New South Wales is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. 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.
How much does it cost to travel to New South Wales?
You should plan to spend around $157,928 (AU$243,667) per day on your vacation in New South Wales. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $57,333 (AU$88,460) on meals
- $11,752 (AU$18,133) on local transportation
- $170,541 (AU$263,128) on hotels
A one week trip to New South Wales for two people costs, on average, $2,210,990 (AU$3,411,338). 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
$1,105,495
AU$1,705,669
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,210,990
AU$3,411,338
-
One Month
Per person
$4,737,837
AU$7,310,010
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,210,990
AU$3,411,338
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,421,981
AU$6,822,676
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,475,674
AU$14,620,020
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to New South Wales cost?
A one week trip to New South Wales usually costs around $1,105,495 (AU$1,705,669) for one person and $2,210,990 (AU$3,411,338) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to New South Wales on average costs around $2,210,990 (AU$3,411,338) for one person and $4,421,981 (AU$6,822,676) 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 New South Wales will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to New South Wales on average costs around $4,737,837 (AU$7,310,010) for one person and $9,475,674 (AU$14,620,020) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is New South Wales expensive to visit?
New South Wales is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
You can find New South Wales to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $34,247 (AU$52,840) per day, mid-range travelers spend $157,928 (AU$243,667) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $809,519 (AU$1,249,007) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to New South Wales.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, New South Wales is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in the Pacific for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as New South Wales.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is New South Wales Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to New South Wales?
The average New South Wales trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these New South Wales travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to New South Wales cost?
New South Wales on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17,231
(AU$26,585)
|
$85,270
(AU$131,564)
|
$455,450
(AU$702,714)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2,523
(AU$3,892)
|
$11,752
(AU$18,133)
|
$60,615
(AU$93,523)
|
|
Food2
|
$13,434
(AU$20,727)
|
$57,333
(AU$88,460)
|
$279,298
(AU$430,928)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$2,111
(AU$3,257)
|
$9,626
(AU$14,853)
|
$49,005
(AU$75,610)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$409-1,227
(AU$631-1,894)
|
$1,881-5,643
(AU$2,902-8,706)
|
$9,622-28,867
(AU$14,846-44,538)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in New South Wales, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $34,247 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to New South Wales are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $157,928 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $809,519 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Airport Transfer in Tesla from Ballina to Byron Bay - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in New South Wales
In New South Wales, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $, but during peak season they jump to an average of $. You can find budget options starting at $ up to luxury rates at $. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in New South Wales for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $170,541 (AU$263,128). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $85,270 (AU$131,564) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in New South Wales? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid , you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in New South Wales
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11,752 (AU$18,133) per person, per day, on local transportation in New South Wales. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in New South Wales is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11,752
AU$18,133
If you plan on spending your whole trip in Sydney, transportation will not be difficult. Because 60% of the state's population lives in this region, adequate public transit is available to all. However, if you're leaving Sydney, things get a bit trickier. There is essentially no public system outside of Sydney.
There is a train system taking passengers in and out of the city, but generally if you are a confident driver and comfortable on foreign roads, driving yourself will be the most convenient and efficient way to get around New South Wales.
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD for 1 to 2 pax for $119 details
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people for $238 details
- Limoroo, Airport Transfers and Luxe Door to Door Service. For $149 details
How much does it cost to go to New South Wales? 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 New South Wales 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 New South Wales
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in New South Wales can vary significantly, the average cost of food in New South Wales is $57,333 (AU$88,460) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$57,333
AU$88,460
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in New South Wales is around $57333 (AU$88460) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13434 to $279298. 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 New South Wales are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5733 to $17200
- Lunch: $8600 to $22933
- Dinner: $17200 to $40133
- Coffee: $4587
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8600
For the greatest international cuisine and gourmet food, stay in Sydney. They are currently seeing an upswing in fusion restaurants, so go try some new tastes you never imagined. Cuisine from all over the world can be found in this dynamic city, including Asian and European recipes. Also, here's where to find the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Sydney.
