Cost of Travelling in Australia
Australia rewards every budget. Rather than chase figures that date, understand the cost drivers, choose a tier, and pull the levers that save you the most.
What It Costs to Travel in Australia
Australia is a rewarding but relatively high-cost destination, and the honest answer to “how much will it cost?” is it depends on how you travel. The same fortnight can be a lean, self-catered road trip or a lodge-to-lodge journey with flights between regions — and everything in between. Rather than chase figures that date quickly, it helps to understand the cost drivers, decide roughly which tier suits you, and pull a few money-saving levers.
You don’t control the exchange rate — but you do control when you go, how far you travel and where you sleep.
The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), card and contactless payment is near-universal, and the 10% GST is already baked into displayed prices, so what’s on the tag is what you pay. Tipping is not expected. Below, the drivers, the tiers and the savings — then a few notes on paying your way.
The Main Cost Drivers
Flights
International airfares and the domestic hops between regions are usually the biggest line — book early and stay flexible on dates.
Accommodation
From hostels, cabins and campgrounds to boutique lodges. City stays and peak-season rates climb the fastest.
Car hire & fuel
Self-drive brings freedom but adds hire, fuel and the odd toll — and the distances here are long.
Dining & tours
Cafes, restaurants, tours and activities add up — though many of the finest experiences are free.
Budget, Mid-range or Premium
| Style | The feel | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / backpacker | Lean & independent | Dorms, cabins and camping, cooking your own meals, public transport, and leaning hard on free experiences. |
| Mid-range | Comfortable & flexible | Hotels and motels, a hire car, a mix of dining out and self-catering, and a handful of paid tours. |
| Premium | Polished & guided | Design stays and lodges, private or small-group touring, fine dining, and flights to save days between regions. |
Whichever tier you choose, when you travel moves the number as much as anything — see the best time to visit for the quieter, better-value windows, and fold your budget into planning a trip to Australia.
Ways to Save
- Travel in the shoulder season, outside school holidays and the Christmas–January peak — see best time to visit
- Book international and domestic flights early and be flexible with your dates
- Self-drive or camp to combine transport and a bed — see getting around Australia
- Cook some meals and carry a refillable water bottle — our packing list has the kit
- Use city transport cards and national-park passes where they save on single fares
- Lean on the free experiences — beaches, coastal walks and major public galleries cost nothing
- Travelling as a family? There are more levers in Australia with kids
Money, Cards & the Tourist Refund Scheme
Australia runs on the Australian dollar (AUD). Card and contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere, so you rarely need much cash, and the 10% GST is already included in displayed prices. Tipping is not expected, though it’s a kind gesture for excellent service.
When you leave, the Tourist Refund Scheme may let you claim back the GST paid on certain goods you take out of the country, subject to minimum-spend and timing conditions. The rules and limits change from time to time, so check the current details at the time of travel and keep your tax invoices handy for the airport.
Next Steps
Planning a Trip to Australia
The step-by-step checklist, budget included.
Plan → GuideGetting Around Australia
Flights, trains and self-drive across the country.
Getting around → GuideBest Time to Visit
The cheaper, quieter shoulder-season windows.
When to go → BlogAustralia Travel Costs 2026
Our full, up-to-date budget breakdown, budget to luxury.
Read the blog →Cost of Travelling — FAQ
Is Australia expensive to visit?
Australia is a relatively high-cost destination, but how much you spend is largely up to you. Costs swing with the region and the season, and there is a full range from budget and backpacker travel through comfortable mid-range holidays to genuinely premium touring. The biggest single expenses are usually flights and accommodation — plan those well and the rest of the trip is much easier to shape. See our best time to visit guide for the cheaper shoulder windows.
What are the biggest costs of an Australia trip?
The main line items are international and domestic flights, accommodation, car hire and fuel, tours and activities, and dining. Because Australia is close to continent-sized, getting between regions — often by air — tends to be a bigger part of the budget than travellers expect. Set your budget early as part of planning your trip.
How can I save money in Australia?
Travel in the shoulder season, book international and domestic flights early, self-drive or camp, cook some of your own meals, use city transport cards and national-park passes, and lean on the many free experiences — beaches, coastal walks and major public galleries. Families can find more levers in our Australia with kids guide.
Do I need to tip in Australia?
No. Tipping is not expected in Australia, though it is welcome for genuinely good service. The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), card and contactless payment is near-universal, and the 10% GST is already included in displayed prices, so the ticket price is generally the price you pay.
Can I claim a tax refund on my purchases?
Possibly. The Tourist Refund Scheme may let departing travellers claim back the GST paid on certain goods that you take out of the country, subject to minimum-spend, timing and other conditions. The rules and limits change, so check the current details before you travel and keep your tax invoices.
Australia, Planned Around You
The reef and the rainforest, the Red Centre, the wine regions and the great coastal cities — with the flights, driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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