Australia Trip Cost: Sample Budgets for 7/10/14 Days

Thinking about Australia? Picture yourself sailing on a turquoise Whitsundays bay, tasting flat whites in Melbourne’s laneways, or watching the sun set over Uluru. The one question that keeps most travelers from clicking “Book”: how much does an Australia trip actually cost?

This guide lays out real-world, SEO-friendly sample budgets for 7, 10, and 14 days in Australia—at budget, mid-range, and luxury levels—plus practical price ranges for flights, hotels, tours, food, transport, and hidden extras. Use it to map your own numbers and plan confidently.

Notes to keep estimates realistic:

• Currency: All prices are in AUD unless noted. (Rough conversions: AUD 1 ≈ USD 0.65–0.70; EUR 0.60–0.65. Check current rates.)
• Per person totals assume two people sharing a room (twin share) for mid-range and luxury tiers; budget tier often assumes hostel dorms.
• Nights equal days (e.g., 7 days = 7 nights) for simplicity.
• Prices vary by season, city, and how early you book. Consider these as planning ranges, not fixed quotes.

What Drives the Cost of an Australia Trip

International flights to Australia

• North America to Australia (economy, round-trip): 1,200–2,200
• Europe to Australia (economy, round-trip): 1,600–2,800
• Southeast Asia to Australia (economy, round-trip): 500–1,200
• Peak summer (Dec–Feb) and school holidays are pricier. Consider shoulder seasons and midweek departures.

Tip: Open-jaw tickets (e.g., fly into Sydney, out of Melbourne) can save domestic backtracking and add value.

When you go: seasons and price impact

• Peak: Dec–Feb (summer). Expect higher hotel rates, sold-out tours, and busy beaches.
• Shoulder: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Often the best blend of price and weather.
• Low: Jun–Aug (winter). Cheaper in many cities; pricier in tropical north during their dry season (June–Aug) and in ski regions.

Where you go: city-by-city price differences

• Higher-cost hotspots: Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Whitsundays islands.
• Mid-range: Melbourne, Perth, Hobart.
• More affordable: Cairns, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Adelaide.
• Remote areas (e.g., Uluru, the Kimberley) have fewer hotels and pricier flights.

How you get around: domestic air, car, campervan, train

• Domestic flights: 60–180 for short hops (Sydney–Melbourne), 200–400 for longer legs (Sydney–Cairns). Uluru flights can be 300–600 each way.
• Car hire: 50–90/day (economy), 90–150/day (SUV), plus insurance. Fuel averages 1.90–2.20/L.
• Campervan: 120–220/day + insurance, campground fees (10–50/night), one-way fees for long routes.
• Scenic trains (e.g., Sydney–Melbourne XPT, The Ghan) are experiences, not money-savers.

Accommodation: typical nightly rates

• Hostel dorm: 30–50
• Budget hotel/motel: 120–160
• Good mid-range (3–4-star): 180–300
• High-end (4–5-star city hotel): 350–600
• Luxury lodges/island resorts: 700–1,500+

Sydney CBD and Uluru command premiums; Cairns and Adelaide are often cheaper for similar quality.

Food & drink costs

• Coffee: 4–6
• Bakery breakfast: 8–15; sit-down brunch 18–28
• Casual lunch: 15–25
• Pub main: 22–32; mid-range dinner: 35–60
• Nice dinner with drinks: 80–150+
• Groceries for self-catering: 70–120 per person/week
• Beer: 9–12; wine by the glass: 10–16; cocktail: 18–24

Activities & tours: what popular experiences cost

• Great Barrier Reef full-day snorkel: 210–280 (add 40–80 for an intro dive)
• Sydney BridgeClimb: 174–364 (time/daylight changes price)
• Blue Mountains day tour: 120–180
• Uluru–Kata Tjuta park pass: 38 (3 days, per adult)
• Uluru helicopter: 249–499
• Great Ocean Road day tour: 110–160
• Penguin Parade tour (Phillip Island): 120–180
• Daintree/Cape Tribulation day tour: 160–220
• Whitsundays day sail: 190–230; scenic flight: 289–399

Connectivity, visas, insurance, tipping

• SIM/eSIM with data: 15–40 (7–50 GB for 2–4 weeks)
• Visas: eVisitor (EU/UK) free; ETA (US/Canada) ~20
• Travel insurance: typically 5–8% of trip value or around 80–180 for 1–2 weeks
• Tipping: Not compulsory. Rounding up or 10% for standout service is appreciated, but no service charges by default.

