU$215). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $71 (AU$108) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 71 AU$ 108
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 143 AU$ 215

Hotels in Australia

Looking for a hotel in Australia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Actual Hotel Prices in Australia

The average hotel room price in Australia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $123 in the low season and $230 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Sydney There's a wide range of hotel prices in Sydney. You can expect to spend anywhere from $56 to $299 depending on your budget and needs. Most visitors to Sydney stay up to seven days, so you'll want to find a comfortable and convenient place if you're staying for a while. Also, a great hotel option is Valentine On George that runs about $88 per night. You can expect to pay around $27 for a dorm bed if you decide to stay in a hostel.

Melbourne As one of the less touristy places, Melbourne offers a variety of hotel options at a range of prices. You'll find typical hotel prices from $75 in the low season to $340 during the busy peak season. As many travelers stay up to five days, you should make sure to find a comfortable place in a good location if you're planning to explore for a while. If you're looking for some good options, you should check out Cambridge Cottages for $210 and Eagle's View Bed & Breakfast starting at $198. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $22 for a dorm bed.

Perth In Perth, which is a city, expect a fairly wide range of choices and prices for accommodation. Hotel prices here can range from $58 in the low season to $256 during the peak season. Palm Beach Bed & Breakfast ($88) is one of the best hotel options here, and Sorrento Beach Bed & Breakfast is also good, and starts at $92. You can expect to pay around $19 for a dorm bed if you decide to stay in a hostel. Since many travelers spend up to four days, it's important to find a cozy spot in a prime location if you're planning to explore for an extended time.

Recommended Properties

• Caledonian Hotel Motel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 88
• Gracehill Accommodation Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 124

Local Transportation Budget in Australia

On average, past travelers have spent $31 (AU$46) per person, per day, on local transportation in Australia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Australia is significantly more than public transportation.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 31 AU$ 46

Local Transportation Tips

If saving money is a priority, public transit is your best bet for getting around. Numerous places boast reliable public transportation networks, including the extensive systems in Sydney and Gold Coast. Many visitors also enjoy discovering places by walking, which offers a chance to connect with different neighborhoods and immerse themselves in the local culture. Those who enjoy walking will find these cities particularly enjoyable.

When visiting larger cities such as Sydney and Gold Coast, it's wise to opt for a multi-day pass if you'll be using public transit frequently. Depending on your travel frequency, this could lead to significant savings over buying separate tickets.

In busy Sydney, it's much simpler to avoid driving, given the heavy traffic and congestion. Parking fees can be steep, making a car rental less appealing. Instead, consider using public transportation or walking to get around and keep your costs down.

If you plan on driving in one of the bigger cities, be sure to check with your hotel about parking ahead of time. You may be required to pay for parking either at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. In some cases, parking further out of town could be cheaper.

Recommended Services

• Airport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne Viator $ 93
• Private Transfer - Cairns Airport to Cairns CBD Viator $ 77

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in Australia, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.

• Tram Ride AU$ 3.80
• Taxi to Airport AU$ 25
• Airport Bus AU$ 16
• Taxi Ride AU$ 20
• Shuttle from the Train Station AU$ 5.50
• Shuttle to Train Station AU$ 15
• Airtrain to the City AU$ 15
• Go Card AU$ 25

Food Budget in Australia

While restaurant and meal prices in Australia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Australia is $58 (AU$87) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 58 AU$ 87

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Australia is about $60 (AU$87) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $24 to $146 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Australia are as follows:

• Breakfast: $11 to $18
• Lunch: $9 to $30
• Dinner: $21 to $48
• Fast Food or Street Food: $10

Australian cuisine is very multicultural. You'll find international restaurants in almost any city, but you'll also find pubs and bars that serve up the typical meat pies and fish and chips. Barbecue is a popular activity and you can get grilled meat any number of places.

Meat Pie: A popular lunch dish throughout the country is a simple, small, meat filled pie. It's usually made from pastry and stuffed with minced meat and gravy. You can find any number of variations and some include cheese or mushrooms. Meat pies are available in cafe style restaurants and are often a cheap meal option.

Fish and Chips: Similar to their British counterpart, Australian fish and chips are made with battered and deep fried fish. They are often served with chips (french fries). This is a greasy but cheap meal option that is available in most towns and cities. You'll usually find the best versions in traditional pubs.

Barbeque: An Australian tradition, barbeque in this country includes a variety of meat types, anything from fish to steak. It's prepared outdoors on a grill and typically eaten outdoors as well. Many guesthouses, hostels, and hotels will host a barbeque once a week which offers a great way to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a filling meal.

Popular Culinary Destinations

As a popular spot for foodies, Australia boasts an array of fantastic culinary choices. Many tourists enjoy exploring the local flavors throughout their trip. Some of the top cities for dining experiences are Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast Make sure you don't miss the cuisine in Gold Coast . The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Cairns Cairns is not to be missed because of it's amazing cuisine. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Surfers Paradise Surfers Paradise is well known for its food scene. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Sydney Many visitors enjoy sampling the different restaurants in Sydney . There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) If you're a traveling foodie, you'll enjoy your time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) . Many of the dining options are connected with the resorts in the area. A bucket list experience is to enjoy outdoor dining with a 4 or 5 course menu under the desert moon. Many visitors also enjoy the unique experience of an outdoor barbecue, complete with local foods and a stunning sunset view. There are several fine dining options in the area, and a handful of budget-friendly places to eat as well.

Food & Dining Tips

When visiting larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Gold Coast, you can save some money by opting for lunch at nicer restaurants rather than dinner. Many restaurants in tourist districts or business centers feature lunch specials that are typically smaller and cheaper than their dinner offerings. With a little effort, you might be able to enjoy a complete multi-course gourmet meal at a budget-friendly price. Just plan for a lighter dinner afterwards.

If you're enjoying a stay in a sought-after resort area like Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, or Airlie Beach, resorts typically offer various food options, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the details to understand the pricing structure. Some resorts provide full board , which means all meals are included, whereas others might offer half board , covering only two meals. Additionally, on-site restaurants might exist that could be included in your stay or not. Also, drinks may sometimes be included, but that's not always the case. Be sure to check with the resort ahead of time to clarify which meals and drinks may incur extra charges.

If you're looking at a week-long stay or longer in Gold Coast, Cairns, or Surfers Paradise, consider that families or groups might do well in an apartment or vacation rental with a kitchen. You can save by preparing your meals with economical groceries instead of dining out.

When you have children in tow, look for places that provide a kids menu. This can be a great way to cut costs, as those meals are often much cheaper. Since some restaurants don't list the kids' options, make sure to ask the waiter before you decide.

Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast, but some charge extra for this service. Prices and quality can vary based on the hotel. Being informed in advance can help you decide whether to indulge in a lavish hotel buffet or simply visit a nearby bakery or café that may offer cheaper options.

Carrying a water bottle is a smart choice instead of buying drinks. It's also a way to support the environment.

When planning a tour, it's important to clarify in advance which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for paying for some meals yourself, which could increase your overall expenses.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Australia. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

• Chef Jacqui's French Cooking Classes for $164 details
• Street Food Tour in Melbourne's Inner North for $66 details
• Green Food Kitchen: Vegan/Vegetarian cooking classes for $86 details
• VIP Silver-Tails Rail Sunset With Smithy's Dinner and Show for $119 details

Recommended

• Chef Jacqui's French Cooking Classes Viator $ 164
• Street Food Tour in Melbourne's Inner North Viator $ 66

What did other people spend on Food?

Food and meal prices in Australia, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.

• Pizza AU$ 7.00
• Dinner at Olivo (for 2) AU$ 90
• Meat Pies AU$ 5.00
• Food/Drink Coogie Beach AU$ 15
• Lunch Special AU$ 15
• Coffee AU$ 5.00
• Tea AU$ 4.00
• Coffee AU$ 4.00

Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Australia

Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Australia typically cost an average of $31 (AU$47) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 31 AU$ 47

The Best Sightseeing Destinations

Australia is a highly sought-after travel destination, providing numerous opportunities for visitors to fulfill their bucket list wishes. Some of the top spots to visit in Australia include Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast The Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination along the east coast of Australia. The white sandy beaches are lined with glitzy high rise skyscrapers and vibrant resorts. The area has many world class amusement parks and there is no shortage of fine dining restaurants and adrenaline-filled activities.

Cairns Cairns is a huge tourist city and is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is popular with backpackers and luxury vacationers alike. There are world class beaches and high end resorts that make this a major destination for tourists. There are also scuba diving trips and snorkeling excursions that will let you experience the marine environment first hand.

Surfers Paradise Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular beach destinations in Australia. It's located along the Gold Coast, and offers access to many amusement parks and wildlife centers. The beaches are lined with high rise resorts and the city has many great restaurants and a huge nightlife scene. There are also weekly beachside markets.

Sydney Sydney is the oldest and largest of Australia's cities. It's filled with world famous landmarks and beautiful waterfront neighborhoods. Life revolves around the water here, with Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach at the top of most visitor's itineraries.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is an iconic destination in Australia. The dome shaped monolith holds a special place in the indigenous culture, and effort should be made to respect this spiritual site. The stunning beauty will take your breath away, particularly during sunrise and sunset.

Sightseeing Tips

Among the most stunning and beautiful spots to explore in Australia are Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), Katoomba, and Airlie Beach. These unforgettable locations are sure to leave you in awe and should definitely be on your must-visit list.

Scuba diving enthusiasts will find plenty of fantastic diving spots around Cairns, Airlie Beach, and Gold Coast. It's essential to time your visit for the right season, and also consider your budget when planning your trip due to the added costs of diving and boat trips.

Australia offers a range of fantastic beach destinations. For a nice vacation, many travelers escape to the coastline for relaxation and outdoor activities. Some of the best beaches are in Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise.

Hiking trails around the country draw plenty of visitors for their gorgeous views, natural beauty, and healthy activities. Some of the best places for hiking include Cairns, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), and Katoomba.

A nice way to explore destinations in Australia is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Yarra Valley grazing tour with Champagne Brunch at Chandon for $167 details
• Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems for $300 details
• Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch for $197 details
• Full Day Kayaking Tour in Coorong National Park for $107 details

Recommended Activities

• Yarra Valley grazing tour with Champagne Brunch at Chandon Viator $ 167
• Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems Viator $ 300

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Australia, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.

• Powerhouse Museum AU$ 15
• Surfing Museum (for 2) AU$ 11
• Sunset Cruise (for 2) AU$ 20
• Surf Lesson AU$ 65
• Surf Lesson AU$ 120
• Sea Kayak Tour (for 2) AU$ 130
• Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2) AU$ 190
• Sydney Tower Visit (for 2) AU$ 46

Nightlife Budget in Australia

The average person spends about $15 (AU$22) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Australia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 15 AU$ 22

Popular Nightlife Destinations

Australia is a must-visit for nightlife lovers, as it attracts crowds from around the world eager to experience its legendary scene. Top nightlife cities include Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast The nightlife in Gold Coast is quite popular. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Cairns When the sun goes down, the party picks up in Cairns . For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Surfers Paradise The nightlife scene is a highlight for many young visitors in Surfers Paradise . This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Sydney Nightlife in Sydney is not to be missed. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Coffs Harbour If partying is a priority while you're traveling, then you'll want to visit Coffs Harbour . It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

Nightlife Tips

While nightlife can be a highlight of your trip, cutting back on drinking can make a big difference to your travel budget.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Australia. A few favorites from other travelers include:

• Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour for $130 details
• Luke's McLaren Vale Wine Tour for $74 details
• Margaret River Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Wine Tasting Tour for $134 details
• Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch for $133 details
• Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour Viator $ 130
• Luke's McLaren Vale Wine Tour Viator $ 74

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Australia, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.

• Bottle of Wine AU$ 7.75
• Wine AU$ 7.00
• Wine AU$ 16
• Drinks at a Bar AU$ 14
• Glass of Wine in Alice Springs AU$ 7.00
• Glass of Wine AU$ 7.00
• Evening at a Bar AU$ 24
• Guiness Beer AU$ 8.50

Budgeting and Travel Tips

• Tourism in Australia really takes off during the summer months, and with that surge in visitors comes a spike in prices. Hotels fill up fast, and you'll notice accommodation and activity costs climb as demand goes up. If you're hoping to keep your travel expenses in check, it's smarter to visit in the shoulder or low seasons when there's less hustle, and prices are much more reasonable.
• Locations like Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise are particularly popular with tourists, which means you should anticipate larger crowds and higher costs during peak times. Expect to encounter busy attractions with lengthy lines, sold-out tickets, and increased prices. In all areas, especially these popular destinations, try to make your reservations well in advance, ideally several months ahead.
• In popular vacation spots like Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise, it's not uncommon for travelers to hang out for a week or longer. Families with kids, in particular, often opt for vacation rentals or apartments. These options offer more room to unwind, plus extras like a kitchen, which not only adds convenience but can also help you cut back on food costs.
• If you're a backpacker or a young budget traveler, this country has got you covered. You'll discover loads of hostels and wallet-friendly activities in various spots. If you're looking to connect with fellow travelers, Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise are awesome places to stay inexpensively, meet new friends, and have a great time.
• Many couples love heading to Australia for a fun or laid-back honeymoon. Maybe you're looking for a romantic retreat or just a thrilling weekend adventure. Whatever your vibe, this country offers countless fantastic places to discover with your partner. Some of the most romantic locations include Gold Coast, Sydney, and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock).
• A vacation to this country is a hit with many families. There are countless great places suited for family getaways, such as Gold Coast, Cairns, and Surfers Paradise. Children will enjoy a range of fun activities, and adults will also find themselves well entertained throughout their stay.
• Many visitors seek out a restful vacation at a resort. They enjoy the simplicity of not having to plan their trip or travel between destinations. Luxurious resorts provide a mix of serene lodging, engaging activities, and fantastic food. If you desire a calming location where you can indulge yourself stylishly, make your way to Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, or Airlie Beach. This is where you'll find some of the best resorts in Australia.

