What budget to travel Australia? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Australia?

It's true that Australia is far from cheap, with day trips, car rentals and hotel nights quickly adding up. And for a price that seems quite high, you shouldn't necessarily expect a "luxurious" service; it will just correspond to the economic reality. For those on a smaller budget, it's worth noting that access to beaches is of course free, and many museums are free of charge, particularly in Sydney and Canberra.

Access to national parks is often free, but this is not always the case and depends on the state, as we explain here:

In Victoria, all parks are free.

In the state of New South Wales, only 45 of the 895 national parks charge a modest daily entrance fee, and only for vehicles(www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees/fee-collecting-parks).

In Queensland, only K'Gari Island National Park (Fraser Island) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park charge for access, which is generally already included in excursions and cruises to these destinations.

In South Australia, access to certain desert national parks is subject to a fee. If you plan to visit more than one during your stay, it may be worthwhile taking a multi-park package www.parks.sa.gov.au/book-and-pay/desert-parks-pass.

In Western Australia, a number of national parks apply vehicle fees (exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park-entry-fees), and packages can be purchased if you plan to visit several parks (exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park-passes).

Tasmania charges fees for vehicle and pedestrian access to its national parks. There is a 24-hour Daily Pass, but it is generally preferable to buy a Holiday Pass valid for 2 months. These can be purchased online(parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/know-before-you-go/entry-fees) or at Visitor Centres in Tasmania's national parks. Note that the Holiday Pass includes entry to Cradle Mountain National Park, but does not include the mandatory shuttle bus from the park entrance to the trailhead (AU$15 per person, valid for 72 hours). However, the Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass, valid for 24 hours, does include the shuttle.

For the Northern Territory, the rules are rather complex. Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks are managed at federal level, and therefore have their own passes, which can be purchased online via the following links, or at the Visitor Centres of these national parks: parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/plan/passes and parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/plan/passes. The other Northern Territory parks (including Kings Canyon, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge) are managed by the Northern Territory Government and charge AU$10 per day per adult, or a 2-week package covering all these parks is available at AU$30 per adult. This can be purchased in person at national park visitor centers or online at nt.gov.au/parks/parks-pass. If you plan to use the Mereenie Loop trail in the Red Centre between Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges, you'll need to purchase a permit for AU$5. Depending on the direction of travel, permits can be purchased at the Discovery Kings Canyon Resort reception desk or at the Visitor Information Centre in Alice Springs.

Most outdoor activities are accessible both practically and economically. Although Australia remains a high-end destination with prices above the French average, it is possible as a tourist to enjoy a variety of activities for less. To explore the trails of the national parks, to walk along the coast or to appreciate the diversity of the landscapes, you will not need to spend much to enjoy a great breath of fresh air. Vanlife enthusiasts will be delighted: traveling at your own pace, you'll take time to enjoy the off-the-beaten-path areas, and all on your own!

As for the activities and sports proposed by the agencies and other certified guides, you should know that most of the activities cannot be improvised: Australia is obliged, the dangers come from the environment and sometimes impose themselves on you. And any tourist who has visited Australia will be able to confirm it: nature can be rebellious and hostile! The deeper you go into the heart of the continent, the more you will have to be alert... and therefore count on a guide to ensure you a maximum of safety. For reasons of access, equipment and safety, activities such as desert hiking, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, sailing and diving are only accessible with a guide. Each tour agency offers its own advantages and exclusivities: family tours, intimate atmosphere, backpacker tours , bilingual guides, ethical, environmental... you will have to study your desires and your conditions, no doubt you will find your happiness.

Finally, for a surfing lesson, you can tame the Australian wave by launching yourself in the ocean. If you don't have a surfboard, you can easily rent one from the various surf schools and other rental stores that are always present on the seashore. For a lesson, you can opt for an individual or group lesson.

If you'd like to buy handicrafts, head for the craft markets found in most towns and cities. You'll be able to pick up locally-made souvenirs such as carved wooden objects, pottery and jewelry. This way, you can avoid manufactured goods and focus on short supply chains, all to the benefit of the local economy. It's possible to haggle, depending on the seller you're dealing with. If you're looking to buy a work of Aboriginal art, there are a number of things you should check before you buy: the authentic and ethical provenance of the work, the date it was created, its history (previous sellers or owners), its condition, its format, the status of the artist and the structure of the sale price (artist's, art center's and seller's share). You can also find out more about the artist's status: any exhibitions in art collections, museums or official institutions, as well as artistic prizes and awards (the annual National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award is the most prestigious prize).

Discotheques, nightclubs and dance bars, operas, theaters, cinemas, festivals, concert halls... going out in Australia can quickly add up! Most of the infrastructure is based on a "Europeanized" admission system: you have to pay to get in when an artist, performance or show is on the program. Whether in concert halls or nightclubs, you'll need to reserve or buy your tickets online or on the spot. Don't forget to bring your ID, which is often requested at the door!

What budget to eat Australia?

It's easy to cut costs when it comes to your catering budget, as long as you're not too fussy about your diet: burgers, pizzas, hot dogs or the classic cheap steak/fries often go hand in hand with a good calorie intake! These are usually found in pubs with a friendly, even boisterous atmosphere. You'll often get by for around AU$20 and leave with a full stomach.

While fast-food outlets and most restaurant chains offer interesting and economical daily menus including starter, main course, dessert and drink, most other restaurants offer dishes directly from the menu, and menus are rarer.

