Budget Tours to Australia
If you think Australia can’t be done on a budget, we’re here to prove you wrong! Imagine exploring Sydney and its amazing surfer vibes, or walking the Bilbaan Cultural Trail. How about crossing the scenic Sea Cliff Bridge, or wandering over Lily Pilly Gully Boardwalk’s paths? Head into the Red Center and see all that Australia has to offer without breaking the bank.
10 best Budget Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Perth to Exmouth, Karijini & Return Tour
- Melbourne to Sydney Adventure
- East Coast Australia: 7 Week | Ultimate
- Tropical Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns (Small Groups)
- Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Tour - via Great Ocean Road & Grampians
- Phillip Island Penguin Tour with Koala Conservation Experience
- Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Tour with Dinner
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta 2 Day Rock Tour - From Alice Springs to Yulara
- 4 Day Red Centre Uluru to West MacDonnell 4WD Tour - from Ayers Rock to Alice Springs
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta 2 Day Rock Tour - From Yulara to Yulara
Perth to Exmouth, Karijini & Return Tour
“Tour was amazing. Made lots of memories and lots of new friends.”
Margaret, traveled in October
Duration 10 days Destinations Perth, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shell Beach Conservation Park, Denham, Monkey Mia Reserve, Hamelin Pool, Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $178 Operator Adventure Tours Australia From
- US$1,778
At approx. $150 per day, this Melbourne to Sydney trip includes stays at motels in Foster and cabins in Jervis Bay. Join Captain Sponge for an oyster tour on Pambula Lake with fresh shellfish tasting and lunch at Merimbula Wharf Restaurant. Groups max out at 12 people.
Duration 7 days Destinations Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Foster, Rosedale, Paynesville, Raymond Island, Eden, Merimbula, Bermagui, Jervis Bay VillageSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Price Per Day $353 Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,090
20% off- US$2,472
This backpacker-friendly tour runs approx. $80 per day, covering 42 nights in shared hostels, 15 meals, and activities like Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and Whitsundays sailing. Free activities include Bondi coastal walks, Brisbane's Streets Beach, and Magnetic Island's Fort Walk.
Duration 50 days Destinations Melbourne, Mornington, Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell, Sydney, Bondi Beach, Port Stephens, Tomaree National Park, Nelson Bay, Byron BaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $112 Operator Ultimate Travel From
20% off- US$5,586
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Rockhampton, Sarina, Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, CairnsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $521 Operator AAT Kings From
20% off- US$4,688
Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Tour - via Great Ocean Road & Grampians
“What a beautiful way to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide!”
Tiziana, traveled in April
Duration 2 days Destinations Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell, Grampians National Park, Bordertown, Adelaide Age Range Ages 6+ Price Per Day $208 Operator Autopia Tours From
20% off- US$416
Phillip Island Penguin Tour with Koala Conservation Experience
“Excellent experience and must visit place. Our Guide Tomas is most energetic and passionate about the nature and ecosystem.”
Bhavin, traveled in November
This approx. $80 tour maintains a 4.8/5 rating while providing entry to Koala Conservation Reserve, Penguin Parade general viewing, and The Nobbies Center. Premium wildlife encounters come at an affordable price.
Duration 1 day Destinations Melbourne, Phillip Island Age Range Ages 12+ Price Per Day $113 Operator Autopia Tours From
20% off- US$113
Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Tour with Dinner
“We have a wonderful time in pinnacles.”
Efi, traveled in September
Duration 1 day Destinations Perth, Lancelin, Cervantes, Nambung National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Price Per Day $125 Operator Autopia Tours From
20% off- US$126
Duration 2 days Destinations Alice Springs, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Yulara Age Range Ages 8+ Price Per Day $244 Operator Autopia Tours From
20% off- US$489
You'll sleep under the stars in traditional bush swags or safari tents at permanent campsites near Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges, with all meals included through guest-participation bush cooking. Groups of up to 21 head out via 4WD through UNESCO-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yulara, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, Ormiston Gorge, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Age Range Ages 8+ Price Per Day $283 Operator Autopia Tours From
20% off- US$1,131
Duration 2 days Destinations Yulara, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Age Range Ages 8+ Price Per Day $244 Operator Autopia Tours From
20% off- US$489
What people love about Budget Tours in Australia
- Phillip Island Penguin Tour with Koala Conservation Experience
Vicki provided fantastic commentary throughout the tour. We really enjoyed all the sites we visited.
- Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Great experience and Emma was a fantastic guide
- Kakadu Katherine Gorge & Litchfield 5 Day 4WD Adventure Tour (Camping)
The tour was very well organised. We enjoyed the visit to Kakadu immensely. We were impressed with the quality of information given in regard to places of interest, the rock art and culture as well as care taken to ensure that all tour members were properly looked after. We were very pleased to have been a part of such a memorable experience in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Australia
When is the most affordable time to visit Australia on a budget tour?
Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) offer better prices and pleasant weather conditions. During these months tours to the Red Centre cost less than in winter (June-August). The weather is ideal for outdoor activities with fewer tourists at popular destinations. Regions like Esperance are well-suited for budget travel from September through April. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "Traveling in October meant perfect weather and smaller crowds."
What are the best budget-friendly areas to visit in Australia?
Darwin and the Northern Territory stand out for budget travelers with reasonably priced attractions like Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Cities such as Adelaide provide free experiences including the Botanic Gardens and Central Markets. The cost of living tends to be lower in these regions making food and accommodation more affordable. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The Northern Territory offered incredible value - we saw amazing wildlife and landscapes without spending a fortune on activities."
What's included in meals on budget Australia tours?
Budget tours typically cover basic breakfasts and select dinners while leaving lunches to travelers' discretion. The 3-day Kakadu tour provides 2 breakfasts 3 lunches and 2 dinners featuring camp-style cooking. Meals are straightforward but satisfying. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The included meals were simple but filling - typical Aussie BBQ dinners and continental breakfasts. We bought our own lunches which helped keep costs down."
What are the typical group sizes for budget tours in Australia?
Groups usually range from 15 to 25 participants. Wildlife Tours Australia caps Blue Mountains excursions at 24 people while Kakadu camping adventures typically host 15 to 21 travelers. This size allows for social interaction while maintaining reasonable costs. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Our group of 18 was perfect - small enough to get to know everyone but large enough to keep costs down."
How much should I budget for optional activities in Australia?
Set aside USD 300-500 for extra activities during a 1-2 week tour. Popular options range from Great Barrier Reef snorkeling at USD 150 to skydiving at USD 300 and whale watching for USD 80. These activities enhance the travel experience but aren't essential. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "If you are wanting to make the most of the trip you will need to budget more than you think to do the optional extras."
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget Australia tours?
Accommodations mix hostels camping and basic hotels. Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas offers multi-share rooms with shared facilities. Camping segments like K'Gari include permanent sites with basic amenities such as shared bathrooms and cooking areas. The facilities are clean and functional rather than luxurious. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The accommodations at Paradise Links Resort were very nice. My room was spacious and well appointed."
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