Australia has a reputation for being expensive — and it’s not entirely undeserved. Australia consistently ranks as one of the world’s pricier destinations for tourists. But the exchange rate in 2026 (1 AUD ≈ ₹55.70) means costs feel more manageable for Indian travellers with solid savings, and the experience — world-class beaches, wildlife, and cities — is worth every rupee.
This guide gives you real, honest cost breakdowns across three budget tiers. All prices are 2026 figures verified against current accommodation and transport costs.
Quick Verdict: Budget for ₹2,50,000–₹4,00,000 per person for a 14-day Australia trip (including return flights from India). Mid-range is the sweet spot for most Indian travellers.
Exchange Rate Reference (2026)
1 AUD = ₹55.70 (approximate, May 2026)
- AUD 10 = ₹557
- AUD 50 = ₹2,785
- AUD 100 = ₹5,570
- AUD 200 = ₹11,140
- AUD 500 = ₹27,850
Flight Costs: India to Australia
Flights are the biggest single cost. What you pay depends heavily on the route, airline, and booking timing.
| Route | Non-Stop | 1-Stop (Best Value) | Best Fare Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Sydney (return) | ₹90,000–₹1,30,000 | ₹55,000–₹85,000 | Mar, Sep–Oct |
| Mumbai → Sydney (return) | Not available | ₹60,000–₹90,000 | Mar, Sep–Oct |
| Bengaluru → Sydney (return) | ₹85,000–₹1,25,000 | ₹58,000–₹88,000 | Feb–Mar |
| Delhi → Melbourne (return) | ₹80,000–₹1,20,000 | ₹52,000–₹80,000 | May, Sep–Oct |
Tips to cut flight costs:
- Book 3–4 months ahead for Mar/Sep travel, 5–6 months ahead for Dec–Jan
- Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways consistently offer good fares via their hubs
- Emirates via Dubai is often cheapest for Mumbai departures
- Consider flying into Sydney and out of Melbourne (or vice versa) — open-jaw tickets often cost less than two returns
Search India to Australia flights →
Accommodation Costs
Australia has a wide range across budget levels.
Budget (AUD 40–100/night, ₹2,228–₹5,570)
Hostels with private rooms (not dormitories) in Sydney and Melbourne run AUD 60–90/night. Look for guesthouses and serviced apartments in neighbourhoods like Glebe (Sydney) or St Kilda (Melbourne) rather than the CBD — 20–30% cheaper.
YHA Australia hostels are particularly good quality — clean, well-located, with good common areas. Private double rooms from AUD 70 (~₹3,900).
Mid-Range (AUD 130–250/night, ₹7,241–₹13,925)
This is the sweet spot. In Sydney, ₹8,000–₹14,000/night gets you a clean 3–4 star hotel within 20 minutes of the CBD or a fully equipped apartment. In Melbourne, mid-range stretches further.
Best value accommodation types:
- Self-contained apartments (Airbnb or apartment hotels) — a kitchen saves ₹1,500–₹2,500/day on food
- Chain hotels (ibis, Mercure, Holiday Inn) — predictable quality, often AUD 140–180 in off-peak periods
Luxury (AUD 300–800+/night, ₹16,710–₹44,560+)
Sydney and Melbourne have genuinely world-class luxury hotels. The Park Hyatt Sydney (views directly over the Opera House and Bridge) runs AUD 800–1,200/night (₹44,560–₹66,840). The Crown Towers in Melbourne starts at AUD 350/night (₹19,495).
Search Australia accommodation →
Daily Food Costs
Budget (AUD 30–50/day, ₹1,671–₹2,785)
- Breakfast: Supermarket yoghurt, muesli bar, fruit: AUD 6–8
- Lunch: Food court in a shopping centre, Vietnamese/Malaysian: AUD 12–16
- Dinner: Takeaway or cook in apartment kitchen: AUD 12–20
- Coffee: AUD 5 each, 1–2 per day
Mid-Range (AUD 60–100/day, ₹3,342–₹5,570)
- Breakfast: Café breakfast (eggs, toast, coffee): AUD 18–25
- Lunch: Restaurant lunch, 2 courses: AUD 25–35
- Dinner: Restaurant dinner with drinks: AUD 35–55
- Coffee/snacks: AUD 10–15
Luxury (AUD 150–300+/day)
- Multiple courses at award-winning restaurants. Sydney’s Quay or Aria charge AUD 200+ for a tasting menu per person (~₹11,140+).