Backpackers and other road-trippers go to supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles, IGA...) to do their own shopping. You can then prepare your own meals if your accommodation has a kitchen, or if you have a converted van.

In town and country, all methods of payment are accepted. It may come as a surprise, but some of the most isolated establishments in theOutback offer to pay by credit card. Just to be on the safe side, make sure you have cash on hand. Finally, if you've bitten off more than you can chew, you should know that even if the practice is still not widespread in France, it's not at all frowned upon to ask for a doggy bag in Australia... on the contrary! It's a completely democratized practice. It's a great way to save money for tomorrow's meal!

Drink prices are significantly higher than in France and Europe. For alcoholic beverages, take advantage of happy hours, usually starting at 6 p.m., when you can buy two drinks for the price of one, or benefit from discounts of up to 50% off the price of a glass. Generally speaking, a schooner (425 ml beer) costs between AU$8 and AU$10. If there's more than one of you, it's best to order a jug (1,140 ml).

What is the budget for accommodation Australia?

Wild camping in Australia is forbidden, and if you camp in an illegal area, the fines can be quite steep. Wikicamp is honestly the most indispensable app if you're traveling by van: this participatory application will help you find free campsites, sometimes located in beautiful places off the beaten track. What's more, there's a huge choice of hotels, motels and even weekly apartments everywhere.

Some of Australia'sgreat cattle stations, or farms, offer bed and breakfast accommodation for immersive, authentic vacations in the heart of the Outback. This type of tourism allows you to meet real Aussies in a rural setting and share in their daily activities. To find out where to go, contact specialized organizations such as WWOOF (https://wwoof.com.au/). Its members farm exclusively organically.

If you're on a budget, you'll want to check out youth hostels, hostels and campsites. Countless youth hostels (or YHA - Youth Hostelling Association) are scattered across Australia. Increasingly, these hostels offer rooms for couples and families at between AU$100 and AU$120 per night. Dormitory beds (often 4 or 8 beds) cost, on average, between AU$30 and AU$50 per night. The advantage of youth hostels is that they allow everyone, regardless of age, to travel, meet new people and take part in sporting activities at lower cost. There's always a communal kitchen, sometimes a cafeteria and a swimming pool. Generally speaking, YHAs are more expensive, from AU$2 to AU$5, in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, but for the same level of service, they are exemplary in their cleanliness. Be sure to book well in advance for certain periods (New Year's Eve in Sydney, Mardi Gras in Sydney), as demand is very high. Prices also soar during these periods, with dormitory beds fetching over AU$100 a night in Sydney in December!

Travel budget Australia and cost of living

The cost of living in Australia is slightly higher than in France, and this is particularly noticeable when traveling: on average, you'll need to budget at least €100/day per person. Although Australia is reputed to be an expensive country, its purchasing power is far greater than that of France. As a local, expatriate or temporary resident (and income earner), Australia is far from overpriced. The most expensive products remain packs of cigarettes (at almost €20) and alcohol.

Some prices in 2024:

A domestic flight Sydney-Melbourne: from AU$ 50 on special offer.

Greyhound's Whimit Pass: unlimited bus travel for 7 days or more from AU$ 289 with Greyhound.

A ferry trip in Sydney : about AU$ 8 with the Opal card to Manly.

Cab from Sydney airport to the city center: AU$ 45-55.

Car rental in Sydney : from AU$ 100-150 per day + insurance.

1 liter of gasoline: AU$ 1.80 to AU$ 2.15. Diesel is generally more expensive than other fuels.

Camping: AU$30 to AU$40, AU$50 and more for the most luxurious or in the big cities.

Youthhostels and backpackers : on average, AU$25 to AU$35 for dormitories and AU$80 to AU$150 for double rooms with or without private bathroom. Higher rates in major cities.

Mid-range hotel: AU$120 to AU$170 for a double room. Higher rates in larger cities.

Restaurant meals : à la carte, between AU$25 and AU$45, not excessive.

Beer in a pub : AU$ 7 to AU$ 12

Stadium tickets : AU$30 to AU$70.

Museum: from free and on donation to AU$ 10/30.

A day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsundays: from AU$ 110 to much more.

Advice before you leave. Remember to tell your bank advisor about your trip. He or she can check with you whether your payment and withdrawal limits have been set. If necessary, ask for an exceptional authorization to raise your limit. Your bank advisor may also be able to suggest that you take out an international offer to limit charges for banking transactions abroad. All payment methods are accepted in the main cities. However, you'll need to bring some cash if you're going to be in the Australian bush . For cash withdrawals, look out for ATMs in major cities. Generally speaking, they operate in the same way as in France. If the French language is not available, select English. "Retrait" is then " withdrawal ". If you are asked to choose between withdrawing from a " checking account ", a " credit account " or a " saving account ", select " checking account ". Select "debit" for debit and "credit" for credit. Enter the desired amount and confirm (" enter "). To the question " Would you like a receipt ?", answer " Yes " and keep your receipt in a safe place. As the euro is not the local currency, a commission is deducted from each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank, and generally comprise a fixed fee averaging 3 euros and a commission of between 2% and 3% of the amount withdrawn. Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or allow you to benefit from their network, offering you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals (this is particularly the case for online banks). Ask your bank advisor for details. Note also that some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case this will be mentioned at the time of withdrawal. Generally speaking, you should pay with your bank card whenever possible. Charges are lower than for ATM withdrawals, and the spending limit is often higher. Note that when paying by credit card, you may not need to enter your pin code: contactless payment is now widely available throughout the country.