💰 How Much Should You Budget for an Australia Trip?

Australia is one of the world’s most unforgettable travel destinations — think iconic landmarks, pristine beaches, vibrant cities, and world-class wine regions. But how much does it actually cost to visit? Whether you’re traveling on a moderate budget or indulging in affordable luxury, here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect on your Aussie adventure.

🏨 Accommodation: What Does a Hotel Stay Cost?

Australia offers a wide range of accommodations, from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. For this guide, we’re focusing on standard 3.5–4.5 star hotels with consistently strong reviews, typically located in major cities or tourist hubs.

💵 Average hotel cost per night (per person, based on double occupancy):

• Standard Hotel (3–4 stars): AUD $120–$180 per night
• Mid-Range Hotel: AUD $180–$250 per night
• Luxury Hotel: AUD $250+ per night

💡 Prices are higher during peak season (December to February) and in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

🍽️ Dining Costs: Restaurants, Cafés & Wineries

Food is a highlight of any trip to Australia — from multicultural cuisine and fresh seafood to its famous café culture.

🍴 Average Dining Prices:

• Casual cafés or pubs: AUD $20–$35 per person (main + drink)
• Mid-range restaurant: AUD $40–$70 per person (2 courses + drink)
• Winery lunch experience: AUD $60–$120 per person (typically includes mains + wine pairing)
• Brunch cafés: AUD $20–$30 for a dish and coffee

🛒 Cooking for yourself? Supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths offer fresh produce and ready-made meals. Dining out is generally more expensive due to taxes, holiday/weekend surcharges, and card fees.

🚗 Car Rental Costs & Websites

Australia is a vast country with wide open spaces, so renting a car is an excellent way to explore. Here’s what you need to know:

To rent a car in Australia, you’ll generally need the following:

✅ Minimum Age

• 21 years old is the usual minimum.
• Some companies may rent to drivers as young as 18, but this is rare and comes with high fees.
• Drivers under 25 are often subject to “young driver surcharges” (typically $15–$35/day).

📄 Required Documents

• A valid driver’s license in English(If your license is in another language, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified English translation).
• Credit card in the driver’s name(Used for security deposit and payment)
• Passport or ID may also be required as identification

Car Rental Websites:

• Hertz (hertz.com.au)
• Europcar (europcar.com.au)
• Avis (avis.com.au)
• Budget (budget.com.au)

🚙 Average Daily Rental Rates:

• 5-seater car (economy): AUD $60–$100
• 8-seater SUV/minivan: AUD $110–$160
• 12-seater minibus: AUD $160–$250

⚠️ Some rentals may have mileage limits (e.g., 100–200 km/day). Exceeding that can incur additional charges. Always check the terms.

🚘 Things to Watch Out For

• Mileage limits: Some rentals include unlimited kilometers, but others may limit you to 100–200 km/day, with fees (e.g. $0.25/km) for excess.
• One-way fees: Picking up and dropping off in different locations can incur extra charges.
• Fuel policy: Most rentals use a “full-to-full” policy — return the car with a full tank to avoid refueling charges.

⛽ Fuel Costs:

As of 2025, fuel prices range from AUD $1.60–$2.00 per liter, depending on the region and fuel type.

🚋 Public Transport in Cities

Public transport in Australia’s major cities is reliable, safe, and relatively affordable — a great option for travelers who want to explore without the hassle of driving or parking.

🚌 Main Modes of Public Transport:

• Trains – Connect city centers with suburbs and nearby regions. Available in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
• Trams – Iconic in Melbourne, where the tram network is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Also available in Adelaide.
• Buses – Widely available in all cities and regional towns, buses are the backbone of public transport, especially in areas without trains or trams.
• Ferries – In Sydney, ferries are both scenic and practical, with routes connecting Circular Quay to destinations like Manly and Taronga Zoo.
• Light Rail – Found in cities like Sydney and Canberra, offering quick connections through high-traffic corridors.

💳 Transport Costs:

• One-way ticket: AUD $3.50–$5.00
• One-day pass: AUD $10–$15 (unlimited travel across trains, buses, and trams within the city network.

These cards offer discounts compared to single paper tickets and often cap daily or weekly spending — ideal for travelers using public transport frequently. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney have integrated ticketing systems (Myki & Opal cards), making travel seamless across different modes. Use apps like Google Maps or each city’s official transport app to plan routes and check real-time schedules.

🎟️ Attractions & Experiences

Whether you’re into nature, wildlife, culture, or adventure, Australia offers experiences for every type of traveler.

Common Costs:

• National park entry: AUD $10–$25 per vehicle per day
• Sydney Opera House tour: AUD $43
• Wildlife parks (see koalas/kangaroos): AUD $25–$55
• Penguin Parade: AUD $35-100

🎨 Many iconic cultural and historic spots are free to visit, such as:

• Na Tien Temple (NSW)
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• State Library of Victoria
• University of Sydney
• St Mary’s Cathedral
• Art galleries and museums with general exhibitions

💡 Budget Travel Tips

• Book Early: Lock in better rates for accommodation and car rentals.
• Travel Off-Peak: Avoid school holidays and major events.
• Use Public Transport: Especially in cities — it’s cheap and convenient.
• Mix Free & Paid Attractions: National parks, beaches, libraries, and galleries offer unforgettable experiences without the price tag.

💰 Final Tip: What’s the Minimum Daily Budget?

No matter how you plan your trip to Australia — whether you’re exploring cities on foot, road-tripping along the coast, or indulging in food and wine experiences — there’s a base level of daily spending you should prepare for.

On a regular day (excluding peak seasons, public holidays, and major events), you can expect to spend a minimum of AUD $200–$250 per person per day, which typically covers:

• 🛏️ Standard accommodation (3.5–4.5 star hotel)

• 🍽️ Meals (a mix of café breakfasts, casual lunches, and mid-range dinners)

The rest of your spending will depend on your travel preferences — whether you opt for public transport or self-drive, pack your days with attractions or take it slow, join guided tours or explore on your own.