Budgeting Challenges

• For many, the scuba diving in Cairns, Airlie Beach, and Gold Coast is a highlight, though it can come with a hefty price tag. Dive trips, rental equipment, and boat excursions could take up a good chunk of your budget. Also, don't forget to check that your travel insurance covers any potential accidents.
• With Australia being such a large country with so much to see, you can either explore it slowly over a longer period of time, or focus on one smaller region during a shorter visit. Moving around quickly and covering more distance will add up fast, especially when it comes to transportation costs.
• When traveling with small children, it's sometimes more convenient to rely on a private vehicle or taxi instead of public transit. Of course, this will come with a higher price tag.
• For families, many hotels in Sydney are not large enough to accommodate a family of four. Space can be tight, so be prepared to find a larger hotel or pay for two rooms.

Related Articles

Traveling in australia.

Australia is both a country and a continent. While it is most famous for it's wilderness and stunning natural beauty, it is also one of the world's most developed and economically thriving countries. Perhaps one of the most famous areas in the country is the "outback," but other national parks and the Great Barrier Reef all have much to offer adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers.

The area has far more to offer than just adventure sports and outdoor settings. There are countless cosmopolitan cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. If you're a beach lover you'll have miles of coastline to explore, and foodies will find many international and local restaurants that receive rave reviews.

For many, Australia seems like a far off destination. It takes an entire day to fly there from North America. It's in the southern hemisphere, so July is cold and Christmas is hot. It's a country that looks strikingly like any other westernized country, but it has animals and vegetation that are uniquely its own. It's these familiarities, yet sharp differences that make this part of the world a favorite destination for the young and old alike.

At A Glance

• You will likely need to fly at least once during your trip. Compare plane ticket prices on consolidator websites but purchase the tickets directly from the airlines to avoid any additional charges.

Looking for a party? Find a hostel in Sydney , Melbourne , Cairns , or along the Gold Coast .

Top Tourist Attractions

The Great Barrier Reef: Perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers alike, this natural wonder is awe inspiring and beautiful. Many divers come to Australia specifically for the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest continuous coral reef in the world. You can arrange dive or snorkel trips after you arrive through any number of dive shops around town.

Sydney Harbor: The most famous landmark in Sydney, this area is a beautiful natural harbor that is home to both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It's probably the most photographed area in Sydney.

Ayers Rock: Uluru is of religious significance to the Aborigines. It's an amazing sight, particularly at sunrise and sunset and is one of the most popular natural landmarks in the country. The easiest way to get to Ayers Rock is by plane.

More Related Articles

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 .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Search for Travel Costs

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

Travel Cost Data

You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page .

A Simple Link

For a basic link, you can copy and paste the HTML link code or this page's address.

Travel Cost Widget

To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget . Make sure that you keep the link back to our website intact.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Budget Travel With Gabby

Travel tips, budget travel guides, volunteering stories, more!

How To Travel Australia On A Budget: The Ultimate Guide

Wondering how to travel Australia on a budget? Here is all the knowledge I’ve gained after living and exploring here for about six years!

One of the most common stereotypes about Australia is that it’s super expensive.

At least that was one of the only things I had heard about Australia before coming here.

After six years of living here, I’ve realized that it can be expensive, but not nearly as much as I thought it would be!

Traveling here as a visitor is definitely pricier than many countries in the world, such as Cambodia or Guatemala .

But it is possible to travel Australia on a budget!

In this Australia budget travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to explore Australia cheaply.

I’ll cover where to go, flights, transport, accommodation, food, drinks, activities, and more.

Keep in mind, Australia is huge. I recommend exploring fewer areas of the country more in-depth than hopping around this massive country in a rush to see everything.

Get ready to explore Australia!

How To Travel Australia On A Budget

I will begin this Australia budget travel guide by discussing the basic logistics.

Before you even look into transport or accommodation, you have to decide where and when you want to visit Australia.

You also have to look into visas, as every visitor needs a visa . I also recommend considering travel insurance .

Visas for Australia

Everyone entering Australia needs a visa.

The easiest visa to get is the visitor visa (subclass 600) . You can apply outside Australia and it costs a minimum of $195 AUD.

You can get approved for stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. Also, you have to prove you have enough money to fund your trip and get yourself back home.

Easily apply for your visitor visa online through ImmiAccount . The Australian immigration website has all the details you should need!

If you’re interested in staying in Australia for a year and working, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa .

See my detailed guide to the Working Holiday Visa for more info!

Budget Travel Insurance for Australia

Travel insurance is always a hot topic for budget travelers. Do you need it? Or is it a waste of money?

I wrote a very detailed article about this called Budget Traveler’s Guide to Travel Insurance .

But for the sake of this article about how to travel Australia on a budget, I would say getting travel insurance depends on your trip.

Because Australia does have lots of poisonous animals and adventure activities that could cause injury, I would say YES, get travel insurance for Australia.

Especially if you’ll be road tripping, surfing, hiking, or heading to remote areas, travel insurance for Australia could save you lots of money if something happens.

As an American, I always use Squaremouth Insurance for finding affordable plans. But they don’t cover every nationality, so just do some research to find the right plan for you.

Where To Go In Australia / When To Visit Australia

I’ll give a quick summary of Australia’s geography so you have an idea of where and when to visit. Each state is different, and each region of the country is unique.

Visiting Australia at the right time is a key factor when considering how to travel Australia on a budget.

Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria

These are the three most visited and most touristy states. All are located on Australia’s east coast .

If you want to travel Australia on a budget, you’ll have a pretty easy time of doing that in these three states.

Roads and infrastructure are well developed here so it’s easy to get around. There are so many accommodation and tour options as well.

Sydney (NSW), Brisbane (QLD) and Melbourne (VIC) are three of Australia’s biggest and most famous cities.

There are frequent and sometimes affordable international flights in and out of these airports, particularly Sydney Airport.

Read next: 22 Fun Things To Do In Brisbane

Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania

These states are where you’ll find the most dramatic scenery, thriving wildlife, and untouched Indigenous culture.

They are much more rugged and remote than the east coast.

However, because these areas of Australia are less touristy, it is slightly harder to travel around and it is more expensive.

Public transport is not nearly as common here, so sometimes renting a car or booking a guided tour are your best options.

There are also fewer accommodation options, so there is less competition and prices tend to be higher.

Transport and accommodation are more plentiful in the cities such as Darwin (NT), Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA), and Hobart (TAS). So if you are on a tighter budget and can’t afford to venture out into the wild, you may want to stick to the cities.

Find the coolest Outback experiences on Outback Tours !

When to Visit Australia

As for when to visit Australia, that really depends on which region you are visiting.

The North of Australia is tropical and has super hot and rainy summers. So it’s better to visit the north in winter (June – August)

The South of Australia has a cooler, more temperate climate. You’ll have warmer weather here if you visit in the summer (December – February).

Summer also means flight prices are much higher.

Generally speaking, the shoulder seasons of autumn (March – May) or spring (September – November) are safe times to visit anywhere.

I wrote a super detailed article about the best time to visit Australia if you want a more in-depth analysis!

How To Travel Australia On A Budget: Flights, Transport, eSIMs, and Accommodation

Transport to and around Australia is often the most confusing and most expensive part of any Australia budget travel guide.

Australia is a massive country that is pretty isolated from the rest of the world.

You will most likely have to travel far to get here, and you may have to travel a lot to see all the best parts of the country.

But it can be done! Let’s talk about how.

Getting To Australia

Flights into Australia can be long. They can also be expensive. But the travel and money is worth it to experience this amazing country!

Most international flights will fly into Sydney International Airport.

Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth are also big travel hubs, but Sydney is definitley the biggest. You’ll find the most flight options into Sydney.

Depending on how far you have to travel, flights to Sydney can be pricey.

For example, I’m from Boston, MA in the USA. Traveling to Sydney takes about 20 hours of flying and costs around $700-1000 USD one way.

But there are a few ways you can find cheap flights to Australia:

• Fly off-season. Summer months are peak travel season (Dec-Feb), so traveling to Australia outside these times will most likely mean cheaper flights.
• Use Skyscanner to pick the cheapest day of the month to travel. Read my in-depth guide to finding the cheapest flights abroad here !
• Browse for the cheapest airlines. Constantly search for flights and compare different airlines. Hawaiian Airlines is my go-to for flying from Sydney to Boston – they often have one way flights for under $700 USD!

If you follow these tips, you should be able to find decently prices flights to Australia!

Transport Within Australia

Once you arrive, you have a few options for getting around Australia on a budget.

Domestic Flights

For traveling longer distances in Australia, domestic flights are often the best option. You can usually find one-way flights for under $100 AUD.

Flights will also cut your travel time by a lot. For example, driving from Sydney to Melbourne can take 12 or more hours. Flying from Sydney to Melbourne takes one hour.

So if you’re short on time and you want to see a few different areas of Australia, domestic flights are the way to go.

Check these local budget airlines for basic, low-cost flights:

• Tiger Airways
• Virgin Australia

Renting a Car

From the natural beauty, to the wildlife, to the charming country towns, road tripping is a great way to see the real Australia.

Traveling Australia by car does take more time since the country is so big and attractions are spread out.

But if you have a few weeks or more, renting a car gives you so much flexibility to explore. If you’re heading to rural areas, public transport may not be as common so renting a car is ideal.

The cost of renting a car varies depending on where you are traveling to and from, and for how long.

Renting a car in Australia often costs $50 – $100 AUD per day . Add costs of fuel and insurance on top of that.

If you plan to road trip for a few months or longer, it may be cheaper to just buy a used car and then sell it before you leave. Carsales.com.au is the biggest website for buying and selling cars here.

Renting a campervan

Renting a campervan is also an epic way to travel Australia on a budget!

There is nothing quite like driving along the coast, parking up next to the beach, and waking up to the sunrise over the waves.

Campervans cost more to rent, and fuel costs are higher than a normal car. But they include your accommodation and cooking supplies, which saves you lots of money.

East Coast Tours has expert local travel agents who can find great deals on campervans in Australia .

Enquire about campervan hire on East Coast Tours !

Long-Distance Buses

One of the cheapest ways to travel long distances in Australia is by bus.

Greyhound Australia is one of the most popular bus companies. You can get a Greyhound Whimit Pass that lasts for 15 to 120 days with unlimited bus journeys in that time.

This is the cheapest option for traveling between Australian hotspots.

Check prices for the Greyhound Whimit Bus Pass .

Long-Distance Trains

There are a few long-distance train journeys that travel between major destinations in Australia.

Journey Beyond Rail is the main company that offers train travel. It is a spectacular way to see the countryside, especially the remote Outback.

However, this is really expensive. For example, the iconic Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide costs a few thousand dollars.

So this isn’t really for budget travelers, but it is supposed to be epic so I just wanted to mention it.

Regional Trains

Local trains are often the best way to travel to and from major cities and other nearby areas.

So if you’re staying in a city and want to take day trips, the regional trains are great options.

For example, Sydney’s train network reaches all the way down to Wollongong and Kiama on the South Coast, as well as the Blue Mountains in the west or Newcastle on the Central Coast.

Inner City Travel: Trains, Buses, Light Rails, and Metros

Within big cities like Sydney, Melbourne , and Brisbane, there is lots of cheap public transport available.

Whether it be the public bus, metro, tram, light rail, train, or ferry, there are plenty of ways to get around.

Usually you just have to get a travel card (such as an Opal Card in Sydney). Just tap it on and off the various types of public transport when you board.

Most journeys only cost a few dollars. Public transport is so much cheaper than taxis or ride share apps like Uber.

Car Sharing

Another option to consider for traveling Australia on a budget is sharing a car with other travelers.

Because Australia is so huge, and the country has a huge backpacker community, there are often people looking to share rides.

Share Your Ride and Co Seats are two websites where travelers can post about their upcoming journeys and find others to share the costs of travel with!

Alternatively, just enquire at your hostel and you are sure to find other travelers to share a car with.

Or you can check the many Australia Backpackers groups on Facebook. People are always posting about road trips on there!

Australia Backpackers 2024 , Australian Backpackers , and even Backpacker Jobs in Australia are all great resources.

Australia On A Budget: eSIMs

I love using eSIMs whenever I travel somewhere. They are so easy to use, and they’re super affordable as well.

Luckily, you don’t need to buy much data for Australia because lots of places have free Wifi.

But for driving directions and messaging friends or accommodations if needed, it’s handy to have some data.

Saily has affordable eSIMs for Australia where you can get 5GB of data for 30 days and it only costs $11.

If you generally use more data, you can get 20GB for 30 days which costs $30. If you run out, you can always top up on their easy-to-use app.

Find Saily’s full list of prices for Australia eSIMs!

Australia On A Budget: Accommodation

There is lots of accommodation to choose from in Australia!

For this Australia budget travel guide, I’ll mainly be focusing on the cheapest forms of accommodation.

Nice hotels, Airbnbs, eco-lodges, and guesthouses are plentiful around the country. You can find the best options by browsing online.

But for traveling Australia on a budget, the cheapest forms of accommodation are hostels, work exchanges, and camping.

Hostels in Australia

Hostels are a budget traveler’s best friend! You can stay in a shared dorm for the fraction of the price of a hotel room.

Hostelworld is the best website for finding hostels abroad.

The website has over 200 hostels in Australia, spread across 55 different cities and towns.

A bed in a hostel dorm room costs $30 AUD per night on average.

This is much more expensive than other countries in the world, but it’s still so much cheaper than a hotel.

Work Exchanges in Australia

Work exchanges are my favorite way to travel on a budget.

You can work around 20 hours a week in exchange for free accommodation.

This saves you so much money, which is super helpful in an expensive country like Australia.

You also get to have interesting cultural experiences. Living and working with locals is a great way to learn about the local lifestyle, and you’ll probably meet other cool travelers.

Worldpackers and Workaway are my two favorite websites for finding work exchanges.

Use code GABBY to save $10 USD on your Worldpackers membership!

Camping in Australia

Australia is a country that really values nature, so there are amazing campgrounds all over the country.

Because you need a lot of gear for camping, it’s only a cheap form of accommodation if you are also renting a car.

If you’re just hopping around and catching flights and public transport, it would be expensive and a hassle to buy a bunch of camping equipment.

But if you’re road tripping Australia in a car or campervan , take advantage of the country’s stunning campgrounds.

You can just drive up and spend the night in a beautiful spot in nature.

Some campgrounds are free. In touristy areas, campgrounds can cost anywhere between $10 and $50 AUD per night . If you’re traveling with a partner, you can split the costs and it’s still cheap.

