Queensland 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 Queensland?
You should plan to spend around $139 (AU$223) per day on your vacation in Queensland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $51 (AU$82) on meals
- $23 (AU$36) on local transportation
- $126 (AU$202) on hotels
A one week trip to Queensland for two people costs, on average, $1,949 (AU$3,122). 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.
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One Week
Per person
$975
AU$1,561
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,949
AU$3,122
-
One Month
Per person
$4,177
AU$6,690
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,949
AU$3,122
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,898
AU$6,244
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,353
AU$13,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Queensland cost?
A one week trip to Queensland usually costs around $975 (AU$1,561) for one person and $1,949 (AU$3,122) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Queensland on average costs around $1,949 (AU$3,122) for one person and $3,898 (AU$6,244) 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 Queensland will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Queensland on average costs around $4,177 (AU$6,690) for one person and $8,353 (AU$13,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Queensland expensive to visit?
Queensland is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Queensland can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $55 (AU$88) per day, mid-range travelers spend $139 (AU$223) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $350 (AU$561) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Queensland.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Queensland is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Queensland Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Queensland?
The average Queensland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Queensland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Queensland cost?
Queensland on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$25
(AU$40)
|
$63
(AU$101)
|
$162
(AU$259)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$9
(AU$14)
|
$23
(AU$36)
|
$60
(AU$96)
|
|
Food2
|
$21
(AU$33)
|
$51
(AU$82)
|
$121
(AU$194)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$13
(AU$21)
|
$35
(AU$56)
|
$95
(AU$152)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-7
(AU$4-11)
|
$6-18
(AU$9-28)
|
$14-41
(AU$22-65)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Queensland, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Queensland on a Shoestring Budget?
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 $55 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.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Queensland, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $139 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $350 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Palm Cove - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Queensland
The cost of hotels in Queensland can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $. Budget hotels range from $ to $, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Queensland for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $126 (AU$202). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $63 (AU$101) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Queensland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in Queensland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $23 (AU$36) per person, per day, on local transportation in Queensland. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Queensland is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
AU$36
The state of Queensland has made it incredibly easy to travel around. They offer and maintain a very extensive public transit system. Many areas of Queensland are serviced by buses, trains and ferries operating on the TransLink network. Maps, timetables and even a journey planner are available online and simple to use. One ticket on TransLink will get you anywhere in the network.
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast for $80 details
- Private Transfer - Cairns Airport to/from Cairns CBD for $74 details
- Airlie Beach: Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport for $16 details
How much does it cost to go to Queensland? 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 Queensland 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 Queensland
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Queensland can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Queensland is $51 (AU$82) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$51
AU$82
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Queensland is around $51 (AU$82) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $121. 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 Queensland are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $36
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Queensland still relies heavily on the agricultural industry. Different regions have different specialties you'll want to sample. Whitsunday is famous for its sugarcane, for example, while Kingaroy is proud of its peanuts.
No matter where you are along the coast, however, you'll want to try their freshly caught seafood. Brisbane has experienced a surge in culinary interest lately, so you'll be hard pressed to find a bad meal in that region.
Even while wandering the amazing parks and natural wonders, you'll still find free and clean public BBQs. So pickup some fresh meat at a local market and pack it in the cooler for a uniquely Aussie style BBQ as you discover the outback.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Queensland, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- VIP Silver-Tails Rail Sunset With Smithy's Dinner and Show for $127 details
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast for $115 details
- Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner for $81 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Queensland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Queensland typically cost an average of $35 (AU$56) 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.
$35
AU$56
You simply can't visit Queensland without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. As one of the current Seven Wonders of the World, this natural marvel stretches from Tropical North Queensland to Capricornia Cays National Park. If you're not equipped or able to go underwater for a close up view of the colors and creatures, there are plenty of other options. In some areas, glass-bottom boats let you glide along and still be stunned by the beauty of Great Barrier Reef. There are relaxing reef walks, and for a special, full view, take a helicopter ride over the reef.
Another popular sight in Queensland is the Daintree National Park. Here you'll see amazing natural formations like the Mossman Gorge, incredible green rainforests, forest dragons and outstandingly colorful butterflies.
Queensland is the ultimate adventure hotspot. You can explore underwater, scale mountains or ride river rapids. There are dozens of experiences available to travelers including hang gliding, camping, cattle mustering, jet skiing and riding incredible rollercoasters.
While you're testing your limits and chasing your next adventure, be sure to keep your eyes out for the amazing Australian nightlife. You'll see dolphins playing in the water, flowers blooming in the lush rainforests, and fish of every color imaginable chasing each other through the coral. Queensland's coast provides the perfect spot to watch for migrating whales during the winter months – July to November. You may also find yourself greeted by the great nests of the leatherback and flatback turtles. From October to March, the nesting and hatching season occurs and tourists can watch the babies hatch and make their way toward the ocean by following the moon. It's a spectacular event that shows Mother Nature at her best.
If that all sounds a bit too intense, don't worry. There are islands and beaches available for total rest and relaxation. Queensland's islands are full of leisure activities to cover all vacation types. Enjoy a round of golf, lounging on starkly white sand and sipping wine as you watch the sun set on the Gold Coast.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Queensland. 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:
- Sunset Broadwater Sailing Cruise with snacks & bubbles for $76 details
- Full-Day Guided Hinterland Adventure Tour in Queensland for $99 details
- Kangaroos, Rainforest & Waterfalls Experience - Small Group for $112 details
Nightlife Budget in Queensland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $12 (AU$19) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Queensland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
AU$19
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Queensland. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour for $102 details
- Sunshine Coast Private Gourmet Food and Wine Tour for $231 details
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour for $134 details
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 28, 2025
Traveling in Queensland
The Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
If you're an adventurer and thrill seeker, it's likely that Queensland, Australia is on your list of dream destinations. This state comprises of most of the eastern coast, but its main draws are the famous Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park. Travelers flock to the stunning Australian Gold Coast of Brisbane.
Queensland experiences a climate ranging from subtropical to tropical, but keep in mind that Australia experiences the opposite seasons than North America. When it's summer here, the Aussies are experiencing winter.
Regions
Queensland is divided into several regions. With a population of 2 million, the city of Brisbane is the largest city and home to the state's capital. The Gold Coast region, just south of Brisbane, includes marvelous beaches and theme parks for tourists to enjoy. The Sunshine Coast, further north, contains a laid back group of towns between Noosa and Caloundra.
The Whitsunday Islands is a group of 74 islands off the coast of Airlie Beach, while Outback Queensland is home to the expansive open spaces Australia is known for. Most travelers, however, find themselves in the Far North Queensland region as it's home to the Daintree Rainforest and the sought after Great Barrier Reef.
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.