Australia Trip Cost at a Glance: 7/10/14 Days

Below are quick, on-the-ground ranges per person (excluding international flights), to set expectations.

• 7 days

  • Budget: 900–1,200 (≈ 130–170/day)
  • Mid-range: 2,100–2,700 (≈ 300–385/day)
  • Luxury: 4,800–6,500+ (≈ 685–930/day)

• 10 days

  • Budget: 1,300–1,800 (≈ 130–180/day)
  • Mid-range: 2,600–3,500 (≈ 260–350/day)
  • Luxury: 5,200–7,200+ (≈ 520–720/day)

• 14 days

  • Budget: 2,200–3,000 (≈ 155–215/day)
  • Mid-range: 3,800–5,200 (≈ 270–370/day)
  • Luxury: 8,500–11,500+ (≈ 605–820/day)

Add your international airfare based on your origin to see the all-in figure.

Assumptions for Sample Budgets

• All totals are per person.
• Nights equal days (7/10/14 nights).
• Mid-range and luxury assume twin-share rooms; budget often uses dorms or budget private rooms.
• The “on-the-ground total” excludes international flights; add your airfare to reach a door-to-door cost.

7-Day Australia Trip Cost: Sample Budgets

7-Day Budget: Sydney Base + Day Trips

A great first-timer’s week: explore harbour icons, coastal walks, Bondi-to-Coogee, and a Blue Mountains day trip.

• Accommodation (hostel dorm, 7 nights): 45 x 7 = 315
• Local transport (Opal card + airport train): 80
• Food (mix of cooking, cheap eats): 35/day x 7 = 245
• Activities:
  • Blue Mountains day tour: 135
  • Sydney Opera House tour: 49
  • Taronga Zoo or SEA LIFE: 45–60 (assume 55)
  • Total activities: ~239 (round to 250)
• SIM/eSIM + incidentals: 55

On-the-ground total (excluding international flights): 315 + 80 + 245 + 250 + 55 = 945

• Average per day: ~135

Add typical international airfare:

• From North America/Europe: +1,200–2,200
• From SE Asia: +500–1,200

Sales tip: Lock in a midweek arrival and pick up a multi-attraction pass to compress activity costs into a better value bundle.

7-Day Mid-Range: Sydney + Cairns (Harbour & Reef)

Split time between the iconic harbour and the Great Barrier Reef.

• Accommodation (twin-share, 7 nights):
  • Sydney (3 nights at ~280/night room): 840
  • Cairns (4 nights at ~220/night room): 880
  • Room total: 1,720 → per person: 860
• Domestic flight (Sydney–Cairns): 200–350 (assume 250)
• Local transport (airport transfers, city transit): 120
• Food (mix of casual and sit-down): 60/day x 7 = 420
• Activities:
  • Reef full-day snorkel: 240
  • Daintree or Kuranda day trip: 160–220 (assume 180)
  • Opera House tour: 49
  • Manly ferry + coastal walk incidentals: 31
  • Total activities: ~500
• Visa + travel insurance: ~100

On-the-ground total: 860 + 250 + 120 + 420 + 500 + 100 = 2,250

• Average per day: ~321

Add international airfare as above to get your complete total.

7-Day Luxury: Sydney + Uluru (Icons in Style)

Harbour views, fine dining, and the spiritual heart of the Red Centre.

• Accommodation (twin-share, 7 nights):
  • Sydney (3 nights at ~500/night room): 1,500
  • Uluru (4 nights at ~600/night room): 2,400
  • Room total: 3,900 → per person: 1,950
• Domestic flights (Sydney–Uluru–Sydney or via Melbourne): ~650
• Private/comfortable transfers and touring transport: ~200
• Food (upscale dining): 140/day x 7 = 980
• Activities and park fees:
  • Sydney BridgeClimb: 300–364 (assume 364)
  • Sounds of Silence dinner or Field of Light experience: 250–350 (assume 275)
  • Uluru sunrise base walk guided: 100–140 (assume 120)
  • Uluru helicopter: 300–450 (assume 350)
  • Opera House show or premium tasting menu: ~120
  • Uluru park pass: 38
  • Total activities/fees: ~1,267 (round to 1,200–1,300; use 1,200 for conservative estimate)
• Visa + comprehensive insurance: ~140

On-the-ground total: 1,950 + 650 + 200 + 980 + 1,200 + 140 = 5,120 (allow 5,158 with higher activity costs)

• Average per day: ~730

Add international airfare to reach your end total.