Findacamp.com.au is handy for finding campsites. Otherwise just do a google search for campgrounds in the spot you want to visit.

How To Travel Australia On A Budget: Food, Drinks, and Activities

Once you’ve sorted where to stay and how to get around, you’ll have to eat and drink and plan some activities!

Here are some tips on how to eat, drink, and enjoy Australia cheaply.

Eating in Australia on a Budget

One of the easiest ways to blow all your money in Australia is eating out.

Restaurants can be expensive, so try to limit your fancy dinners if you’re trying to travel Australia on a budget.

Average food costs when dining out:

• Smoothie: $10
• Breakfast meal: $15-$20
• A quick take away sandwich or bacon/egg roll: $12-$20
• A nice, seated lunch main course: $25-$35
• Main course at dinner such as steak or fish: $40 or more

Save money by buying groceries and cooking at home!

Cooking your own food is an amazing way to save money in Australia.

Stay in a hostel with a kitchen, or do a work exchange that includes a meal or two.

Buy your groceries at the local grocery store or market.

Coles and IGA are more expensive grocery stores, Woolworths is standard, and Aldi is cheap.

If you’re staying in Australia for a while, it’s worth getting a rewards card for the grocery stores you use most. It’s free to sign up and you often get discounts.

Also check for local farmers markets for cheap, in-season produce. You’ll support local farmers and get better quality food for cheap prices.

Read next: 12 Best Australian Foods To Try

Drinking in Australia on a Budget

Alcohol in Australia is so expensive! This is another way to burn through your Australia travel budget too quickly.

Drinking out at bars or restaurants is so much fun, but costly.

I would avoid drinking alcohol as much as possible to save money in Australia.

But if you do love to drink, drink at home. Otherwise, look for local happy hours or promos. Many restaurants and bars, especially in cities, do cocktail specials or happy hours with discounted drinks.

Average alcohol costs in Australia:

• A beer in a bar or restaurant: $9
• Glass of wine in a bar or restaurant: $12
• Bottle of wine in a restaurant: $40-$60
• Cocktail in a bar or restaurant: $15-$25
• Case of 24 beers in a bottle shop: $50
• Decent bottle of wine in a bottle shop: $25
• Cheap boxed wine in a bottle shop: $15
• 1 Litre bottle of hard liquor in a bottle shop: $60

So if you can buy most of your alcohol at the bottle shop, or stick to local happy hours, you can save money on drinking in Australia.

Activities in Australia on a Budget

Now that you know all the logistics about how to travel Australia on a budget, it’s time to discuss the fun part. All the activities and attractions!

There are so many incredible things to do around Australia. This huge country could keep you occupied for years! (I’ve lived here for four years and my bucket list keeps growing and growing!)

Here are some of the top things to do in Australia:

• Explore the cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, etc.)
• Sail through the Whitsunday Islands
• Explore the Daintree Rainforest
• Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef
• See the sunrise over Uluru
• Road Trip ( along the east coast or west coast are popular routes)
• Surf in Noosa
• Explore Kakadu National Park
• Drive a 4WD on the sand dunes of K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island )
• Visit Tasmania
• Ride a camel on the beach in Broome
• Take day trips to Islands like Rottnest Island, Kangaroo Island, or Stradbroke Island
• Drive the Great Ocean Road
• Visit Wine Country (Margaret River, Hunter Valley, and Barossa Valley are the top spots)
• Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

All of these attractions are super spread out, so it would be impossible to get to them all in just a short visit to Australia.

So here are my top tips for planning activities in Australia on a budget:

☼ Focus on smaller areas depending on your time frame.

You’ll spend a lot of money by constantly hopping around to see everything. Instead, pick one or two major cities that appeal to you and thoroughly explore the attractions in those areas.

☼ Prioritize free attractions!

There are lots of free things to do in Australia! Most national parks and beaches are free, so you can hike, camp, swim, and explore nature for very little money.

☼ Research tours and tour prices.

There are amazing tour options available for most activities in Australia . Sometimes, it is much cheaper to do the activities on your own without a tour.

But some places in Australia are super remote, and it is either impossible or just much easier to go with a tour company. Just do some research for the activities you want to try and assess whether you can go with or without a tour.

☼ Compare tour companies.

I often use platforms like Get Your Guide for booking tours abroad. They have some awesome and cheap tour options. But I always recommend comparing online tours with tours companies in real life when you arrive.

Sometimes there is a huge different in price and quality!

For example, Sailing Whitsundays in Airlie Beach has the best and most affordable tours in the Whitsundays, and they aren’t on Get Your Guide. They are a local company with all the insider knowledgge, and they offer a price beat guarantee.

The same goes for Cairns Tours , Fraser Tours , and Outback Tours .

East Coast Tours offers expert, personalised travel advice for all of the East Coast. They also have great deals on tours and activities, as well as fully guided itineraries for those who don’t want to plan the entire trip themselves.

Thanks for reading my guide to traveling Australia on a budget!

I hope it has been helpful, and I hope you’re now inspired to travel to Australia!

Here are some of my other articles about Australia:

Best Time To Visit Australia: A Complete Guide

22 Fun Things To Do In Brisbane

Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip Guide

Australia Working Holiday Visa: Ultimate Guide

One Week In Sydney: Itinerary For The Outdoorsy Traveler

Great Ocean Road Travel Guide

Farm Work in Australia: What It Is Really Like

Pros and Cons of Living in Australia

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about this in my About Me page!

Share this:

3 thoughts on “ How To Travel Australia On A Budget: The Ultimate Guide ”

Thank you amazing article ♥️😎

Awesome thanks for reading!

Great info Gabby! I was wondering if you or your readers would consider interstate ride-sharing as a cheap way to get around? Check coseats.com We also do $1 per day campervan relocations at coseats.com/book Happy travels everyone 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from budget travel with gabby.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

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

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

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

No worries – I’ve got you covered!

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Australia In 2023?

Greyhound bus.

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

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

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

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

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

Premier Bus

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

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

Check out all the Premier Passes here

Campervan Hire

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

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

For an epic Campervan deal in Australia click here

Accommodation

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

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

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

Some of my favourite hostels include;

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

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

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

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

Click here for $37 off your first booking!

Food & Drink

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Budget For A Month In Australia

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

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

A month travelling Australia will be around $4,150

Or $138 per day.

This then includes;

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

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

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

Have you travelled Australia before?

What was your budget, related posts.

Surf Lakes Yeppoon Wave Pool – What’s It Really Like?

Scuba Diving Byron Bay – Everything You Need To Know (+ Promo Code!)

URBNSURF Wave Pool – Which Wave Option Should You Choose?

URBNSURF Wave Pool Melbourne – Everything You Need To Know

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

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

Australia Recommends 2024

Travel Inspiration

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

Yarra Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Australia on a budget in 10 days

Enjoy beautiful beaches, encounter koalas and explore coral reefs and rainforest on this wallet-friendly trip up the east coast.

By Lee Atkinson

You can’t see all of Australia in 10 days, but you can do a great deal on a budget. Hire a car and drive north from  Sydney  to the laid-back surf town of  Byron Bay  before discovering the famous  Gold Coast . You'll finish up at  Cairns  for an unforgettable experience on the  Great Barrier Reef .

What to expect

• Enjoy the best of Sydney without spending a fortune
• Relax on some of the world's best beaches
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest near Cairns
• Time: 10 days
• Distance: 2,600 kilometres (1,615 miles)
• Transport: plane, car
• Nearest major city: Sydney
• Price: $

Day 1: One perfect day in Sydney

Manly ferry, Sydney Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Seeing Sydney is easy on a budget because many of the city's best attractions are free, or cost just a few dollars. Start with a walk through the historic village, The Rocks , which sits on the harbour, right underneath the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. This area contains many narrow, cobblestone laneways and historic buildings made of local sandstone, including Sydney's oldest surviving pub, The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel . Stop at The Lord Nelson for a coffee or glass of local beer before walking to the ferry terminal at Circular Quay , about eight minutes away. Board the ferry for the scenic, 30-minute ride to Manly Beach , taking in sights such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Enjoy an affordable meal at Manly Wharf Hotel and stroll the famously beautiful beachfront before catching the return ferry back to Circular Quay. Next, walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and back. People spend hundreds of dollars climbing its famous arch, but walking across the bridge is free and offers another spectacular perspective. Finish off your day watching the sun set behind the bridge with a drink at Opera Bar , right beside the Opera House.

Day 2: Day trip by train to the Blue Mountains

Scenic Cableway, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Destination NSW

The World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Blue Mountains is an easy two-hour train ride from Sydney's Central Station. Get off at Katoomba and take the signposted 10-minute walk to Echo Point to see one of the most photographed landmarks in the country, the sandstone towers called the Three Sisters . From here, you can take a 45-minute walk that offers great views over the Jamison Valley or follow the longer, more challenging Giant Stairway trail down into the valley, along the base of the cliffs and back up again, over roughly three hours. Alternatively, take a ride on the world's steepest passenger railway and get a bird's eye view from either Scenic Cableway or the glass-floored Scenic Skyway . All three depart from Scenic World . Enjoy afternoon tea in one of Katoomba's beautiful Art Deco cafés. The Paragon turned 100 in 2016 and serves delicious handmade chocolates for just a few dollars. Or order a glass of bubbles in the opulent Champagne Charlies bar at the historic Carrington Hotel before boarding a train and heading back down the mountain to Sydney.

Day 3: Take a road trip up the Legendary Pacific Coast

Emerald Beach, Coffs Coast, New South Wales © ST Surf Images

Australia is one the best countries in the world for road tripping . Hire a car and head north out of the city on the Pacific Highway, a route taken by many Sydneysiders on their annual summer pilgrimage to holiday towns such as Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay . This popular route is sometimes known as "the Legendary Pacific Coast". Over the next three days, you'll enjoy a relaxed, scenic drive to your ultimate destination, the Gold Coast , but your first stop is only two hours away. At the Australian Reptile Park , you can watch some of Australia's most venomous snakes and spiders being milked to produce antivenom, and meet native animals such as wombats, platypus and kangaroos. Next stop is the town of Port Macquarie , 2.5 hours north of the Reptile Park. Here, you can join a free tour of the world's first koala hospital , held daily at 3pm, before driving the final two hours to the town of Coffs Harbour. Gaze out at the horizon from one of the area's many coastal beaches, like Emerald Beach . It's not only surfers that come to enjoy the waves here, but also kangaroos. Coffs Harbour is a good spot to spend the night, with plenty of affordable holiday units and resorts. 

Day 4: Go bananas about the beaches

Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales © Big Banana

It's a little known fact that there are more than 150 giant sculptures of "big things" across Australia, from supersized pineapples to enormous potatoes. At Coffs Harbour you'll see the sculpture that started the craze in 1964: the Big Banana . The Big Banana Fun Park is great for kids and the chocolate-covered frozen bananas on a stick are a treat. Spend the morning here, then drive to the seaside town of Yamba . This is the longest stretch of driving you'll do, a five-hour stint, but it's worth it. At Yamba, you can try some of the town's famous prawns at the Yamba Marina , where several seafood shops get prawns straight from the fishing boats. Walk off lunch on the short walking trail in nearby Iluka Nature Reserve , part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. From here it's around a 90-minute drive to famous Byron Bay , where there are holiday apartments and cabins close to the beach.

Day 5: Chill out in Byron Bay

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay, New South Wales © James Horan, Destination NSW

Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian mainland, so get up early and head to the lighthouse to be one of the first in country to watch the sun rise. Then head to one of the town's many cafés for breakfast. The Pass Café , at the lighthouse end of the beach, is a locals' favourite. Spend a day relaxing on the beach, kayak with dolphins with Cape Byron Kayaks or take a surfing lesson with Mojosurf . If you are here between June and November join one of the local tour operators on a whale watching cruise.

Day 6: High times on the Gold Coast

Miami-North Burleigh Lookout, Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

It’s just a one-hour drive from Byron to the Gold Coast , famous for its high rise towers, high energy theme parks and glitzy shopping malls. You don’t have to spend big to enjoy it, though, because the beaches are the main attraction. The Gold Coast can seem like one endless stretch of sand, but each beach offers something new. A few of the best are the beaches in Burleigh and Surfers Paradise . After you arrive in the Gold Coast, view it all is from the Skypoint Observation Deck of Q1, a building that stretches 230 metres (755 feet) into the sky. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner at one of Australia's greatest traditions, the Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), or surf club. These buildings are found at many of Australia's beaches and are the home of Australia's famous lifesavers. Many of them have onsite restaurants. Try Rainbow Bay SLSC, which overlooks one of the coast's most famous beaches. Or head to Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC, which is so close to the ocean that you're almost sitting on top of the waves. Both places serve up meals such as salt and pepper squid and the fisherman’s basket, a selection of fresh, local seafood.

Day 7: Sun, sand and surf

The Village Markets, Burleigh Heads, Queensland © The Village Markets

There’s so much to do in and around the Gold Coast that you could spend a week here and not be bored. But if you've only got a day you should hire a surfboard, kayak or stand-up paddle board from one of the many surf shops you'll find at most Gold Coast beaches. Alternatively, cool off in the Currumbin Rock Pools , a free natural swimming pool in a mountain creek in the Currumbin Valley, a 15-minute drive from Currumbin Beach. If it’s a weekend, visit one of the coast's many beachfront markets. The Village Markets at Burleigh Heads, on the first and third Sundays of the month, sell everything from emerging fashion and vintage treasures to art, jewellery, handmade skincare and home-cooked food. Tonight, you're catching an evening flight to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef .

Day 8: Day trip to the reef

Snorkelling, Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

The city of tropical Cairns is your gateway to the northern stretches of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, found just off the beaches here. Many tour operators depart from the city's shores and motor out to the reef (about 90 minutes away), for a full day of snorkelling or diving at one of the reef's many  coral cays and islands . If you've always wanted to try scuba diving this is a good place to do it, as there are lots of companies that offer introductory dive courses for underwater first-timers. 

