Canberra is a cultural city known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Canberra that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Canberra?
You should plan to spend around $162 (AU$244) per day on your vacation in Canberra. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $61 (AU$92) on meals
- $25 (AU$37) on local transportation
- $167 (AU$253) on hotels
A one week trip to Canberra for two people costs, on average, $2,262 (AU$3,416). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,131
AU$1,708
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,262
AU$3,416
-
One Month
Per person
$4,847
AU$7,320
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,262
AU$3,416
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,524
AU$6,832
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,695
AU$14,640
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Canberra cost?
A one week trip to Canberra usually costs around $1,131 (AU$1,708) for one person and $2,262 (AU$3,416) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Canberra on average costs around $2,262 (AU$3,416) for one person and $4,524 (AU$6,832) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Canberra will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Canberra on average costs around $4,847 (AU$7,320) for one person and $9,695 (AU$14,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Canberra expensive to visit?
Canberra is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Canberra has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $70 (AU$106) per day, mid-range travelers spend $161 (AU$244) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $312 (AU$472) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Canberra.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Canberra is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Perth or Auckland.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Canberra Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Canberra?
The average Canberra trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Canberra travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Canberra cost?
Canberra on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$37
(AU$56)
|
$84
(AU$126)
|
$157
(AU$237)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$11
(AU$16)
|
$25
(AU$37)
|
$47
(AU$71)
|
Food 2
|
$26
(AU$40)
|
$61
(AU$92)
|
$124
(AU$187)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(AU$12)
|
$18
(AU$26)
|
$33
(AU$51)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(AU$5-16)
|
$8-24
(AU$12-36)
|
$15-45
(AU$23-68)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Canberra. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $70 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Canberra, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. It's common for visitors to Canberra to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $161 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Canberra. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Little National Hotel is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Canberra Rex Hotel is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Canberra here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $312 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Canberra Day Trip from Sydney - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Canberra
In Canberra, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak summer season. Off-season prices average around $122, but in peak season, they can average around $228. Prices generally range from $88 to $330, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Canberra for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $167 (AU$253). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $84 (AU$126) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Canberra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Canberra include:
- Little National Hotel starting at $143
- Vibe Hotel Canberra starting at $137
- Canberra Rex Hotel starting at $115
Canberra has a good public transit system, so it's possible to stay further outside the city and commute in. This may keep your accommodation prices down, but your transportation costs will go up. It can also be inconvenient if you're short on time.
Canberra is known as a family-friendly city, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Transportation Budget in Canberra
In Canberra, the public transportation system covers key attractions. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights. If you want to save money and get around efficiently, public transit works well when it's near your stop. Taxis and rideshares are readily available across town, too.
You'll find that parts of Canberra are quite pedestrian-friendly, making sightseeing a breeze. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.
Public Transit: (good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $25 (AU$37) per person, per day, on local transportation in Canberra. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Canberra is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$25
AU$37
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport (CBR) Departure Private Transfer for $34 details
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer for $34 details
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $68 details
How much does it cost to go to Canberra? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Canberra will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Canberra
Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Canberra by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Canberra can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Canberra is $61 (AU$92) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$61
AU$92
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Canberra is around $61 (AU$92) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $124. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Canberra are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $24
- Dinner: $18 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
There are plenty of places to eat in Canberra, but remember that most places will be closed on Sundays. Given this city's unique past and growth, the restaurants really do run the gambit. You'll find influences from every major culture – Italian, French, American, Asian, etc. Along with that, you'll find prices from top to bottom. Whatever you're in the mood for can likely be found in Canberra.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
Below are some standard food costs in Canberra, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Canberra
It's easy to see why people visit Canberra, given its museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Canberra typically cost an average of $18 (AU$26) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
AU$26
While the capital city is a sight in and of itself, there are plenty of things to add to your sightseeing list. For starters you'll want to learn the history and culture of the city at the National Capital Exhibition. Here you'll learn about the planning and building of Canberra with a great view of Lake Burley Griffin.
The Australian War Memorial is more than a memorial – it's one of the country's leading museums displaying Australia's military history. You c an easily spend an entire day wandering through exhibits of equipment, memorabilia and battle scenes.
To see the largest collection of plants and wildlife in the country, spend some time at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. This is a great way to spend an afternoon – pack a picnic and enjoy. If you happen to be around n the summertime, look into the jazz evenings held in the gardens.
If it's a full view of Canberra you're after, head to the Black Mountain Tower. This communication tower rises above the summit of Black Mountain giving visitors a 360 view of the whole city and surrounding countryside.
The beautiful man made Lake Burley Griffin offers plenty of activities for tourists of every kind. You can hire a paddleboat, canoe, kayak, or take a scenic cruise or simply walk around the lake.
There are several spots just perfect for mountain biking in Canberra. Many of them are considered some of the best in the whole of Australia. If you're visiting in October, check out the world's largest 24-hour Mountain Bike Race.
For a little more relaxing activity, try touring the wineries around Canberra. These cool climate wines are well known and respected, and there are 33 within 35 miles of Canberra. Take your pick.
Museums and Attractions:
Canberra's museums and landmarks are must-sees for any visitor. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Canberra. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide for $41 details
- Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch for $220 details
- Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch for $166 details
Nightlife Budget in Canberra
When it comes to nightlife, Canberra has a few activities to offer, but it's not as lively as in other more popular destinations. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (AU$24) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Canberra per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
AU$24
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Canberra. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch for $166 details
- Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch for $182 details
- Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements for 2 - Canberra for $88 details
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
Traveling in Canberra
Canberra (Tourism Australia)
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
When it was first built it was filled with politicians and people who worked for the government so it took a while for Canberra to develop its own culture.
Neighborhoods & Around
Canberra is divided in half by Lake Burley Griffin – named for the architects that designed the city. The north side of the lake is home to the central shopping and commercial area known as "the civic." On the south side of the lake you'll find the parliamentary triangle and embassy area. Additionally, there are several suburbs surrounding central Canberra. Belconnen and Gungahlin are closer to the north while Tuggeranong and Woden are more southern.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.