If you’re planning a trip to Australia, one of the first questions that comes up is: how much is a trip to Australia? On average, expect to spend $4,500 to $6,500 per person for two weeks. Budget travelers may get by with around $3,000, while a luxury experience can exceed $10,000.
A major part of the trip to Australia cost comes from airfare. A round trip to Australia from the US typically costs between $1,200 and $2,000, making it one of the biggest single expenses. Once you arrive, costs are similar to Western Europe or the US in terms of hotels, food, and daily expenses.
Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of what to expect for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks in Australia.
Average Trip to Australia Costs
| Duration | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| 1 week | $1,800 – $3,000 | $3,500 – $5,000 | $7,000+ |
| 2 weeks | $3,000 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $6,500 | $10,000+ |
| 3 weeks | $4,500 – $6,500 | $7,000 – $9,500 | $14,000+ |
How Much Is a Trip to Australia from the US
Flights from the US to Australia are long and expensive, influencing the total budget.
| Duration | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| 1 week | $2,500 – $3,800 | $4,000 – $6,000 | $8,000+ |
| 2 weeks | $4,000 – $5,800 | $6,000 – $8,500 | $12,000+ |
| 3 weeks | $5,500 – $7,500 | $8,000 – $11,000 | $16,000+ |
A round trip ticket to Australia from Los Angeles or San Francisco averages $1,200 – $2,000. Departures from New York or Chicago are often $200–$400 higher.
Flights
Flights are the biggest cost for international visitors.
- US to Australia: $1,200 – $2,000 round trip
- Europe to Australia: $1,000 – $1,600 round trip
- Asia to Australia: $400 – $900 round trip
Seasonal price differences:
- High season (December–February): most expensive, as it’s summer in Australia
- Shoulder seasons (March–May, September–November): cheaper flights and mild weather
- Low season (June–August): cheapest flights, winter weather in southern Australia
Accommodation
Accommodation costs vary by city and style:
- Hostels: $30 – $50 per night
- Mid-range hotels: $120 – $200 per night
- Luxury hotels: $250 – $600 per night
- Airbnb apartments: $100 – $250 per night depending on location
City comparison:
- Sydney: most expensive ($150–$250 for a mid-range room)
- Melbourne: $120–$200 mid-range
- Cairns / Gold Coast: $100–$150 mid-range
Transportation
Australia is huge, so getting around can be costly.
- Domestic flights: $100 – $250 per leg (Sydney–Melbourne, Sydney–Cairns, etc.)
- Car rental: $40 – $70 per day
- Campervans: $70 – $120 per day
- Long-distance buses: $40 – $100
- Trains: $50 – $200 (scenic, not always faster than flights)
- Public transport: $3 – $5 per ride
For planning a trip to Australia, consider combining a domestic flight with a rental car for road trip portions.
Food and Drink
Food costs vary by dining style:
- Budget: $25 – $40 per day (supermarkets, takeaway)
- Mid-range: $50 – $80 per day (cafés, pubs, casual dining)
- Luxury: $100 – $200+ per day (fine dining)
Examples:
- Coffee: $3–$4
- Pub meal: $15–$20
- Mid-range restaurant: $20–$40 per dish
- Fine dining: $70–$150+ per person
Activities and Experiences
Must-do activities add significantly to the cost of trip to Australia:
- Great Barrier Reef snorkeling: $150 – $250
- Sydney Opera House tour: $30 – $40
- Surf lessons: $50 – $80
- Wildlife sanctuaries: $25 – $40
- Uluru guided tours: $100 – $200
- Multi-day guided trips: $300 – $700+
When Is the Best Time to Visit Australia?
- Summer (Dec–Feb): high season, warm weather, higher prices
- Autumn (Mar–May): shoulder season, pleasant weather, moderate prices
- Winter (Jun–Aug): cheapest, fewer tourists, colder in southern Australia
- Spring (Sep–Nov): shoulder season, great weather, affordable flights
For value, the shoulder seasons are best.