That's not to say the other regions in New South Wales don't have tasty dishes to offer. Seafood lovers will delight in the offerings of Mid-North Coast, Northern Rivers, Central Coast and the South Coast.
Some of the best wine in the world comes from Australia - especially in Hunter Valley. Just a few hours north of Sydney are enough winery tours for every couple and bachelorette party.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in New South Wales. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Deluxe Dinner Package by Luke Nguyen at Botanic House for $126 details
- Ultimate Aussie Food Tour: Private Sydney Tasting Experience for $155 details
- Batemans Bay Sunset Pizza Kayak Tour - Float and Feast for $99 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in New South Wales
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in New South Wales typically cost an average of $9,626 (AU$14,853) 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.
$9,626
AU$14,853
Who doesn't dream of seeing the gorgeous Sydney Harbour, by day or night? This picture-perfect view is visible from the side of a ferry or from one of the islands in the center of the harbor. Take a stroll through Sydney for some of the most beautiful local art and interesting coffee shops. With the culture and history of this city, no time is wasted wandering Sydney.
There are also countless natural sights to see in the whole of New South Wales. From the Blue Mountains to the vineyards of Hunter Region, the Jenolan Caves and Port Stephens, nature was kind to this region.
You better have a lot of time if you want to tackle every adventure available in New South Wales. You can go on the bushwalks in the Jamison Valley, surf up and down the north coast, or ski the Snowy Mountains in the winter.
There are plenty of mountains to climb, but if you want the excitement of climbing but the views of the cityscape, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From that point you can watch the sunset over the city.
A nice way to explore destinations in New South Wales is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:
- Half-Day Jervis Bay Sea Kayak Tour for $96 details
- Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems for $198 details
- Flying Fox Experience, Thousands of Australia's Largest Bat for $53 details
Nightlife Budget in New South Wales
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $3,762 (AU$5,804) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in New South Wales per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$3,762
AU$5,804
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in New South Wales. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour for $131 details
- Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour from Sydney for $164 details
- Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board for $35 details
Travel cost data last updated: May 1, 2025
Traveling in New South Wales
Three Sisters Lookout, Echo Point Katoomba, Blue Mountains
In the south of Australia is a place full of every and any tourist activity you can dream of. With Sydney under its belt, New South Wales is the center of Australian culture and tourism.
Just south of Queensland and north of Victoria, the state of New South Wales is home to approximately 6.7 million people. It is easily the continent's most populous state. This region is the core of the British colonialism of 1788. Its capital, Sydney, is the oldest and largest city in the state. Today, it is home to shopping, art, entertainment, history, beaches, and plenty of adventures.
When planning a trip to the land down under, remember that their seasons are just opposite of ours. So if you want to go for Christmas, throw that bathing suit in your bag.
Regions
New South Wales is divided into several regions. Of course, the most popular is the region of Sydney. This includes the capital city and its suburban surroundings. Smaller regions just outside of Sydney include the Blue Mountains with stunning scenery and wilderness, the Central Coast with awesome waterways and beaches, Hunter Valley, Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and the Southern Highlands.
As you travel further inland, you will see some of the wider regions the state has to offer. There is the Central West full of rolling plains and the wine region of Mudgee. The Far West includes mining towns while the Mid-North Coast is widely publicized as the "holiday coast." In New South Wales' New England region you will find four world heritage parks and the country music capital of the country. The Northern Rivers region includes five world heritage parks and the cities of Lismore and Grafton. Riverina's region is home to small communities, great food and superb wine. The Snowy Mountains are a region of mountains along the Victorian border, and the South Coast has kilometers of beaches, coves and bays ready to explore.
Related
Looking for a party? Find a
hostel in Sydney,
Melbourne,
Cairns, or along the
Gold Coast.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.