Indian food costs in Australia:
- Main course at a mid-range Indian restaurant: AUD 22–32 (~₹1,225–₹1,782)
- Indian takeaway (butter chicken + naan): AUD 18–24 (~₹1,003–₹1,337)
- Ready-to-eat Indian meals from Coles/Woolworths: AUD 4–8 (~₹223–₹446)
Transport Costs Within Australia
Domestic flights: The three main low-cost carriers (Jetstar, Rex Airlines, Bonza) have transformed domestic pricing. Sydney–Melbourne return: AUD 100–200 (~₹5,570–₹11,140) if booked 4–6 weeks ahead.
| Route | Budget Airline Return |
|---|---|
| Sydney–Melbourne | AUD 100–200 |
| Sydney–Cairns | AUD 180–300 |
| Melbourne–Gold Coast | AUD 130–220 |
| Sydney–Perth | AUD 250–400 |
City transport:
- Sydney Opal card day cap: AUD 17.80 (~₹991)
- Melbourne (unlimited tram in CBD): Free within CBD tram zone
- Gold Coast G:link tram: AUD 3.60 per trip (~₹201)
- Uber within cities: AUD 15–35 per trip (~₹836–₹1,950)
Car rental:
- Small automatic: AUD 55–80/day (~₹3,064–₹4,456) including basic insurance
- Full-size SUV: AUD 100–150/day (~₹5,570–₹8,355)
- One-way rental fees: AUD 100–300 if dropping at a different city
Compare car rentals in Australia →
Activities and Attractions Budget
| Activity | Cost (AUD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| BridgeClimb Sydney | 198–398 | ₹11,030–₹22,160 |
| Sydney Opera House tour | 45 | ₹2,507 |
| Taronga Zoo Sydney | 47 | ₹2,618 |
| Scenic World (Blue Mountains) | 55 | ₹3,064 |
| Warner Bros. Movie World | 109 | ₹6,071 |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | 59 | ₹3,286 |
| GBR day cruise (Cairns) | 245–290 | ₹13,647–₹16,153 |
| Penguin Parade (Phillip Island) | 32–80 | ₹1,782–₹4,456 |
Complete Trip Budget Summary (14 Days, 2 People)
Budget Trip (₹4,20,000 total / ₹2,10,000 per person)
- Return flights (economy, off-peak): ₹55,000 pp
- Accommodation (14 nights, hostel/budget hotel): ₹35,000 pp
- Food (AUD 40/day x 14 days): ₹31,196 pp
- Transport (3 domestic flights + Opal): ₹25,000 pp
- Activities (selective): ₹30,000 pp
- Visa + insurance: ₹14,000 pp
Mid-Range Trip (₹7,80,000 total / ₹3,90,000 per person)
- Return flights (economy, flexible dates): ₹75,000 pp
- Accommodation (14 nights, 3-4 star hotel): ₹90,000 pp
- Food (AUD 80/day x 14 days): ₹62,384 pp
- Transport (3 domestic flights + car 4 days): ₹45,000 pp
- Activities (most major ones): ₹60,000 pp
- Visa + insurance: ₹17,000 pp
Luxury Trip (₹20,00,000+ total / ₹10,00,000+ per person)
- Return flights (business class): ₹3,00,000+ pp
- Accommodation (5-star, 14 nights): ₹3,50,000+ pp
- Food + fine dining: ₹1,50,000+ pp
- Activities (BridgeClimb, helicopter GBR, etc.): ₹1,50,000+ pp
Money-Saving Tips
-
Use a zero-forex credit card — Australian merchants charge no surcharge on Visa/Mastercard, but your Indian bank’s forex markup (2–3.5%) adds up fast. Use Axis Atlas or HDFC Regalia for zero forex markup.
-
Activate an eSIM before departure — International roaming on Indian plans costs ₹299–₹499/day in Australia. An Airalo eSIM for 10 GB costs ~₹2,200 for a full 30 days.
-
Buy a Woolworths/Coles Metro grocery for at least one meal daily — A supermarket sandwich or sushi roll is AUD 6–8 vs AUD 18–25 at a café.
-
Fly open-jaw — Different arrival and departure cities often save AUD 150–300 on flights.
Compare flight prices → | Book hotels → | Get travel insurance →
Related Articles
Get the Best Fares First
Weekly deal alerts for Australian travellers. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plan Your Trip