Day 9: A rainforest adventure at Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Spend your second day in Cairns exploring the oldest rainforest in the world. The Daintree is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and has survived more than 135 million years, earning it a World Heritage listing. Hire a car from Cairns city centre or airport and drive around three hours north to reach Cape Tribulation , or join one of the many 4WD or coach tours from Cairns. However you decide to go, getting there via the Captain Cook Highway is half the fun. The road hugs the coastline for most of the way and the views are magnificent. When you arrive at the Daintree Rainforest , don't miss Mossman Gorge, where a clear river tumbles over huge boulders in the middle of a butterfly-filled forest of palms and ferns. Learn about Aboriginal culture and traditional uses of the area's unique plants on a guided Dreamtime Walk from the Mossman Gorge Centre . The rainforest meets the sea at Cape Tribulation, where you can wander through the forest and mangroves without getting your feet wet on one of the three boardwalks in Daintree National Park.

Day 10: Back to Bondi

Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Enjoy an early morning dip in the Lagoon, a huge, free, saltwater swimming pool on the Cairns Esplanade , before flying back to spend your last day in Sydney . Stretch your legs on the one-hour clifftop walk between Bronte and Bondi Beach . It's Sydney's most famous coastal walk, with one spectacular view unfolding after another the entire way.  It becomes the world's largest free outdoor sculpture gallery in October and November during the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. In winter you might be lucky enough to see whales from the many clifftop vantage points along the way. Follow the trail all the way to Bondi Icebergs , as famous for its scenic ocean pool, where hardy locals swim even in winter, as its fine dining clifftop restaurant overlooking the golden curve of Bondi Beach. It's one of Sydney's most iconic dining experiences, but head downstairs to the club bar and bistro, which serves food and drinks for half the price of the upmarket Icebergs Dining Room with exactly the same view. Now that’s a bargain.

Explore more nearby

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• International (English)
• New Zealand (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Top 25 Ways to Save on Australia Travel

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Traveling to Australia is a pricey proposition—the airfare alone could bust your budget, and the sheer length of the flight encourages most visitors to stretch their visit for well over a week (it’ll take you that long just to get over the jet lag ). So is it really possible to travel Australia for cheap?

It may not be as difficult as you think. Below are 25 ways to help you save money on every aspect of your trip to Australia, including info on cheap eats, discount cards, fun freebies, and more.

How to Get to Australia for Cheap

1. Do your homework. One of the biggest expenses of any Australia trip is the airfare to get there. As you hunt for bargains, be sure to check a variety of flight search sites for comparison shopping purposes, and consider signing up for fare alerts from Airfarewatchdog , SmarterTravel’s sister site, to get notified when prices drop.

2. Time your visit. Airfare is typically most expensive between December and February, which is summer in Australia and the most popular time to visit places like Sydney and Melbourne. You’ll likely find lower fares during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or during the winter off-season.

3. Consider a flight package. Qantas offers Explorer fares that include round-trip airfare to Australia as well as several domestic flights within the country. Prices are based on season and how far you plan to fly within Australia.

10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Australia Trip Planning

4. Keep your focus. Australia is enormous—nearly the size of the continental U.S. You wouldn’t try to see the entire U.S. in two weeks, so don’t attempt to do it in Australia either. If you have limited time for your trip, fix your sights on one or two regions and explore them thoroughly—you’ll have a more relaxing experience, and save both time and money on transportation.

5. Consider a cruise. If you’re looking to see a variety of destinations without having to unpack more than once, a cruise is a cost-efficient and convenient option. There are Australia cruises that cost less than $100 per person, per night; these rates include accommodations, meals, entertainment, and transportation from each port to the next. Royal Caribbean , Princess , and Holland America are just a few of the lines you could consider. See the best sites to book a cruise for comparison shopping.

6. Look for freebies. Australia has a wealth of museums and attractions that don’t charge admission fees—like the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens .

7. Buy a discount card. You can purchase an iVenture Card for popular tourist destinations like Sydney , Melbourne , and Tasmania . The cards include free entry to many area attractions, as well as special offers and discounts, for a single price. These cards may save you money if you’re doing a lot of sightseeing in a short period of time.

What to Pack for Australia: 35 Essentials

Money Management in Australia

8. Lock in your rate. International exchange rates are constantly fluctuating, and they’re not always in your favor. The best way to control costs and stick to your budget is to prepay for your hotels, airfare, and tour packages in advance—preferably in your own currency—so that last-minute fluctuations don’t send your budget ballooning.

9. Skip the exchange counter. You’ll get the best exchange rates by using your credit card or withdrawing money from an ATM; that’s because you’ll be exchanging money at interbank rates, which tend to be better than the rates exchange bureaus charge. ATMs can be found just about everywhere in Australia except the most remote towns and villages, and credit cards are accepted at many stores and restaurants. But beware of fees—many banks will charge you to withdraw money at a foreign ATM or make a purchase in a foreign currency. One exception is Capital One, which doesn’t charge its American cardholders a fee for foreign purchases. For more information, see The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas .

10. Negotiate a better deal. Haggling is always in style at Australia’s open-air markets—you can negotiate great deals at places like Paddington Markets , the Rocks Markets , and the Bondi Markets , all in Sydney.

11. Get a refund. If you purchase $300 AUD or more in goods from a single retailer, you are eligible for a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) that you paid on those items. You must get an original tax invoice from the store where you made the purchase and present it when you depart Australia. For more information, click here .

Tipping in Australia: The Australia Tipping Guide

How to Save on Australia Transportation

12. Check the discount airlines. Thanks to Australia’s sheer size, the quickest way to get around the country is by air. Australia has a number of discount airlines that provide affordably priced domestic flights, including Jetstar , Regional Express (REX) , and Tigerair . (Be sure to check which baggage fees and other charges might apply on these airlines, as they could cancel out any fare savings.)

13. Take the bus. If you’ve got time to spare or if you’re focusing your travels on a relatively small region, hopping on a bus to your next city may be your cheapest option. Greyhound Australia offers a variety of specials, including discounts for seniors, kids, and students. For extended travel, consider a bus pass .

14. Get a free campervan rental. Traveling by campervan is one of the most popular ways to see the country, but one-way rentals can be expensive if you’re traveling from one part of Australia to another. Use Transfercar to find vehicles that need to be relocated, and you can often drive one for free.

15. Use public transit for free. A number of Australian cities have made select public transportation routes free to the public. For example, Brisbane has free service on several bus routes in the city center, while Perth offers free transit on buses and trains within a certain city zone. Melbourne also has a free tram zone .

16. Travel at a discount. If you’ll be spending time in Australian cities, keep an eye out for public transportation discount cards such as Sydney’s Opal card , which offers discounts and a cap on your maximum daily and fares, no matter how many times you use the transit system. These passes can save you money over individually priced tickets.

17. Think outside the tour. Why pay for a pricey sightseeing cruise around Sydney’s harbor when you could enjoy the same scenic views from a Sydney public ferry for about a third of the price?

Getting Back to Nature in Tasmania, Australia

How to Save on Meals in Australia

18. Go grocery shopping. Buy your food where the locals do: at supermarkets. Instead of paying for your hotel’s pricey breakfast, pick up a loaf of fresh bread at the local market and keep it in your room for a morning meal. Add some meat and cheese and you’ve got yourself a picnic lunch.

19. Don’t overtip. Tipping is generally not required in Australia, though it’s growing more common in restaurants. If you’re pleased with your waiter or waitress, a 10 percent tip will be appreciated. Tipping is not necessary at bars, though you can round your bill up if you’d like.

20. Find cheap eats. Skip the touristy restaurants and follow the locals to places where you can find great food at a great value. Think ethnic restaurants—Thai food is cheap, plentiful, and popular in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as is takeaway sushi. Department store food halls are also a good bet for quick, inexpensive meals. In smaller towns along the coast, look for little joints offering the ubiquitous fish and chips.

9 Ways to Find Cheap Eats Anywhere You Travel

How to Save on Australia Lodging

21. Consider a home- or farmstay. Staying in a family home or on a working farm offers a wonderful way to interact with locals and get a genuine feel for what it’s like to live Down Under. Find farmstays on sites such as FarmStayPlanet and Downunder Farmstays . You can find rooms in people’s homes on Airbnb or Homestay.com .

22. Consider a vacation rental. Particularly if you’re traveling with a family or group, a vacation rental could save you money over a hotel stay by giving you more space for less money, and by offering a kitchen where you can cook your own meals instead of eating out. Find one on these vacation rental sites .

23. Look into hostels. Contrary to popular belief, hostels aren’t just for 21-year-old backpackers. Many Australian hostels offer private rooms and even private bathrooms—so if you don’t mind basic accommodations, they can be a cheap and comfortable alternative to fancier hotel rooms. See Hostelworld.com .

24. Swap your home. A home exchange is perhaps the cheapest way to stay in Australia—you stay in an Australian’s house for free while he or she stays in yours. Often you’ll have use of your exchange partner’s car during your stay, which will save you money on transportation. Read more in SmarterTravel’s article on home exchange .

25. Go camping. Australia has some of the world’s most scenic and well-maintained campgrounds and caravan parks. Renting an RV gives you the freedom to drive yourself around the country, as well as a cozy and inexpensive place to sleep each night. Find campsites at AustralianCampsites.com.au .

More from SmarterTravel:

• Getting Around Australia: Transportation Tips
• Where to Stay in Australia: Lodging Tips
• 12 Underrated Beach Towns in Australia

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Black Friday Sale: 6-Night India Tour,...

Amsterdam to Copenhagen: Luxe, 18-Night Northern...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

Australia Road Trip Budget: A Detailed Cost Breakdown

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: December 16, 2022

Categories Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does it cost to go to Australia?

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

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

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

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

Australia travel budget: important facts and figures

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

Cost to travel Australia:  our average daily expenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rent of the campervan

Costs for petrol.

Daily rental costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check prices online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paid campsites

• Airbnb accommodation

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

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

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

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

3. Cost of food in Australia

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

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

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

4. Activities and miscellaneous Australia vacation cost

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

Miscellaneous costs

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

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

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

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

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

Australia trip budget: in conclusion

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

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

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

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

This post was updated in October 2020.

Wednesday 4th of March 2020

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

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

Thanks so much!

Monday 16th of March 2020

Hi Beatriz,

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

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

Have a great trip! Lotte

Veronica Ricalde

Sunday 21st of October 2018

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

Thursday 25th of October 2018

Hi Veronica,

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

Sunday 1st of April 2018

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

Monday 2nd of April 2018

Hi Charlotte,

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

Katie Farrant

Wednesday 17th of January 2018

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

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

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

How to Get Around Australia on the Cheap

With Australia stretching over 7 million square kilometers (2,968,000 square miles), it should come as no surprise that it takes a long time to get around the country. Considering the distances, it’s no wonder few people end up traveling the whole country — there’s just too much ground to cover on a short trip.

Most people fly around the country or stick to a small area to explore. These large distances lead to high transportation costs that can make it hard to travel around Australia cheaply — especially if you have a limited amount of time.

It takes weeks to drive the massive 14,500-kilometer (9,000-mile) circumference of Australia on main Highway 1 (the road that rings the continent/country). Thats with minimal stops and breaks too.

However, if you want to see things along the way, you should plan for at least a month (at the quickest). A more realistic timeline is 3-6 months.

Seriously. It’s a big country!

Many “grey nomads” (i.e. retirees in campervans) and backpackers spend that long (or more!) exploring this stunning country and its varied landscapes. To drive straight across the middle from Sydney to Perth , it takes about 3 to 4 days.

But what if you don’t have months? What if you only have weeks? What do you do?

It’s not impossible to get around Australia on a budget. In fact, it’s very possible if you come prepared.

Table of Contents

Getting Around Cheap By Flying

Getting around cheap by backpacker bus, getting around cheap by public bus, getting around cheap by trains, getting around cheap by car share, getting around cheap by public transportation, how long does it take to get around australia.

Naturally, with so few carriers, unless there is a big sale, tickets tend to be expensive. The five-hour flight Sydney to Perth, for example, costs at least 220 AUD one way, however, 270-300 AUD is more common. However, you can find cheap tickets on shorter routes. The 90-minute flight to Melbourne from Sydney costs around 50-70 AUD, though tickets can get up to 130 AUD if you don’t book in advance.

Here are some sample one-way, non-stop fares on popular routes with Australia’s biggest airlines (prices are in AUD):

These sample prices were found for flights about one month out. If you don’t book early, expect to pay much more for your flights!

In short, I would avoid flying in Australia. When Australians joke about it being cheaper to fly to Bali than around their own country, they really aren’t joking. Unless you find a great deal or are in a rush, I’d avoid flying.  

Backpacker buses are great choices for younger backpackers looking to have fun, party, and hang out with other travelers. Everything is organized for you so you just need to show up and be ready to have fun!

Backpacker buses aren’t as popular as they used to be, but there are still a few running in Australia:

Road2Adventure : Essentially a party hostel on wheels, their buses have space for eight people to live and travel. They run a South West loop, a West Coast loop, and kite surfing trips, all on set schedules. Tours range from 9-19 days and cost 2,200-3,850 AUD per person.

Share Bus : This is a more independent option as it’s not exactly a tour. It’s a rental company where you sign up for set dates and then “share” the bus with up to twelve other travelers to run everything yourself. Share Bus shows you how to use the equipment, arm with you maps, suggested itineraries, and information, and send you on your way. It’s essentially a self-guided camping experience with new friends. What you do is up to your and your fellow travelers.

Their rentals range from 10-23 days and cost between 774-1,540 AUD per person. From October to April their rentals are available in the southern half of the country (including Tasmania) and from April to October they focus on the north. It’s a good choice for travelers who want more independence, enjoy meeting people, and love to camp.  

This is one of my favorite transportation options in Australia. On the east coast, this will be your cheapest option. On the west coast, buses are surprisingly expensive. There are not many people moving up and down that coast and there’s limited competition. It’s often easier and cheaper to fly out in Western Australia.

However, on the east coast, you can find really cheap bus tickets, especially if you book in advance. Greyhound Australia is the biggest company, though Premier Motor Service is another big company on the East Coast. Prices tend to be very similar between the two.

Here are some sample fares for popular bus routes in Australia (prices in AUD):

Greyhound also offers several bus passes. The Whimit Passes range from 15-365 days of unlimited travel and are perfect for traveling around on a whim (hence the name). They come in 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120-day passes ranging from 399-849 AUD.

There are over 180 stops and you can go in any direction on any route. It’s the most flexible option for anyone without a vehicle — and it’s the cheapest option there is.

