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
- Outback Camping Adventure
- Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY
- Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure
- Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
- Melbourne to Sydney Adventure
- Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
- Kakadu and Arnhem Land Explorer (Short Break)
- East Coast Australia: 7 Week | ULTIMATE
- 4 Day Red Centre Uluru to West MacDonnell 4WD Tour - from Ayers Rock to Alice Springs
- Phillip Island Penguins & Koalas Tour
Outback Camping Adventure
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was an amazing opportunity to explore the highlights of Australia's Red Centre. Highest recommendation for this adventure.”
Troy, traveled in June
This trip costs approx. $170 per day and includes 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. You'll stay in permanent eco tents at Uluru-Kata Tjuta and bush camps in the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, with all national park entrance fees covered. Guided walks at Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and the full 10km Uluru base walk come without extra costs.
Duration 5 days Destinations Alice Springs, Yulara, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Price Per Day $208 Operator Adventure Tours Australia From
- US$1,038
Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a fantastic experience that exceeded all expectations.”
Joyce, traveled in December
The tour offers excellent value at approx. $80 per day, including national park fees, guided commentary, and air-conditioned transport. Free pickups from Melbourne CBD, optional stops for local dining in Apollo Bay, and complimentary Tour Translations of Australia app access.
Duration 1 day Destinations Melbourne, Geelong, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Loch Ard Gorge Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $77 Operator Wildlife Tours Australia From
- US$77
Duration 6 days Destinations Melbourne, Daylesford, Ballarat, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Anglesea, Otway, Warrnambool, Grampians, Stawell Age Range Ages 15+ Price Per Day $287 Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,910
10% Off- US$1,719You save $191
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
49 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour is very full on, but there's also plenty of free time which you can use to relax or explore.”
Becky, traveled in February
The daily rate of approx. $130 covers 24 meals, dorm-style lodging, and key activities like surf lessons in Byron Bay and K'Gari 4x4 tours. Bondi coastal walks, Brisbane's 'The Lagoon', and Magnetic Island's Forts Walk with wild koalas come at no extra cost.
Duration 28 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $128 Operator INTRO Travel From
10% Off- US$3,574
This 7-day budget-friendly trip costs approx. $280 per day and includes stays at motels in Foster and cabins in Paynesville, plus 1 breakfast and 2 lunches. Walk the free Lily Pilly Gully Boardwalk through Wilsons Promontory's rainforest and check out the no-cost Koala Trail on Raymond Island. With a maximum of 12 travelers, this affordable group trip shares transport costs across 1,000 km of Australia's east coast.
Duration 7 days Destinations Melbourne, Sydney Age Range Ages 15+ Price Per Day $350 Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,060
20% Off- US$2,448You save $612
Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was my first time ever solo traveling, I honestly can say it couldn't have gone any better!”
Abbie, traveled in December
The coastal journey costs approx. $150 per day, including 19 nights' accommodation, 19 meals, and all transport with airport transfers. Magnetic Island's Forts Walk, K'Gari 4x4 tour, and Great Barrier Reef snorkeling included.
Duration 20 days Destinations Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $150 Operator INTRO Travel From
20% Off- US$2,999
Luxury indigenous experiences at approx. $510 per day include Kakadu accommodation, three lunches, and guided tours. National park fees, air-conditioned transport, and Aboriginal-guided cultural cruises included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land Wilderness Area Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $430 Operator AAT Kings From
20% Off- US$1,289
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, Sydney, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $105 Operator Ultimate Travel From
20% Off- US$5,241
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 $212 Operator Autopia Tours From $1,059
20% Off- US$848You save $212
Phillip Island Penguins & Koalas Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 18+ Price Per Day $117 Operator Autopia Tours From
20% Off- US$118
What people love about Budget Tours in Australia
- Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY
I had a fantastic day. The tour guide, Wes was very informative and knew lots of facts. Craig was also very knowledgeable. It was lovely to be able to get a glimpse of what the Great Ocean Road has to offer, including the rain forest. Well worth doing this tour.
- Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
Amazing tour, almost all the highlights of the east coast are included! Would recommend everyone to hop on an intro tour to Australia. The tour guide knew his stuff, Elliot thank you for the good time I had in Australia!
- Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
Loved the tour with Elliot Wise as our tour guide! We visited the east coast, did lots of cool activities such as camping, Whitsundays islands sailing, skydiving etc
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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