Hidden Costs of a Trip to Australia
- Visa: $20–$30 for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)
- SIM card/data: $15–$30 per month
- Tipping: not common, but rounding up is appreciated
- National park entry fees: $10–$25 per person
- Travel insurance: $100–$200 for a two-week trip
Sample Itineraries and Costs
1 week in Sydney (budget traveler):
- Hostel: $250
- Food: $200
- Transport: $60
- Activities: $200
- Total: ~$1,200 + flights
2 weeks Sydney + Cairns (mid-range):
- Hotels: $2,000
- Food: $1,000
- Flights (domestic + international): $2,000
- Activities: $800
- Total: ~$5,800
3 weeks Sydney + Outback + Melbourne (luxury):
- Hotels: $6,000
- Food: $2,500
- Transport: $3,000 (flights, car rental)
- Activities: $2,000
- Total: $13,500+
Budgeting Tips
- Travel with carry-on only to save on domestic flight fees
- Use budget airlines like Jetstar and Tigerair
- Cook some meals to reduce dining costs
- Travel in spring or autumn for cheaper hotels and flights
- Use city passes for discounts on attractions
Special Situations
- Family trip to Australia: $12,000 – $18,000 for 2 weeks (flights + apartment lodging + activities)
- Solo trip to Australia: $3,500 – $5,000 for 2 weeks (hostels, public transport, group tours)
- Boat trip to Australia from USA: uncommon and costly compared to flights
How to Plan a Trip to Australia
- Book international flights 4–6 months in advance
- Buy travel insurance for trip to Australia
- Choose 2–3 regions rather than trying to cover the whole country
- Pack for varied climates (tropics vs. temperate zones)
Radical Storage: Stress-Free Travel in Australia
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Conclusion
So, how much is a trip to Australia? For most, a two-week mid-range trip costs $4,500–$6,500 per person. Costs vary depending on flights, accommodation, food, and activities, but with smart planning you can tailor a trip for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, and with the right planning, you’ll make the most of your adventure.
FAQs about a Trip to Australia
Australia is considered a moderately expensive destination, similar to Western Europe or North America. On average, a two-week mid-range trip costs $4,500–$6,500 per person. Costs rise if you add long-distance domestic flights, luxury hotels, or guided tours, but careful planning can keep expenses manageable.
A three-week mid-range trip usually costs between $4,500 and $9,500 per person. This includes flights, hotels, meals, transport, and activities. If you add destinations like the Outback or Tasmania, you’ll need to budget extra for domestic flights and tours.
Travelers from the US should expect to spend more due to the high cost of flights. A two-week mid-range trip from the US averages $6,000–$8,500 per person. Departing from the West Coast is usually cheaper, while East Coast flights can add several hundred dollars.
The cheapest time to fly is during Australia’s winter, from June to August. Flights are at their lowest, and tourist numbers are smaller, especially in southern cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, if you want warm beach weather, consider shoulder seasons (March–May, September–November) for good value.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. Healthcare for visitors is expensive, and policies also protect you against cancellations, delays, or accidents during adventure activities like diving or surfing. A two-week policy usually costs $100–$200, depending on coverage.
Start by choosing two or three key destinations, since the country is too large to see everything in one trip. Book international and domestic flights several months in advance for better rates. To save money, mix budget accommodation with occasional splurges, and use public transport or campervans where possible.
While cruises do travel between the US and Australia, they are rare, expensive, and take several weeks at sea. Most travelers choose to fly, as it is faster and more practical. Cruises may be a unique option for those seeking a slow travel experience, but they are not cost-effective compared to flights.
References and Useful Sources
- Tourism Australia – Plan Your Trip
- Skyscanner – Flights to Australia
- Numbeo – Cost of Living in Australia
- Radical Storage – Luggage Storage in Australia