Premier also offers a hop-on/hop-off pass. The difference is that their pass is one-way only (meaning you can only travel in one direction). They’re valid from 1-6 months and range from 100-400 AUD, so they’re a better option if you’re traveling slowly in one direction.

Trains in Australia are also very expensive. For example, a one-way ticket from Sydney to Perth (which takes 3-4 days on the Indian Pacific) is $2,890 AUD. It’s not really a cheap option so, unless you’re looking to splash out on a scenic route like the Ghan with your significant other (or just love trains), I’d skip traveling Australia by train.

There are very few ways to get cheap train tickets these days so avoid this transportation option. If you do take a train, keep in mind tickets for the scenic trains book out months in advance so book early.  

You can look on hostel bulletin boards to see who’s looking for people to join their road trip. You’ll always find someone, and it’s a great way to make new friends.

It’s really easy to rideshare in Australia. Every hostel has a bulletin board where travelers post rides and websites like Gumtree and Couchsurfing have active ridesharing sections where people look for cars or riders. It’s really robust. I HIGHLY recommend this way of traveling when in the country.

Some Rideshare Websites:

• Share Ur Ride

Alternatively, you can also purchase a car from backpackers leaving the country or locals selling used cars. Rental services like Jucy are fairly expensive and would only be good as a last resort. You can usually find a used car for as little as $1,000-2,000 AUD. Though that sounds expensive, you can share those costs with other travelers making it the second most affordable way to travel!

Skip the taxis — they add up fast. If you do need a private ride, Uber is available in all of the larger cities and towns. Use it instead — it’s much cheaper!  

Here are distance and time charts so you know how long it takes to get places from the major cities when you travel around the country:

Traveling from Sydney

Traveling from canberra, traveling from melbourne, traveling from adelaide, traveling from perth, traveling from darwin, traveling from alice springs, traveling from cairns, traveling from brisbane.

When you plan to travel Australia , make sure you budget for transportation wisely.

Outside the busy eastern corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane , travel is expensive. You’ll pay a lot more than you think.

Plan accordingly, and you’ll save time, save money, and have a much more enjoyable experience!

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.

Some of my favorite places to stay are:

• Wake Up! (Sydney)
• Nomads St. Kilda (Melbourne)
• Aquarius Backpackers (Byron Bay)

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 evacuation coverage)

Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

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.

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 may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

Related Posts

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

Best Way To Travel Australia

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 24, 2023 | Australia , Oceania , Travel Tips

Make the most of your trip around Australia – a backpackers guide to Australia.

You can surely visit Australia on a budget and I’m sharing my top tips for an epic backpacking/budget road-trip around Australia.

Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.

Check Prices

Backpacking in Australia was one of my biggest life chapters since I started traveling. I lived in Australia for nearly two years on a working holiday visa.

I worked on a dairy farm for quite a while and I also traveled around Australia for an extended period of time pretty much everywhere around the country.

During this trip, I realized that the best way to travel around Australia was by car.

While driving around Australia, I could see a lot more of the country but it was also giving me more freedom as it was cheaper, camping-friendly and I could stop anywhere just to make the most of the Australian views out there.

Driving around Australia on a budget – Mundi Mundi Plains, SA, Australia

Apply for your Australian Visa

If you’re planning on visiting Australia whether you’re going on a holiday or on a working holiday visa, you’ll have to sort out your visa first.

You can apply for these visas directly on the Australian government website.

Book your Flight to Australia and Prepare your Australia Itinerary

The second thing you’ll have to keep in mind is where to start your journey. Australia is a huge country and people seem to forget how big it is.

Having a big country to explore is great but it also makes it hard to travel between cities as every city is quite far from one another. There are normally three options to consider; flying, driving or by bus.

I personally tried two of these options. I flew and I also traveled around Australia by car. Flying in Australia is quite expensive.

You can sometimes find great deals with some of the low-cost airlines such as Jetstar but flying also means you’ll have to skip many things on the way, which could be unfortunate if you want to make the most of your trip around Australia.

If you’re planning on doing the typical backpacking Australia route, which is the East Coast, you might want to start your trip in Cairns , Melbourne or Sydney .

If you’re keen to explore and play outside, you should then start in Darwin or Perth .

To plan a smart Australia itinerary I’d recommend you research the destinations that interest you. It can be smarter for your budget to have an itinerary in mind while planning your trip around Australia.

To help you do that, you might want to check these unique experiences in Australia .

Here are four itineraries you could consider for your Australian trip

Budget Road Trip Australia

How to plan a trip around Australia

Itinerary Australia Route

How to plan a road trip on a budget

Budget Trip to Australia – Make the most of the country while taking care of your budget

Hitting Oz on a budget there are no better people to chat to than the guys at  RatPack Travel  they have loads of money-saving advice including 10% off all Oz / NZ trips and transport – use ABB10 for 10% off.

Plan your trip Australia: Uluru, NT, Australia

As mentioned previously, the best way to travel around Australia is by car or campervan. Driving around Australia on a budget is doable, so you should definitely consider it!

Every state in Australia has different rules when it comes to buying a car, so here are a few tips to help you make the most of your budget.

Buying a Car in Australia – The Easy Way

Traveling tips Australia: Outback, Australia

Australia is a camping friendly, which means you can camp pretty much everywhere around the country. You should install WikiCamps on your phone to find the free campsites nearby.

You have to pay to use the app, but your money will surely be well invested! Whether you prefer sleeping in a tent, in your car or in your comfortable campervan, you should know that the easiest way to buy a car is via Gumtree .

Some states make it harder for people to buy a car, but the easiest one that only requires you to pay your matriculation online (which is the easiest) is Western Australia.

You can normally buy Western Australia cars pretty much everywhere, but this should be one of the best points to keep in mind when buying a car. You can also find a cheap campervan via Gumtree.

In case you don’t already know, Gumtree is basically the website every Australian and backpacker uses in Australia. It’s similar to eBay, Craigslist or Kijiji. It’s basically the best second-hand website you can find in Australia to buy and sell cars, furniture, electronics, etc.

If you’re not sure if you should buy a car in Australia, let me convince you. I wasn’t sure either when I first arrived in Australia. Buying a car sounded quite expensive, and I wasn’t sure if my budget would be ready for it.

• Many backpackers are getting rid of their cars before leaving the country. For a quick sale, they will accept great offers and this means you won’t have to pay too much for a good car. If you know about cars and even better if you know how to fix a car, you could find awesome deals. We bought cars in pretty good condition for as little as AUD 200-600 when we were in Australia and we bought a van for AUD 1000. (The boyfriend I had back then had a secret passion for cars and we did buy a total of 12 cars during our trip around Australia.)
• Traveling by car in Australia saved us a lot of money. We slept in our car when we needed to and we could carry all our stuff in one place, which was perfect for those who travel with more than a simple carry-on luggage .
• Road-tripping around Australia was so much fun – we saw a lot more than most travelers and we discovered so many places that can’t be accessed by bus or by flights.
• You get to sell your car in the end, which means you’ll get your money back, or maybe even more. If you managed to fix a cheap car you could also sell it for more, and depending on where you are the demand could help you raise the price. To get at least your money back, you should start advertising your car a few weeks before your departure. Otherwise, you’ll get desperate for a quick sale!

Traveling Australia on a Budget – My Top Tips

Backpacking through Australia – Outback, Australia

Backpacking around Australia can be quite expensive. Of course, many working holidaymakers can afford a lot more because of the attractive Australian wage, but still, it won’t be as cheap as Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe.

Here are my top budget tips to help you make the most of your backpacking trip to Australia AKA how to travel Australia on a budget!

PSSST. Want to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work?

• Cook your own food. You can find barbecues pretty much on every beach and in many campsites. You should invest in camping cooking tools if you’re road tripping around Australia. Eating out is definitely expensive so you should avoid it when you can.
• Find travel buddies. Sharing the cost of your trip around Australia will help massively.  You can find travel partners in the many Australia Backpacking Facebook Groups. It’s easy to just type backpacking Australia in the Facebook search bar and you should find plenty of suggestions.
• Camp as much as you can. Camping is the most budget-friendly option because it’s FREE in most places. So, get a tent ! If you’d like to know where to camp, check out this guide to the best camping spots in Australia written by full-time Aussie camper Daniel Blechynden.
• Find a volunteer position if you’re struggling with money. You can find volunteer opportunities on Gumtree, in Facebook groups or directly via Worldpackers . This way you will get free accommodation and food, which could be handy until you find a job in Australia, or go back home.
• Plan your itinerary and travel slow if you can.  Knowing which route you’ll take prior to your trip will help you save money later. Personally, we did a lot of back and forward when we were driving around Australia and we should have planned better to save fuel. Also, if you travel fast this means you’ll spend your money faster on fuel and transportation. So it would be worth it to take your time and enjoy the laid back vibes you can only find in Australia.

Backpacking Australia Budget

Trip around Australia – Lucky Bay, WA, Australia

How much money should you save before going to Australia? The more the better.  Even though the visa application suggests you should have a lot of savings, I arrived in Australia with less than AUD 2000.

What seemed to be a decent amount wasn’t really, as it can take a while to find a job, and accommodation is expensive in Australia. So, here’s what you should keep in mind.

The average price for a hostel night is between AUD 15-30 per night in a dormitory.

The average price for a flat is between AUD 150-300 per week + a bond for two weeks paid upfront in most cases.

Then, of course, you’ll have to eat something and get around, so it can add up quickly!

Some bloggers recommend AUD 100 per day, which includes a budget for activities. I managed to do it for less than that, mainly because I was living in a car/van when I was exploring Australia.

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

How to Plan the Perfect East Coast Australia Itinerary on a Budget

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

The East Coast of Australia is a must-do for every backpacker in the country. It is the most popular route for travellers and easily has the most things to see in Australia. There is a very beaten backpacker trail as you as either go north or south so you’ll most likely run into people along your trip.

The East Coast is a very long route as you will be travelling most of the country. The first mistake people make is thinking it can be done quickly. Australia is about the size of the USA so driving the entire strech of the East Coast will take days. So even through there are so many things to do in Australia along this trip they will still take time to get to so be prepared to buckle up and plan to spend some time in Australia to really see it all.

The best part of an East Coast trip is that most places to visit in Australia are natural. From stunning beaches to gorgeous islands and even the oldest rainforest in the world, you’ll find them all and what to do in Australia in this sample itinerary.

Table of Contents

East Coast Australia Itinerary

Recommended australia tours.

• Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
• Australian Highlights
• Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventures (I personally did this tour and highly recommend it!)

Daily Breakdown of My Australia Trip Itinerary

How this itinerary works:  In order to accommodate itineraries varying from 2-6 weeks I list the minimum amount of days to the maximum amount of days to spend in each spot to give you a rough idea of how much there is to do in each stop along the coast. I list typical activities to do in each stop, day trips and then link to further resources to help you create the perfect itinerary for each destination.

This East Coast Australia guide is made specifically for backpacking Australia but it can also be used for anyone travelling the East Coast as it covers what to see in Australia and the best places to visit in Australia.

Suggested Time: 2-5 days

There are so many things to do in Melbourne that you could easily spend a week here. Spend a day roaming around the CBD (central business district), exploring the hidden bars and street art in the alleyways. Grab a bite to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants along the Yarra River and find a rooftop bar to hangout for the evening.

Hit up St Kilda beach for an afternoon, wander through the Botanical Gardens and don’t miss out on trying a freakshake! Melbourne is a foodies paradise so the chances are that there will be some kind of food festival going on while you’re visiting. Most of the museums are also free and you can find out tourist info in Fed Square.

There are also a number of days trips from Melbourne that are totally worth it:

• Great Ocean Road :  A stunning 2-day road trip or day tour, if you do any day trips from Melbourne make it this one
• Philip Island : See the fairy penguins, famous because they’re so small and adorable
• Yarra Valley : Wine lovers head here to one of Australia’s biggest and best wine regions for a day of tastings
• Peninsula Hot Springs :  Take a day to relax in the cave pool, hot springs, sauna and bath house

READ MORE: 51 Things to do in Melbourne (21 of Them are Free!)

Suggested Time: 3-4 days

A stop in Sydney is a no-brainer. You simply must day a take to wander through the CBD, making your way over to the Sydney Opera House where you can stop for a drink and take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From there walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens for even better views. Roam around The Rocks and find yourself at Darling Harbour for the evening for dinner and drinks.

A second day should be spent at one of the many beaches such as Bondi Beach, the most famous. Don’t skip the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for breathtaking views of the water and beaches. And if you’re feeling adventurous try climbing the Harbour Bridge for an epic photo opp.

A third day can be spent on another beach, Manly Beach, cruising around the water or visiting the zoo .

Sydney also has a number of really great day trips:

• Blue Mountains : This national park is famous for the Three Sisters. You can get here by public transport, hike around the stunning area and be back in Sydney for dinner
• Hunter Valley : Another treat for wine lovers, Hunter Valley is another one of Australia’s best wine regions
• Royal National Park : If want Insta pictures in those cool figure eight pools, this is where you find them
• READ MORE: 5 Easy Trips from Sydney

Suggested Time: 2-3 days

With so many places to go in Australia the smaller spots are often overlooked or unherd of. Yamba is a small town that is off the beaten track but it is quickly becoming popular. It’s the perfect place to chill out for a few days on one of the 12 beaches with its laid back vibe. And if you’re Canadian you’ll find the most folks from home in Australia in this spot!

Surfers must stop here as it is home to the best surfing in Australia, is where a number of pro surfers live and the creator of Billabong. Surf lessons here are extremely cheap, I’m talking under $20 so if you want to give it a go you won’t find any cheaper.

There’s only one hostel where you can sign up for surf lessons and you must do Shane’s Yamba tour, for $15 it’s probably the cheapest tour in Australia.

Suggested Time: 2-4 days

So many people fall in love with Byron Bay and end up staying here longer than planned. I don’t blame them and you’ll see why too. This is another top spot for surfers but has more action for those who don’t like spending so much time in the water.

Here you can still get outdoors by hiking up to the Cape Byron lighthouse and visiting the most easternly point in Australia close by. Or spend your days chilling out on one of the many beaches such as Main Beach, Clarks Beach, The Pass and more. Byron Bay is also known for its dolphins which you have a very high chance of spotting. So jump in a kayak and have a leader take you to the best lookout spots.