10-Day Australia Trip Cost: Sample Budgets

10-Day Budget: East Coast by Bus (Sydney–Byron–Brisbane)

Sun, surf, and city without domestic flights.

• Accommodation (hostel dorm, 10 nights): 45 x 10 = 450
• Intercity transport:
  • Sydney → Byron → Brisbane buses/passes: ~150
  • Local transit + airport train: 100 (if flying home from BNE/SYD)
  • Total transport: ~250
• Food: 35/day x 10 = 350
• Activities:
  • Blue Mountains day tour (or DIY): 135
  • Byron kayak with dolphins: ~89
  • Brisbane/Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: ~49
  • Total: ~273 (round to 300)
• Visa + travel insurance: ~100

On-the-ground total: 450 + 250 + 350 + 300 + 100 = 1,450

• Average per day: ~145

Sales tip: Overnight buses can save a night’s accommodation; flexible passes (Greyhound/Premier) give freedom to chase good weather.

10-Day Mid-Range: Sydney + Melbourne + Great Ocean Road

City culture meets one of the world’s great coastal drives.

• Accommodation (twin-share, 10 nights):
  • Sydney (4 nights at ~260/night): 1,040
  • Melbourne (6 nights at ~240/night): 1,440
  • Room total: 2,480 → per person: 1,240
• Domestic flight (Sydney–Melbourne): ~120
• Great Ocean Road self-drive (2 days):
  • Car hire: 90 x 2 = 180
  • Insurance: ~25/day x 2 = 50
  • Fuel: ~70
  • Tolls/parking: ~30
  • Total: ~330
• City transport and airport transfers: ~150
• Food: 60/day x 10 = 600
• Activities:
  • Opera House tour: 49
  • Phillip Island penguins or winery tour: 130–180 (assume 150)
  • Melbourne Skydeck or gallery entries: ~50
  • Optional 12 Apostles helicopter: 165
  • Total: ~414 (round to 400)
• Visa + insurance: ~100

On-the-ground total: 1,240 + 120 + 330 + 150 + 600 + 400 + 100 = 2,940

• Average per day: ~294

10-Day Luxury: Reef + Rainforest + Sydney

Premium reef experiences and refined harbour nights.

• Accommodation (twin-share, 10 nights):
  • Cairns/Port Douglas (5 nights at ~350/night): 1,750
  • Sydney (5 nights at ~500/night): 2,500
  • Room total: 4,250 → per person: 2,125
• Domestic flights (Sydney–Cairns–Sydney or open-jaw): ~400
• Private transfers: ~200
• Food (high-end dining): 140/day x 10 = 1,400
• Activities:
  • Premium reef cruise with intro dive: ~320
  • Private Daintree tour: ~700 per vehicle (two people = ~350 pp)
  • BridgeClimb: up to 364
  • Reef scenic flight: 299
  • Opera House performance or chef’s menu: ~120
  • Total: ~1,453 (round to 1,500)
• Visa + comprehensive insurance: ~140

On-the-ground total: 2,125 + 400 + 200 + 1,400 + 1,500 + 140 = 5,765

• Average per day: ~576

14-Day Australia Trip Cost: Sample Budgets

14-Day Budget: Classic Triangle on Sale Fares (Sydney–Cairns–Melbourne)

All the icons on a backpacker-friendly budget.

• Accommodation (hostel dorm, 14 nights): 45 x 14 = 630
• Domestic flights:
  • Sydney → Cairns: ~250
  • Cairns → Melbourne: ~300
  • Total domestic air: ~550
• Local transport (city passes + airport transfers): ~200
• Food: 35/day x 14 = 490
• Activities:
  • Great Barrier Reef snorkel: 240
  • Blue Mountains day tour: 135
  • Great Ocean Road day tour: 130
  • Opera House tour: 49
  • Total: ~554–600 (use 600)
• Visa + travel insurance: ~120

On-the-ground total: 630 + 550 + 200 + 490 + 600 + 120 = 2,590

• Average per day: ~185

14-Day Mid-Range: Sydney–Cairns–Melbourne Highlights

A balanced, crowd-pleasing itinerary.

