How Much Does a Vacation to Australia Cost?
The cost of a trip to Australia can vary widely depending on how you like to travel and how well you manage your budget.
If you’re backpacking, expect to spend around 70-80 AUD per day. This budget is based on staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transport, and enjoying free activities like hiking, beach days, and free walking tours.
For a more active trip with plenty of adventure activities, drinking, or frequent travel between destinations, you should plan for an extra 20 AUD per day.
On the other hand, if you’re really cutting costs — staying with locals, camping, hitchhiking, and avoiding alcohol — you could save 20-30 AUD a day.
If you’re staying in private rooms at hostels or Airbnbs, eating out often, and drinking a lot, you’re looking at closer to 200 AUD per day. Add in group tours and flights between cities, and your daily costs can go up to 250-400 AUD.
Tips to Save Money in Australia
Australia can be an expensive destination, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs and still have an amazing time. Here are some strategies:
- Cook Your Own Meals: Save money by cooking instead of eating out. Most hostels, Airbnbs, and guesthouses have kitchens where you can prepare your meals. Also, some accommodations offer free breakfast — it might not be fancy, but it’s a great way to start your day without spending extra cash.
- Drink Less (or Drink Goon): Alcohol is one of the quickest ways to blow your budget, so try to drink less. If you do want to drink, go for goon (boxed wine), which is a favorite among budget travelers. It’s not the best quality, but it’s cheap and gets the job done!
- Couchsurf: Save on accommodation by staying with locals through Couchsurfing. This will also give you a chance to connect with locals and experience the culture in a more authentic way.
- Get a Local SIM Card: Stay connected by getting a phone plan from Optus or Boost, which offer good coverage and affordable data packages.
- Work for Your Accommodation: Many hostels allow you to work a few hours a day in exchange for free accommodation. It’s a great way to save money if you’re planning on staying in one place for a while.
- Car Share: Traveling around Australia can be expensive, especially if you’re flying. Consider renting a car or campervan with friends, and split the costs of gas. Alternatively, you can hitch a ride with other travelers through platforms like Gumtree or Jayride.
- WWOOFing: If you have time and want to experience the country in a unique way, consider WWOOFing — working on organic farms in exchange for free food and lodging. Many long-term travelers swear by it!
- Book Tours as a Package: If you plan on doing a lot of tours and activities, consider booking them together. Many hostels and tour agencies offer discounts when you bundle tours, saving you hundreds of dollars.
- Go Camping: Camping is one of the most affordable ways to stay in Australia. Tent sites can cost as little as 7 AUD per night. If you’ve got your own gear, you can save a lot.
- Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Tap water in Australia is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle with you. This will help you save money and reduce plastic waste. A LifeStraw bottle with a built-in filter can ensure your water is always clean and safe to drink.
Final Thoughts
To make the most of your trip, try mixing and matching different strategies to balance the higher costs of some activities with the savings from others. It’s important to research ahead of time and figure out what you’re willing to spend on, so you can create a budget that works for you.
The daily cost estimates above are just a guideline, and your actual expenses will depend on the type of trip you’re planning. But remember, no matter how carefully you budget, things can come up, so it’s always a good idea to plan for unexpected expenses.
As a general rule, budget around 100 AUD per day to cover your costs and leave a little extra room for any surprises.
Australia may not be the cheapest place to visit, but with a little planning and flexibility, it doesn’t have to break the bank either!