Byron Bay is a popular hangout for backpackers, it is also quite touristy but still has a very laid back vibe. So shop your heart out at the chain and local stores or at some of the top markets such as the Byron Bay Artisan Market (Saturday nights, October-March) and   Byron Bay Markets (first Sunday of every month). And spend your evenings partying at the local bars.

There is one popular day tour from Byron Bay:

• Nimbin :  This small hippie town is completely stuck in the 60s and is known for its “special” treats. Many tours include waterfalls and cliff jumping too

If you love to party you’ll love Gold Coast. Gold Coast is not actually an area like the Sunshine Coast is but a city in itself. It is the most touristy city in Australia. Despite its most popular area’s name, Surfers Paradie, the surfing is only okay. The beach itself is fine but my best advice is to only spend a few days as there are much better beaches along the coast.

You can spend a lot of time shopping and partying here. All the main tourist attractions are here and day trips can be taken to amusement parks such as Sea World, Dreamworld and many more. Plus there’s spectaular natural scenery on the city’s doorstep like these waterfalls .

In all honesty I found Brisbane to be the most boring city in Australia. However a stop here will break up your trip between Gold Coast and Noosa and it will be the last city you see until the end of the this trip!

Spend a day roaming around the CBD where there are lots of shops and make your way over to Southbank. It’s here that you’ll find the famous Brisbane sign along the river. Walk a little further and there are a ton of restaurants, a pool and a manmade beach in the middle of the city.

A trip to the city’s West End will show you the quirkier side of Brisbane with some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The city’s best collection of art can be found at GOMA. And don’t miss the chance to hop on the free ferry for a ride down the river where you can jump off to explore more of the city. As for nightlife the trendy hot spot is Fortitude Valley.

The most popular day trip from Brisbane is:

• Australia Zoo :  Made famous by Steve Irwin himself, this is the biggest zoo in Australia

I’m a little obsessed with Noosa. It is hands down my favourite place in Australia, but I won’t hype it up too much. People always prefer one or the other: Noosa or Byron Bay. Noosa has an even more chill vibe, there is less partying and more beach time with sunsets.

Spend some time on the Main Beach, watch sunset from that beach or walk along it to where the river meets the ocean for even better views. Surfing here is also quite good.

But the best part about Noosa is the national park that has an amazing coastal walk. Get up early and watch the sunrise from Hell’s Gate or walk it during the day, seriously it could be a daily activity. Stop by the fairy pools for a dip in the natural pools in the rocks during low tide. Stop and just take in the stunning views and watch the surfers along the way.

Shop along the main street, Hastings Street, but bring your credit card. Window browsing is all you’ll be able to do if you’re on a budget. Though you can find cheaper places for coffee and gelato here too. Lastly take a 30 minute bus ride to the Emundi Markers which are every Wednesday and Saturday until about 1PM. There is everything here from local crafts, food, jewelry, photography and so much more.

Noosa also has popular day trips:

• Noosa Everglades :  There’s only two in the world, so if you love nature jump in a boat and tour to see the River of Mirrors where you can canoe or kayak, a self-guided tour is always a cheaper option
• Australia Zoo : You can also do a day trip to the Australia Zoo from here as it’s about half way between Brisbane and Noosa

READ MORE: 14 Things to do in Noosa

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It is a must-do trip so you can drive along the beach, star gaze, learn about the history and culture of the island and see local wildlife such as dingoes. You can do a trip to Fraser Island from one of 3 jumping off points: Noosa, Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. There are also options to start in Noosa and then finish in Rainbow Beach which is more north so you can continue your East Coast trip up.

I will warn you that a Fraser Island tour is not cheap but it is well worth the splurge to see this incredible place. A 2-3 day tour is recommended, but one-day tours are available if you’re limited on time.

READ MORE: The Australian Island You Can’t Miss: Fraser Island Tours with Drop Bear Adventures

Agnes Water and Town of 1770

Suggested Time: 1-2 days

A stop here breaks up the long trip between Noosa or Rainbow Beach and Airlie Beach as bus journeys are about 9 hours between Noosa and Agnes Water and Agnes Water and Airlie Beach (be sure to get night buses!).

Agnes Water is really just a small tourist town so you don’t need long here. Stop by for some surfing (lessons here are also very cheap) or hire a bike to get to some areas for hiking such as the scenic trail to the Captain Cook monument. You could also do a Larc tour, a boat that drives on land as well as in the water.

What you absolutely can not miss is the Scooteroo tour. They’ll be given a leather jacket and will drive around Agnes Water and 1770 in a group to see the area and then watch sunset. Even if you don’t do Scooteroo a sunset is in order as the Town of 1770 is one of the best spots along the East Coast to watch.

Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands

In Airlie Beach itself there is not a whole lot to do. It mainly acts as a jumping-off point for the Whitsunday Islands. However you will most likely have some time to kill before of after your tour so you can chill out at the Airlie Beach lagoon, visit the beaches such as Boathaven Beach or do the coastal walk to Cannonvale Beach.

This is most certainly not a budget option but I highly recommend it. I swear a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the outer Great Barrier Reef was the best splurge I had on my trip along the coast. I paid $179 but I’ve heard you can find them for as cheap as $99! This is where you can see the famous Heart Reef.

And while you’re here don’t miss a sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands. This is what everyone comes here to do! Spend 2-3 days on a sailboat where you can visit one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and soak up the sun on the deck. Prices range significantly on tours and some boats are known to be party boats. I recommend using BookMe where you can find tours with big discounts or Get Your Guide because they have an awesome selection that shows you majority of the tours available.

Townsville is another stop to help break up long trips and is also the jumping-off point for Magnetic Island. There’s no need to spend long here, you can explore the entire coastal city in just 2 days. One of the most popular things to do in Townsville is a hike to the top of Castle Hill for views of the city and Magnetic Island.

Spend some time along The Strand where you’ll find beaches, restaurants and parks. The Reef HQ is awesome for those who don’t like diving or snorkelling as you can see a ton of underwater life as it’s the largest living coral reef aquarium. Then there’s the Billabong Sanctuary where you can experience Australian wildlife and interact with the animals.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is a quick half an hour ferry ride from Townsvile and one of my favourite places in Australia. The locals often refer to it as Maggie, since Australian’s shorten everything. What’s so special about this island is its unique formation of rocks that jut out to create a different landscape.

Activities on the island include lots of hiking. Some of the best trails are The Forts Walk where you can spot wild koalas and the hike to Radical Bay from Horseshoe Bay. Be sure to time getting back to Horseshoe Bay for sunset as it’s stunning with islands in the background.

If you haven’t already you can get your picture with a koala or have breakfast with koalas at Bungalow Bay which is also the hostel I recommend staying at. By far the coolest thing to do is rent one of the famous Barbie cars to cruise around to different hiking spots. It isn’t cheap but if split 4 ways it is affordable. And you must visit the rock wallabies, they are tiny wallabies that live in the rocks that are just too cute!

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is Queensland’s little secret. This small town of only 3000 people is most known for being the best spot to sky dive in Australia . My best advice is to wait until you get here to do it as you’ll fall through the sky over the Great Barrier Reef and it is the only spot in Australia to guarantee a beach landing.

If sky diving isn’t for you then you can walk along the beach, it’s perfect to because of its packed sand. Or try a day trip of white water rafting in nearby Tully. There are also hikes throughout the area in the tropical rainforest. However if you don’t have a car exploring Mission Beach is a challenge.

Suggested Time: 3-5 days

Cairns is the most popular for one of the top Australia attractions: diving and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. There are so many options available from multi-day dives to half day snorkelling tours . The city itself is a bit of a party town as it’s the biggest city since Brisbane and people tend to get a little wild.

But being back in a city means art galleries are around but luckily it still have a small-town feel. You can explore the markets such as the Cairns Night Market and The Esplanade Market. And during the day you can hangout at The Lagoon, a manmade spot by the water with a swimming pool and beach that’s a favourite among locals and tourists.

There are also the Botanical Gardens which has a few hikes. But what Cairns has the most of is days trips.

• Snorkelling and Diving Tours : The most popular islands to visit off the coast are Fitzroy Island and Green Island
• Cape Tribulation : An area known for its ecotourism in the Daintree Rainforest, people visit here for the wildlife and jungle surfing (zipling through the trees)
• Atherton Tablelands : A part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that also inclues the Daintree Rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands are an area with ancient rainforest and contain the popular waterfall route that will take you to stunning waterfalls in the region

When you visit Australia you’ll quickly notice how expensive things are but if you’re smart, plan ahead and know what to look out for you will be able to do all of the pricey activities and not miss any of the best sights in Australia.

Best Time to Travel East Coast Australia

If you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach or in the water the best time to visit Australia’s East Coast is during the summer (December-February) however it will be wildly hot and rainy season in tropical Northern Queensland. This is also peak tourist season. My recommendation is to travel in the off seasons, spring (September-November) or fall (March-May) when prices are lower, there are less crowds and the weather is decent on all parts of the coast.

That being said, there really is no bad time to travel Australia’s East Coast as it will be warm throughout the year in Queensland but prepare for the cool weather in New South Wales and Victoria! By cool I mean it can snow in Melbourne in the winter (December-February).

How Long Does it Take to Travel East Coast Australia?

If you don’t have a lot of time it can be done it two weeks. This just covers the highlights. If you want the full East Coast experience plan to spend 4-6 weeks. With this timeframe you will be able to see and do everything plus have time to relax.

Backpacking Australia on a Budget

A budget in Australia is like splurging in places like Southeast Asia, but a budget trip can be done if you’re smart, know what to budget for and plan.

Food and Drinks

The easiest way to save money is on food and drinks. It can be difficult because drinking is a huge part of travel down the East Coast but save your money for some of the more expensive experiences instead.

Eating about can cost you anywhere from $5 at fast food restaurants to $15 at sit down restaurants with a lunch special to $20+ for dinner. When buying your food from grocery stores and cooking you can spend as little as $6 a day! I’m proof, I did this while living in Melbourne.

For drinks pre-drink before going out by picking up booze at bottleshops such as Dan Murphy’s where you can stock up on Goon, boxed wine for around $15. But expect a hangover and I can’t claim that it tastes delicious. When going out use an app like Happiest Hour to help you find the closest drink deals around.

READ MORE: Australian Cuisine

Travelling Around Australia

Australia road trip.

The most budget-friendly option is to road trip Australia and it is also a very popular option. Some people even buy a car at the start and then sell it at the end. Finding used cars is very easy and common in Australia. But as a solo traveller (like me) you may not want to drive alone, you may not want to drive or camping isn’t your thing.

Travel in Australia is the easiest with the next best option, getting a bus pass. The most popular companies are Greyhound and Premier that travel not just along the East Coast but across the entire country. There are passes available based on kilometres travelled and hop on hop off passes. The main difference is that with a kilometres pass you can back track, with a hop on hop off pass you can’t. I personally recommend the hop on hop off as it works out cheaper and gives you 90 days of use between point A to B. A Sydney to Cairns pass will start at $410 with Greyhound but that is all of your travel covered!

You can also book buses pretty last minute as well so you can be flexible with your travel and change bookings for each stretch of your journey.

If you are short on time flying is the best option for you as it will be the quickest. Australia is huge and you don’t want to waste precious time spending days (yes driving can take that long!) getting between destinations. Luckily Australia has budget airlines and if you book in advance you can score awesome prices. You can also watch out for sales by signing up for budget airlines newsletters such as Tigerair and Jetstar.

Australia Accommodation

Camping on the Australia East Coast is the cheapest option. Some campsites will be free, others can be pricey. You can use books like Camps Australia Wide to find free campsites along the coast. If you have a campervan you can also pay to park in some hostels parking lots and use the bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Hostels in Australia

Personally I stayed in hostels because camping is not my thing and they’re a great place to meet people as a solo traveller. Hostels cost anywhere from $20-50 a night in a dorm room. Prices vary depending on where you are. Sydney is the most expensive so expect to pay $50 a night when there. Breakfast is often included and is typically cereal, toast and condiments, coffee and tea. Sometimes you’ll get pancakes! Be sure to check out Booking.com for an excellent selection of hostels with reviews from previous travellers and great deals.

Travel Insurance Australia

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for details. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Disclaimer: Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.Com and affiliated sites.

Traveling Australia on a Budget: Where to Start

Australia is an incredibly diverse country with so much to offer both domestic and international tourists alike. Whether you want to explore vibrant bustling cities, adventure through the outback, visit some of the jaw-dropping beaches around the country, or road trip from one exciting destination to the next, Australia never disappoints.

Table of Contents

There are many holiday packages available across Australia with something on offer for everyone, no matter what your tastes or interests are. In fact, for many people, it’s not choosing where to go but more where to go first. 

While Australia is a spectacular holiday destination, it’s not a cheap country to travel in. For most people, this means keeping your budget in mind as you navigate your way around the country. However, while Australia can be expensive, with the right approach, it is certainly possible to travel on a budget, especially if you focus on some key areas.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you need to miss out on experiences, it just means taking a slightly different approach, being a little bit more independent, and being more prepared. In many cases, traveling on a budget can add to the overall experience as you will have a unique experience, be less sheltered during your travels and engage with your surroundings and the locals in a more meaningful way. 

• 7 Best Things To Do in the Gold Coast, Australia [with Suggested Tours]
• Expired Australia Visa: What Happens If You Overstay in Australia?
• 7 Tours Perfect for Solo Travelers in Sydney
• Our Guide to Australia Working Holiday Visa [Australian Visa Subclass 417] – Work and Travel in Australia
• 7 Best Things To Do in Darwin, Australia [with Suggested Tours]

Let’s take a look at some useful tips to help you to get the most out of your Australian adventure even if you are traveling on a budget. 

Consider You Accommodation

Accommodation is often one of the highest costs when you are traveling so this is typically the best place to start when it comes to reducing your overall costs.

Staying in hotels every night, even those that market themselves as “budget” can rack up over the duration of your trip. If you are traveling on a limited option, consider camping, staying in hostels, or crashing with friends. You can join online couch surfing communities where you can stay with locals for free.