• Accommodation (twin-share, 14 nights):
  • Sydney (5 nights at ~280/night): 1,400
  • Cairns (5 nights at ~220/night): 1,100
  • Melbourne (4 nights at ~240/night): 960
  • Room total: 3,460 → per person: 1,730
• Domestic flights (SYD–CNS–MEL): ~550
• Local transport + airport transfers: ~220
• Food: 60/day x 14 = 840
• Activities:
  • Reef day: 240
  • Daintree day: 180
  • Blue Mountains or BridgeClimb sampler: 140 (choose one)
  • Great Ocean Road day: 130
  • Opera House tour: 49
  • Total: ~739–900 (use 900 to include upgrades)
• Visa + insurance: ~120

On-the-ground total: 1,730 + 550 + 220 + 840 + 900 + 120 = 4,360

• Average per day: ~311

14-Day Luxury: Lodges, Reef, and Red Centre

For travelers who want the “wow” every day.

• Accommodation (twin-share, 14 nights):
  • Sydney (4 nights at ~500/night): 2,000
  • Port Douglas/Whitsundays (4 nights at ~600/night): 2,400
  • Uluru (3 nights at ~700/night): 2,100
  • Melbourne (3 nights at ~450/night): 1,350
  • Room total: 7,850 → per person: 3,925
• Domestic flights (multi-leg: SYD–CNS–AYQ–MEL): ~1,200
• Private transfers: ~400
• Food (fine dining): 150/day x 14 = 2,100
• Activities:
  • Premium reef + intro dive or private charter share: 300–600 (assume 320)
  • Private Whitsundays or Low Isles sail: ~300 pp
  • Uluru helicopter: ~399
  • Sounds of Silence dinner: ~275
  • BridgeClimb: up to 364
  • Private Yarra Valley wine experience: ~300 pp
  • Total: ~1,958 (round to 2,000)
• Park fees (Uluru): 38
• Visa + comprehensive insurance: ~180

On-the-ground total: 3,925 + 1,200 + 400 + 2,100 + 2,000 + 38 + 180 = 9,843

• Average per day: ~703

Add your international airfare to complete the picture.

Realistic Line-Item Price Guide (So You Can Build Your Own Budget)

• International flights: 500–2,800 depending on origin/season
• Domestic flights:
  • Short routes (SYD–MEL/ADL/BNE): 60–200
  • Long routes (SYD–CNS/DRW/ASP): 200–450
  • Uluru (AYQ): 300–600 each way
• Baggage on low-cost carriers: 20–50 per leg for a checked bag
• Car hire: 50–90/day (economy) + 15–35/day for insurance
• Campervan hire: 120–220/day + insurance + fuel + campground fees
• Fuel: 1.90–2.20/L; typical 1,000 km road trip fuel ~150–220
• City transport:
  • Sydney Opal daily cap ~17–20; airport station access fee ~17–20 each way
  • Melbourne Myki daily cap ~10–12; SkyBus airport transfer ~22–24 each way
  • Brisbane Airtrain ~20–24 each way
• Parking/tolls: CBD parking 10–20/hour; road tolls 3–8 per segment (set up visitor e-tag)
• Dining:
  • Self-catering: 10–20/day
  • Casual eats: 30–45/day
  • Mid-range: 50–80/day
  • Upscale: 120–180+/day
• Tours:
  • Day trips: 110–220
  • Signature splurges (BridgeClimb, heli): 250–500+

Money-Saving Tactics Without Sacrificing the Experience

• Choose shoulder season. March–May and September–November often deliver great weather and better rates.
• Fly open-jaw. Land in one city, fly out of another to avoid backtracking.
• Mix accommodations. Combine a couple of hostel or budget hotel nights with a few mid-range or apartment-hotel stays.
• Book domestic legs early. Sales on Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas can halve costs; avoid paying for checked baggage if possible.
• Use free experiences:
  • Sydney: Coastal walks (Bondi–Coogee, Manly–Spit), Art Gallery of NSW, Royal Botanic Garden.
  • Melbourne: Laneways and street art, State Library Victoria, free City Circle tram.
  • Brisbane: South Bank Parklands and free city ferry (KittyCat routes vary).
• Bundle attractions. Check city passes or combo tickets for zoos/aquariums/museums.
• Consider overnight buses for long hops if you’re on a strict budget.
• Self-drive with friends. Splitting car and fuel costs on Great Ocean Road or Tasmania can undercut guided tours.
• BYO water bottle. Tap water is safe; skip bottled water and save daily.
• Aim for weekday activities. Some tours and hotels are cheaper midweek.

