Travelling in Australia is on many people’s bucket lists. Truly a once in a lifetime experience, you might be surprised to discover that Australian travel need not be expensive.
Take a look at our price guide to find out why.
Eating
Standard breakfast: A$20
Basic lunch for two, in a major city centre, including drink: A$40
Lunch from fast food chain restaurant: A$15
Higher end lunch or dinner for two, including drink: A$60-80
Image via Tourism Australia
Drinking
Coffee: A$3.50-4.50
Bottle of cheap wine: A$10
Bottle of wine (reasonable quality): A$20
Pint of beer average: A$6.80
Travel Insurance
Basic travel insurance (medical etc): Between A$14.84 and A$32.52 depending on cover level and excess
Including winter sports and gadget cover: Between A$34.63 and A$95.80 depending on cover level and excess
Fuel
One litre of petrol (average): A$1.26
Image via BP Australia
Top 10 Australian Experiences
Sydney Tower: A$46 for two people
Tram Ride (Melbourne): A$3.80
Great Barrier Reef adventure: A$258.50
Blue Mountain Tour (Featherdale Park): A$190 for two people.
Sea Kayak Tour: A$130 for two people.
Buddha Gardens Spa (Byron Bay): $190 for two people.
Surf Lesson: A$65 – 120
Sunset Cruise: A$20 for two people
National Surfing Museum Tour (Torquay, Victoria): A$11
Dinner at Olivo (Sydney): A$90 for two people
Image via Tourism Australia
Campsites
Average costs for low-end campsites with no power: A$15
Average costs for mid-range campsites, variable facilities: A$20
Average costs for higher-end campsites: A$50
Remember to use Travellers Autobarn for discounted campsite rates in Australia. Also, check out our exclusive partner deals page for even more partnership options and savings.
Image via Traveller
Road Tolls
The Australian toll road system works a little differently to other toll systems around the world. Australian tolls are cashless, in order to reduce queues and waiting times on the roads. Instead, most drivers will have electronic tags installed on their cars which pay the toll fee automatically.
If you are travelling in Australia and your car does not have these tags, you will need to purchase temporary passes before you travel. These are available at various locations along your route, including at service stations, newsagents and post offices.
Melbourne toll roads:
Parts of M1, M2 and Batman Avenue in city centre are operated by CityLink licensed toll collectors.
Parts of M3 between Nunawading and Seaford are operated by EastLink licensed toll collectors.
Sydney toll roads
Parts of M7 in the west of Sydney are tolled
Parts of M5 in the south west of Sydney are tolled
Parts of M2 Hills Motorway in the north of Sydney are tolled
Lane Cove Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel, Sydney Harbour Bridge & Harbour Tunnel, and the Eastern Distributor in central Sydney are tolled
Brisbane toll roads
The Go Between Bridge, the CLEM7 Tunnel and AirportlinkM7 in the north of Brisbane are tolled
Logan Motorway in the south of Brisbane is tolled
Gateway Motorways in central Brisbane is tolled
Image via Sensational Adelaide
Currency Exchange
As currency exchange rates vary hugely, and holidaymakers have a habit of majorly losing out in terms of fees due to misjudging how much they need to take with them, Crown Currency recommends opting for prepaid travel cards instead of exchanging cash.
ANZ Bank’s Travel Card is free to load initially, with a 1.1% charge payable on further loads. It will cost the user A$3.50 to use at an ATM.
Qantas Cash’s Qantas Card is free to load initially, with nothing on further loads. It will cost the user A$1.95 to use at an ATM.
Travelex’s Travel Card is free to load initially, with a 1.1% of initial load charge payable on further loads. It will cost the user nothing to use at an ATM.
Other institutions will offer different rates.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
Stick to your camper van and avoid expensive hotels
Avoid restaurants whenever you can, and cook your own food in your camper van. You can find great recipes and culinary ideas on the Travellers Autobarn site.
Keep checking the Traveller’s Autobarn site. We are always on hand with cost-saving resources and tips to help you on your Australian adventure.
Image via Travellers Autobarn
Fun Free Activities if You Are on a Budget
Go penguin spotting at St Kilda Pier
Relax in the Botanical Gardens at Brisbane
Take in a free comedy gig at Brisbane’s Powerhouse on a Friday evening at 6pm
Soak up the atmosphere at the hipster hotspots of Brunswick and Fitzroy, Victoria
Hit the beach at Byron Bay, get down to the lighthouse for sunrise or sunset
Catch some rays at Noosa’s Sunshine Beach, or take a walk along the region’s coastal path.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
That’s all you’ll need to go on the trip of a lifetime.
Why book with Travellers Autobarn? We offer FREE 24/7 roadside assistance, access to free camping grounds and discounted rates at some top Aussie campsites. After more Budget Travel Tips for your epic trip in Australia? We are experts on the subject! Don’t forget to check out our latest deals & specials on campervan hire in Australia.
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