Overcoming Food Costs 

After accommodation, food is often the next biggest expense when you’re on holiday. While the idea of eating your breakfast lunch and dinner in nice restaurants might sound appealing, you will quickly need to rethink your budget if you go this route. Instead, opt to have picnics, cook food in the hostel or choose cheaper eateries to dine at.

If you want to stay healthy, avoid the cheap fast-food chains and instead load up on fresh fruit and veg at the local supermarket. If you’re on a longer trip, investing in a small gas burner will allow you to cook simple meals on the go, saving you more money in the long run. 

Think About Drink 

Many people associate holiday time with going out for a few drinks in the evening to unwind after a busy day of exploring. If you’re on a budget, however, you might need to consider skipping that glass of wine or beer every night. Going out to the pub for drinks regularly will rack up a lot over your holiday.

Instead, go to the bottle shop and take a few beers or a bottle of wine back to the hostel or your campsite where you can enjoy it with the rest of the budget-minded travelers you have met. Not only will you save yourself plenty of money but you might even find that you have a better time swapping stories and trading information about the best places to go and experiences to have.

Make Your Own Adventure

Taking part in organized activities is always good fun, however, they do come at a cost. To keep more money in your wallet, why not plan your own activities and create your own adventures. With a good guidebook and the power of the internet, you can quickly find out what there is to do in the area you are visiting.

What’s more, you will be able to find out how best to take on these experiences independently without paying for a guided tour. While this can be a great tactic to save money, it’s also important to support the local economies you are visiting, and sometimes taking a tour, although more expensive, can lead to a much better and safer experience. Use your own judgment, mix independent adventures with organized tours and find a balance that works best for your budget. 

Reduce Your Spending While Maximising Your Enjoyment Down Under

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time when you’re on holiday down under. Following the tips above, you will be able to save a lot of money so you can extend your adventures or splash out on some bigger experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.

Planning ahead is key and with a little forward-thinking and a thrifty approach, you can ensure that your Aussie adventure is one to remember for all of the right reasons.  

Related Posts

SIBERUT, Indonesia: Saving the Mentawai Culture

Awesome Things to Experience in Inampulugan Island near Guimaras @TourismPHL

Our services.

At Two Monkeys Travel Group, we offer a range of services designed to make travel easier, safer, and more rewarding for Filipino digital nomads and travelers. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or seeking opportunities to work abroad, we provide the expert help and tools you need to succeed. 

Visa Application Service

The Visa Application Bundle Service makes applying for a visa easy by giving you expert help and all the tools you need to complete the process.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travels with comprehensive travel insurance! Whether you're a digital nomad or a frequent traveler, coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage is essential.

Remote Work Tool

Stay connected on the go! From VPNs to portable Wi-Fi, we’ve got the best tools to help you work from anywhere.

Teach English Abroad

Travel and earn by teaching English abroad! Discover how to start and find the best opportunities.

The PERFECT 1, 2 or 3 Week Australia Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 weeks in Australia, here are some suggestions for an Australia itinerary that will help you make the most of this huge, diverse, and stunning country!

Planning a trip to Australia can be quite difficult, simply because the country is so huge. 

Lots of its best attractions, cities, and natural landmarks are very spread out, so it’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time. 

Australia is also an expensive country to visit, so most backpackers and average travellers won’t be able to visit every single point of interest without spending a lot. 

Despite these challenges, planning an epic trip to Australia is definitely possible. 

You just have to be smart about your Australia itinerary, sticking to one or two major areas and picking travel routes that are logical. 

For example, you won’t be able to fit Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Uluru, Tasmania, and beaches and national parks of Western Australia and the Northern Territory into a 1 week Australia itinerary. 

To see all those incredible places, you’d need at least one month, and even then you’d be rushing to get everywhere. 

So pick the areas that appeal to you the most and plan your trip accordingly. 

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about travelling in Australia !

So you’d be better off picking either the east coast or the west coast and hanging around there if you only have 1 or 2 weeks in Australia. 

In this article, I’ll provide a few sample Australia travel itineraries. 

Each Australia itinerary will include a few of the country’s best places to visit, while maintaining reasonable travel times.

Whether it’s your first trip to Australia or you’ve been here for a while, there is always something incredible to see!

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Australia

Days 1-2: sydney, days 3-5: brisbane , days 6-7: airlie beach and the whitsundays, days 1-3: sydney, days 3-6: melbourne , day 7-8: the great ocean road, day 9-10: adelaide, day 11: kangaroo island, day 12-14: perth, days 3-4: byron bay, days 5-6: the gold coast, days 7-8: cairns, days 9-10: port douglas and the great barrier reef, days 11-13: cape tribulation and the daintree rainforest, day 14: darwin, days 15-17: kakadu national park, days 18-20: uluru and the red centre, the ultimate australia itinerary travel guide.

Having travelled all around the country, we’re excited to share these epic 1, 2 and 3 week Australian itineraries that’ll cover the best places around.

But first, a tip…

It’s also important to consider how you’ll get around Australia during your visit. 

As I mentioned, the country is huge and public transport like buses or trains is expensive. 

If you’re staying in one area, it’s worth renting a car for a few days so you can explore and do day trips, but driving from one city to the next may take 12+ hours of driving. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Catching cheap domestic flights is the best way to jump from one state to the next, and you can take public transport or drive within smaller areas. 

Though every traveller will have their own unique preferences and modify these itineraries as necessary, here are some sample Australia itineraries that will hopefully help you plan your dream trip!

7 Day Australia Itinerary

One week in Australia goes by quickly, but some people can’t afford to take much longer off of work or their other responsibilities. 

You can still manage to experience some of the Aussie culture and natural beauty in one week. 

In this 7 day Australia itinerary, you’ll be sticking to the middle east coast. 

You’ll begin in Sydney, then head up to Queensland to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. 

This plan is perfect for 7 days in Australia because it doesn’t require huge amounts of travel time. 

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Australia Packing List

After arriving in  Sydney  and getting settled, you have two days to enjoy the city. 

You can spend one day visiting all the popular tourist attractions, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and maybe some of the museums. 

Another day can be spent swimming and sunbathing on one of the city’s main beaches. 

The northern beaches around Manly, or the western beaches around Bondi and Bronte are great options for a fun day in Sydney.

Bondi Beach has a very strong health and fitness scene, so they have lots of incredible healthy cafes where all the locals like to fuel up. 

Visit  Berri Bar Bondi Beach  for a refreshing Acai bowl,  Porch and Parlour  for a healthy breakfast on homemade bread, or  Umu  for some nourishing organic lunch bowls. 

After 2 days in Sydney, you can catch a quick, 1-hour flight up to Brisbane. 

Check out this post on how to spend one day in Sydney if that’s all the time you have.

Brisbane is another incredible city to visit in Australia. 

After 2 days in Sydney, however, you may be sick of the crowded city streets. 

Luckily, Brisbane makes a great gateway for exploring more peaceful areas of Queensland. 

There are tons of amazing day trips from Brisbane that allow you to explore nature and see more of Australia, including:

• Burleigh Heads:  a charming coastal town with a massive beach and national park
• Hervey Bay:  one of the best spots in Australia for whale-watching
• Lamington National Park:  full of hiking trails and waterfalls
• Stradbroke Island:  a beautiful location that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and trying other water sports
• Fraser Island:  the world’s largest sand island

After exploring Brisbane and the surrounding areas, catch another cheap domestic flight from the city up to Airlie Beach. 

Read our list of the best things to do in Brisbane for more inspiration!

Airlie Beach is known as one of Australia’s most stunning beaches, complete with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. 

From here, you can soak in the postcard-worthy views in the Whitsundays Islands and do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the famous Whitehaven Beach. 

Book an  ocean rafting day tour  that include all your snorkelling gear and takes you to Whitehaven Beach and the best locations in the Whitsundays.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing through the Great Barrier Reef will make an unforgettable ending to your 7 day Australia itinerary.

At the end of your week in Australia, you can fly from Airlie Beach back to Sydney for your departing flight. 

2 Week Australia Itinerary

Two weeks in Australia allows you a bit more time to see different areas of the country. 

This two week Australia itinerary will start in Sydney, move down to Victoria to explore Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road , and will then curve up to Adelaide in South Australia and end in Perth in Western Australia. 

So with two weeks in Australia, you can still manage to visit 4 states! If you’d prefer to spend more time in one place rather than jumping around so much, you can always modify this. 

For example, you could skip Perth and spend a few more days exploring New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia. 

But here is a sample two weeks in Australia itinerary. 

Once again, you’ll fly into Sydney and begin your Australian adventure in the capital city of New South Wales. 

In addition to all the touristy stuff like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and touring a local art gallery, you could spend one of your days in the lush nature surrounding the city. 

Two perfect day trips from Sydney are:

The Blue Mountains:  Full of waterfalls, scenic lookouts and hiking trails, connected to Sydney by train so you don’t even need a car. Here’s what you should do there .

The Royal National Park:  Dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. Check out these awesome Royal National Park walks .

After 3 days in Sydney, hop on a plane for a 1-hour flight down to Melbourne.

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia,  Melbourne  is a favourite among travellers and locals alike. 

Spend your days in Melbourne visiting street markets, sipping cocktails from rooftop bars, checking out all the cool cafes and restaurants, and experiencing the wild nightlife. 

You can also visit St. Kilda Beach in the south of Melbourne, or head to Brighton Beach to photograph the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Or take a day trip to Phillip Island or tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground .

After you visit Melbourne, continue on to the famous Great Ocean Road.

One of the highlights of Victoria is the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road. 

This coastal road runs for 243 kilometers in total and is full of Australian wildlife, quaint little towns, surfing spots, picturesque viewpoints, campgrounds, and overall gorgeous scenery.  

Be sure to see the Twelve Apostles, Split Point Lighthouse, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning landscapes along the way.

You can either rent a car from Melbourne and drive the road on your own, or  book a day tour . 

It only takes one day to see all the best spots along the road, but you’ll need to save some time to make your way back to Melbourne and you don’t want to rush. 

You can also stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide. 

Spend the next days of your two weeks in Australia itinerary soaking in the culture of  Adelaide . 

Enjoy the delicious food, the museums and galleries, and the laid-back charm of South Australia’s capital. 

One of your 2 days in Adelaide should definitely be spent touring a vineyard and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley. 

Again, you can either rent a car in the city and drive yourself around the vineyards (make sure you don’t drink too much!), or you can book a day trip. 

As one of the most unique places in South Australia, Kangaroo Island makes a super fun day trip from Adelaide. 

Take photos of the interesting rock formations in Flinders Chase National Park , stroll along the pristine golden beaches, or search for some local animals like wallabies, koalas, and of course, kangaroos. 

Head back to Adelaide after Kangaroo Island and hop on another quick flight to Perth to finish up this two week Australia trip.

Read next: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Kangaroo Island, Australia

Your last few days of visiting Australia will be well-spent in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. 

Enjoy the beaches, explore the Fremantle Markets, visit wineries and wildlife parks, and more.

You could also treat yourself to one last epic adventure in Australia by taking a day trip to Rottnest Island . 

This island is full of fun activities, natural wonders, beautiful views, and cute little quokkas, which are small, native Australian marsupials similar to wallabies. 

After a few days in Perth, either catch your departing flight from here or fly back to Sydney if your flight leaves from there. 

You could also consider a day trip to Margaret River , one of the top wine and surfing regions in Western Australia.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so only make the trek if you feel like you have time.

3 Week Australia Itinerary

3 weeks in Australia allows you to visit some big cities and tourist spots, but it also allows you to venture out to more remote and isolated areas. 

In this 3 week Australia Itinerary, you’ll visit Sydney and Byron Bay at the start. 

Then you’ll head up to The Gold Coast, and tropical north Queensland to the Daintree Rainforest. 

Continue your journey up north by travelling to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and then venture inland to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). 

Again, spend your first couple days in Australia checking out Sydney and maybe doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains of the Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Be sure to visit Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, and the famous Bondi Beach during your time in Australia’s largest city.

Then fly to Ballina, a small airport 30 minutes away from Byron Bay. 

Check out our Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide if you’d prefer to rent a car and drive up the east coast.

Byron Bay  is a hub for backpackers, and it is a very fun place to experience when you visit Australia. 

From bar crawls and drum circles on the beach, to night markets and street art, to coastal walks and lovely beaches, a couple days in Byron Bay will feel like bliss. 

Even if you aren’t on a strict backpacker budget, Byron Bay has so many great hostels that it’s worth immersing yourself in the backpacker scene. 

Some of the best hostels in Byron Bay include Wake Up! Byron Bay and Byron Bay Beach hostel. 

Both of these have hundreds of great reviews from travellers cost around $30 per night, which is pretty cheap for Australia. 

If you want to meet other cool people and take part in all the fun social activities of Byron Bay, you may want to stay in one of these fun hostels instead of a hotel!

You can choose to hang out in Byron Bay for a few more days, or catch a flight from Ballina to the Gold Coast for a taste of the Sunshine Coast surf vibes. 

The  Gold Coast  is one of the best places to learn how surfing when you visit Australia. 

You can take a surf lesson from an experienced local and ride the waves, or just relax on the beach, eat some great food, and hit the bars and nightclubs in the evening. 

The Gold Coast combines the excitement of the city with the salty air and water sports of a beachside town, so it’s a diverse and fun place to visit. 

Fly from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. 

The next few days of your 3 week Australia Itinerary will take you up along the coast of Tropical North Queensland. 

This corner of Australia is hot, humid, and jam-packed with rich jungles, Aboriginal culture, waterfalls and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from October to April, you can’t swim in the ocean here because there may be crocodiles and jellyfish. 

Cairns  is the gateway to tropical north Queensland. 

The real beauty lies outside the city, but spend a couple days adjusting to the heat, partying with the many backpackers, shopping at Rusty’s Fruit Market, and swimming in the big public swimming pool called the Lagoon. 

Also check out Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the nearby Barron Gorge National Park near Kuranda.

Then you’ll take the local bus up to Port Douglas. You can buy your bus ticket from any tourism agency or from the main bus station, and take the Cairns to Cooktown route. 

Only about an hour north of Cairns is Port Douglas, a small, relaxed town with one backpacker hostel, a few amazing restaurants, and a nice park lined with palm trees for viewing the sunset. 