Splurge-Worthy Experiences (And What They Cost)

If you’re going to splurge, do it on the activities that are uniquely Australian:

• Great Barrier Reef full-day with intro dive: 260–320
• Sydney BridgeClimb: 174–364 (twilight climbs are spectacular)
• Uluru helicopter flight (25–30 minutes): 249–399
• Whitsundays scenic flight over Heart Reef: 289–399
• Rottnest Island bike + ferry (Perth): 79–129
• Kangaroo Island day tour (from Adelaide): 280–360
• Wine region small-group tours (Barossa/Yarra/Margaret River): 130–220; private 250–400 pp

Plan and pre-book these; they often anchor your itinerary and can sell out in peak months.

Road Trip vs. Domestic Flights: Cost Comparison Snapshot

• 7–10 days, big distances (e.g., Sydney ↔ Cairns): Fly. You’ll save time and possibly money versus multi-day drives.
• 3–4 days, scenic loops (Great Ocean Road, Tasmania’s East Coast, Coral Coast near Perth): Drive. A compact loop with shared car costs and free hikes is excellent value.
• Campervan pros/cons:
  • Pros: Freedom, nature, accommodation + transport in one.
  • Cons: Daily hire + insurance + fuel + campground fees add up; one-way fees can be steep.
  • Budget check: For two people, a campervan can rival mid-range hotel + car costs; for three or four, it becomes cost-effective.

Booking Timeline: What to Reserve and When

1. 5–8 months out
   • Scan international flights; set price alerts.
   • Sketch route (open-jaw vs. round-trip) and must-do tours (Reef, Uluru).
2. 3–5 months out
   • Book international flights.
   • Lock in key hotels (Sydney waterfront, Uluru resorts, island stays).
   • Reserve domestic flights and limited-capacity tours (BridgeClimb, reef boats, heli).
3. 1–2 months out
   • Add day trips (Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road).
   • Book car hire/campervan if driving.
   • Buy travel insurance and confirm visa.
4. 1–2 weeks out
   • Purchase eSIM/SIM, check baggage allowances, and prepay toll passes if driving.
   • Build an offline map list and save booking confirmations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much cash do I need per day in Australia?

  • With cards widely accepted, go light on cash. For daily spending: Budget 40–60 (groceries, transit, casual eats), Mid-range 80–120, Luxury 160–250+ (excluding hotels already prepaid).

• Is Australia expensive for travelers?

  • It can be, especially for hotels and tours in peak season. But smart timing, sale fares, and mixing in free nature experiences keep costs reasonable.

• Can I do Australia on 100/day?

  • Yes, if you stay in hostel dorms, self-cater most meals, use public transport, and limit paid tours to one or two key experiences.

• Is tipping required?

  • No. Tip for exceptional service (5–10%), but it’s not expected the way it is in North America.

• Do I need travel insurance?

  • Strongly recommended. Medical care is excellent but can be costly for visitors; insurance also protects against delays, cancellations, and tour no-shows.

• How far in advance should I book Uluru and Reef tours?

  • In peak season, 6–10 weeks out for tours; 3–5 months for Uluru accommodation.

• What’s the cheapest major city to fly into?

  • It varies. Sydney and Melbourne usually have the most competition and sales; Brisbane can also be competitive. Compare all three.

Customize These Sample Budgets to Your Style

• Swap activities: If you’re not a diver, replace the reef upgrade with a rainforest tour or scenic flight.
• Adjust hotel class: Mid-range to luxury can double accommodation costs; dropping to budget private rooms or apartment hotels can cut them by a third.
• Streamline flights: Open-jaw routings can remove an entire domestic leg and its baggage fees.
• Focus the route: Depth beats breadth. Two bases (e.g., Sydney + Cairns) often cost less and feel richer than three rushed cities.

Conclusion: Your Australia Budget, Done

Now you’ve got clear, sample budgets for 7, 10, and 14 days in Australia—plus the line-item costs to tailor your own plan. Whether you’re backpacking a 1,450 ten-day east coast hop, savoring a 4,360 two-week classic triangle, or splurging on a 9,800 luxury lodge-and-reef odyssey, Australia rewards every traveler who says yes.

Ready to put numbers on your dream? Pick your duration and style, plug in your international airfare, pre-book a signature experience (the Reef never disappoints), and let the southern sun do the rest.