This is one of the best places to book a Great Barrier Reef  snorkelling or diving tour  because up here, the reef isn’t as crowded as near Cairns. A snorkelling reef trip is one of the most popular Australia tours and shouldn’t be missed!

So spend one of your days in Port Douglas swimming in the crisp, blue waters of the reef and seeing some incredible, colourful marine life. 

From here, get back on Cairns to Cooktown bus and continue north up to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. 

Located in the midst of the jungle, Cape Tribulation is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. 

There is only one main road running through the town, if you can even call it a town. 

Cape Tribulation has a few resorts and hostels, a couple tourism companies and about two shops, and that’s it. 

But the powerful presence of the rainforest is more than enough to entertain you for a couple days.

The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world, and is one of the true natural wonders of Australia.

Go hiking, ride horses on the beach, book an ATV sightseeing tour, do an exotic fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm, visit the Daintree Discovery Center, or take a boat cruise on the Daintree River to spot some crocodiles. 

Try to avoid visiting Tropical North Queensland in December through February, however. This is the wet season and many roads may be flooded and tours will be closed.

On your third day, take the bus back to Cairns then fly to Darwin. 

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and it is a convenient starting point for a trip into Central Australia and Ayers Rock, in the south of the state.

Use this day to walk around and sightsee a bit, relax and unwind, and plan your journey into Kakadu National Park. 

Check out our guide for the best things to do in Darwin!

Rent a car in Darwin and spend the next couple days exploring the largest national park in Australia!

You can swim in waterfalls, find ancient Aboriginal rock art, and go hiking through some incredible landscapes. 

If you have a van or a tent, you can camp at one of the park’s campgrounds. Otherwise there is a handful of resorts where you can stay overnight in Kakadu. 

Most of the accommodation in Kakadu is located in Jabiru, the main town of the park. 

You could also  book a guided tour  to Kakadu as a day trip from Darwin. This is a good option for those who want to take a break from planning and driving. A tour will take you right to the best spots in the park, which is handy because the park is so huge.

After exploring the national park, drive back to Darwin and then fly to Alice Springs at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. 

(Alternatively if you don’t want to keep travelling so much, you could stay in the Northern Territory and explore more natural wonders like Nitmiluk National Park.)

From Alice Springs in the center of the Northern Territory, it’s time to begin your journey to Uluru!

The Red Centre is the central desert area of Australia, consisting of Alice Springs and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a sacred monolith and it one of the most famous places to see on a trip to Australia.

You have two options for getting to Uluru. 

Option 1:  Rent a car in Alice Springs and complete the 5-hour drive on your own. Keep in mind it’s also 5 hours to get back, so that’s a 10 hour road trip in total. You should also have your own camping gear and pack enough food and water for the road trip.

Option 2:  Book a tour from Alice Springs if you are tired of driving. You can  choose a straightforward day trip . It’s a bit pricier to do a guided tour, but it takes away a lot of the effort on your part. 

Either way, watching the sunrise and sunset bathe Uluru in soft, natural hues is a sight you’ll never forget, so the journey is worth it. 

If you are renting a car and doing your own road trip, consider also heading out to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. This amazing spot is a 3 hour drive from Ayers Rock, which is a short drive for the Outback!

READ MORE: Check out all the incredible things to do in Uluru !

Your final day of the 3 week Australia itinerary will mostly be spent travelling. 

Drive back to Alice Springs, then fly back to Sydney for your flight home.

I just want to add that there are many other natural wonders that I didn’t get to mention!

Australia is massive so it’s hard to fit in so many cool places in a short time.

For example, the north of Western Australia is stunning, but it’s very remote and not convenient to add to a few weeks in Australia.

Few Australians even make it out here on holiday.

But riding a camel on Cable Beach , snorkelling with Whale Sharks in Exmouth , or camping in Cape Range National Park are amazing experiences that you can have if you have the time to venture out there.

Tasmania is also one of the most gorgeous places in Australia. The island is home to some of the best hiking and camping in the country , but it requires lots of prior planning and preparation and gear.

You could also road trip around Australia, taking more time to see all the attractions and not having to rush.

But it would take you months or even years to road trip all of Australia!

Regardless of how much time you spend here, don’t stress about seeing everything!

It’s impossible to see everything, and no matter where you go, you’re sure to have an epic time.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

The Best Time To Visit Antarctica – Month By Month Breakdown

Coral Geographer Review: A Deep Dive of Australia’s Top Expedition Ship

The Best Time To Visit Brisbane, Australia (2024 Guide)

Related posts, 14 incredible things to do in adelaide, australia, 14 fun things to do in riding mountain national park, the perfect sydney itinerary for 3-5 days, 5 thoughts on “the perfect 1, 2 or 3 week australia itinerary [2024]”.

Have you got any info/tips about Central Australia? Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs to Darwin (Stuart Hwy).

Would like more information on all inclusive 3 wk itinerary for family of about 12.

All the best with your research. Have a great trip.

Terrific article. Thanks so much for the insight!

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful 🙂

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Destinations

How Aussies can do ‘Euro summer’ on a budget – and the big airport mistake to avoid

A young Aussie travel influencer has revealed the big airport mistake she keeps making that can cost hundreds of dollars.

Every year as soon as it starts getting colder in Australia there suddenly seems to be an influx of people on your Instagram feed jetting off overseas for “Euro summer”.

While you’re retrieving your Oodie from the back of your wardrobe where you banished it to at the end of winter the previous year, your social media is filled with people sipping on an Aperol spritz in Rome or relaxing on a beach on Mykonos.

If you’re desperate to have your own European adventure but aren’t sure about how to do it on a budget, there are a few things you can do now to keep your spending in check, while also still making the trip feel a little bit luxurious.

Jacki is an Aussie travel influencer who has been to Europe enough times to understand what it really takes to have a boujee holiday, while also sticking to a strict budget.

She runs a TikTok account under the handle Jetsetting Jacki , where she imparts her travel wisdom onto her more than 52,000 followers.

Speaking to news.com.au, the 28-year-old revealed the big budget mistake she herself is guilty of making, which could set you back hundreds of dollars before you even get on the plane.

Of all the travel the Jacki has done, her biggest regret will always be packing too much and having to pay for extra luggage as a result.

“I promise you, you need about half the things you think you should take,” she said.

“I also love shopping and being able to look back and say ‘I bought this necklace in Turkey’ or ‘I got this bag at a market in Morocco’.

“And I have learnt the hard way many times and I end up being charged hundreds for an overweight bag. Pack less.”

One of the most common questions she gets asked when people are planning a Europe trip is, “How much money should I take?”

Unfortunately, as you would probably expect, there is no one-size-fits all answer.

“Some people are happy to stay in 16-bed hostel dorms and catch 18-hour buses to save some money, and others – like me – think that sounds dreadful,” Jacki said.

As someone who travels on a “boujee budget”, the travel influencer said one of her top tips is for people to create a rough budget by working backwards from the day they want to leave and being “super honest” about how much money they can actually save during that time.

“The key here is to be honest with yourself and what is actually reasonable for you,” she said.

“Based on that number, think about whether you prefer a longer trip with a tighter budget or a shorter more ‘go go go’ type holiday.”

When you think budget travel, most people’s minds immediately go to hostels, which are great for meeting new people but not so great if you want accommodation with a bit of privacy.

For those that still want to make friends but aren’t keen on sharing a room with strangers, Jacki suggests trying to snag a private room in a hostel. It will be more expensive than a dorm-style room but it will generally still be more affordable than a hotel.

She also suggests choosing accommodation based on location, noting that even if you have to spend a bit more, in the long run you will save time and money getting around to the places you want to go, especially if they are within walking distance.

Jacki said the “biggest budget-blower” for European trips is definitely partying.

“If you want to be out every night make sure you budget for how much you’ll spend on drinks. And don’t forget that late-night slice of pizza too,” she said.

For the travel influencer, food is a huge part of her trips and she likes to plan at least one nice sit-down meal each day.

In order to find places with the best price and quality, she seeks out where the locals are going and tries to avoid any restaurants near big tourists attractions.

“And then for your other meals try having a supermarket picnic or something from a local market. Half the time this is just as nice or even tastier than a restaurant,” she said.

Ensuring you get the best deals on your flights is another way to save some cash when planning a big overseas holiday.

Ashley Andrew, Group Marketing Manager for travel booking site Mix & Match , suggests avoiding peak times in order to get the best deals.

“Book early bird flight specials usually in September or October for travel the following year for Euro summer to find flight deals and the best availability,” she told news.com.au.

“Fly in off-peak season. Go ahead of the crowded summer season in April or May, or enjoy the last of summer and autumn during the month of October or November.”

In order to help young Aussies realise their holiday dreams, Mix & Match is offering $100 off international flights for students .

“Mix and Match online travel are excited to launch Student Flight Deals, helping students save up to $100* on international return flights. Compare airlines easily, find the best fares, and fly now, pay later with Afterpay,” Ms Andrew said.

While it is important to have a budget and to stick to it, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t occasions where it is worth spending that little bit of extra money.

For many people, particularly Australians who have to factor in significant flight time, going on a big Europe trip will mean striking a balance between time and money.

“If you’ve only got two to three weeks off work and you want to see and do as much as you can, it can be so worthwhile spending a bit more money to save time,” Jacki said.

For example, a two hour flight may be $200 compared to a $20 overnight bus, but it gives you a whole extra day at your next destination to explore.

More Coverage

“So before you start your trip have a good think about whether saving on time or money is more important to you,” the travel blogger said.

“Also a nice way to think about spending is ‘will this be a good story to tell your grandkids one day?’

“Most of time a nicer hotel you won’t even remember, but paragliding on the Swiss Alps, you definitely will.”

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Here's what Trump 2.0 means for the economy, from tariffs to mass deportations

Scott Horsley

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Richmond, Va., on March 2. A second Trump administration could reshape the economy, from tariffs to tax cuts. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

A second Trump administration has the potential to reshape the economy in fundamental ways.

How Trump won a second term as president in 2024

The Dow Jones soars over 1,500 points to record high after Trump wins the election

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to slap tariffs on imports, order large-scale deportation of immigrants and cut taxes and government regulations during his second term.

While it's not certain when or how those policies might be enacted, here's what they could mean for the U.S. economy.

There's a reason the stock market surged after Trump won the election. Investors expect a more business-friendly administration, including tax cuts.

During a new term, the former president wants to extend portions of the 2017 tax cut that are set to expire next year, and he has called for additional cuts in the corporate tax.

He has also floated the idea of exempting tipped income and Social Security benefits from federal taxes.

The ultimate size and shape of any tax cut may hinge on whether Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives. But the extension of most individual tax cuts, at a minimum, appears likely.

"Some additional tax cuts seem probable in our view, although the timing, size and specifics are highly uncertain," Wells Fargo economists Jay Bryson and Michael Pugliese wrote in a research note , adding that additional cuts could lead to somewhat faster economic growth in 2026 and 2027.

The economic stimulus from tax cuts would be partially offset, however, by Trump's proposed tariffs, which would raise costs for U.S. businesses and consumers and likely invite retaliation from U.S. trading partners.

Trump has proposed adding a tariff of 10% to 20% on all imports, with significantly higher levies on imports from China.

Shipping containers are stacked together at the Port of Newark in Newark, N.J., on Oct. 4. Trump's plans to impose across-the-board tariffs could raise the prices of a lot of goods while risking retaliation from trading partners. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

Forecasters at Pantheon Macroeconomics project that a 10% tariff would increase inflation by about 0.8 percentage points next year and impose an additional drag on U.S. manufacturers.

While Trump says tariffs would encourage businesses to set up shop in the U.S., economists are dubious. "It will remain much cheaper to source goods from overseas, given relatively high U.S. labor costs, limiting the reshoring boost," said Pantheon economist Samuel Tombs.

Government debt

While tariffs would raise some additional revenue for the government, Trump's overall economic platform — including the proposed tax cuts — are expected to widen the federal deficit, adding to the government's borrowing costs.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that Trump's fiscal policies would add an extra $7.75 trillion in government debt over the next decade.

The prospect of so much additional debt spooked bond investors, sending bond yields sharply higher Wednesday. Mortgage rates, which tend to follow the yield on 10-year Treasuries, are expected to climb as well.

Immigration

Trump has called for mass deportation of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. During his first term in the White House, Trump also took steps to curtail legal immigration, and his advisers have drawn up plans to do so again, The Wall Street Journal reports .

Analysts at the Brookings Institution, the American Enterprise Institute and the Niskanen Center project that net migration to the U.S. could be sharply lower — even negative — during a second Trump administration, with unfortunate consequences for the U.S. economy.

U.S. Border Patrol agents take asylum-seekers into custody after they crossed a remote area of the U.S.-Mexico border near Jacumba Hot Springs, Calif., on Sept. 19. Trump's plan for mass deportations, if carried out, could deprive the economy of needed workers. John Moore/Getty Images hide caption

Strict limits on immigration could choke off the supply of foreign-born workers who have been propping up the U.S. job market at a time when many baby boomers are retiring.

"There very well may be valid reasons to adopt such a policy," Bryson and Pugliese of Wells Fargo wrote. "But, side effects of a policy that restricts immigration and deports undocumented people likely would be upward pressures on labor costs and a detrimental effect on the nation's potential economic growth rate."

The Federal Reserve

Inflation has cooled substantially, allowing the Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates . But the central bank may proceed more cautiously if Trump's policies put more upward pressure on prices. The central bank is widely expected to lower its benchmark rate by a quarter percentage point on Thursday. But Pantheon's Tombs expects fewer rate cuts next year, as a result of Trump's election.

The Federal Reserve starts cutting interest rates in a big moment for the economy

During his first term in the White House, Trump frequently urged the Fed to cut rates more aggressively, at times berating Fed Chair Jerome Powell , whom he had appointed. Powell's term expires in 2026, giving Trump the opportunity to nominate his successor. Trump could also replace Michael Barr as the Fed's top bank regulator when his term as vice chair of supervision expires that year.

The Fed is designed to be insulated from political pressure, so that it can make unpopular decisions when necessary to curb inflation. That independence is central to the Fed's credibility. Trump has routinely flouted that norm, however, suggesting that the president should have a say in monetary policy .

Congress has generally defended the Fed's independence, but that could change in a second Trump administration.