Australia is enormous. Distances are bigger than they look, flights between cities aren’t cheap, and the highlights, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, the Whitsundays, Sydney, are scattered thousands of kilometres apart. That’s why so many young travellers choose Contiki Australia tours. They bundle the essentials, transport, accommodation, and a ready-made group of like-minded travellers, so you can actually enjoy your holiday instead of worrying about logistics.
But if you’ve been searching, you’ve probably already asked the big question: how much does a Contiki Australia tour really cost?
Here’s the full breakdown, from the base price to the extras nobody talks about.
Claim your free Dream Trip Blueprint session now.
The Base Price
Most Contiki Australia tours sit between $3,000 and $5,500 AUD. The variation depends on the route, length, and time of year. Shorter highlights trips like Sydney to Cairns fall toward the lower end, while full East Coast adventures or Outback combinations climb higher.
That upfront price generally covers:
- Accommodation (hostels, hotels, or lodges depending on the trip).
- Transport — including internal flights, buses, and ferries.
- Breakfasts and some included group meals.
- A Contiki tour manager to keep everything running smoothly.
- Key inclusions like national park entry or guided walks.
It’s a solid foundation, but it’s not the whole story.
The Extras That Add Up
This is where travellers often underestimate their budget. The best experiences in Australia are usually optional add-ons.
- Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or diving: $150–$250 AUD
- Whitsundays sailing: $200–$400 AUD
- Uluru sunrise walks or cultural tours: $100–$200 AUD
- Skydiving, bungy, or jet boating: $300–$500 AUD each
Skip these, and you’ll feel like you missed the essence of Australia. Say yes to all of them, and the costs climb quickly.
Food, Drinks, and Nightlife
Contiki includes some meals, but not all. Australia isn’t cheap when it comes to eating out:
- Casual dinner: $25–$40 AUD
- Pub meal with drinks: $50–$70 AUD
- A night out in Sydney, Cairns, or Airlie Beach: $80+ AUD once you factor in entry fees and cocktails
Over a two- or three-week trip, you’re realistically looking at $1,000–$1,500 AUD on food and nightlife.
Seasonal Costs
The time of year you travel affects prices across the board.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Peak season. Tours fill fast and accommodation runs higher.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler in the south, warm in the north. Great for Uluru, slightly cheaper overall.
- Shoulder seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Often the best value, with good weather and fewer crowds.
Booking smartly makes a real difference to how far your budget stretches.
The Real Budget for Contiki Australia
When you put it all together, here’s what most travellers actually spend:
- Base tour: $3,500–$5,500 AUD
- Activities and add-ons: $1,500–$2,500 AUD
- Meals and nightlife: $1,000–$1,500 AUD
- Other extras (souvenirs, transfers, gear): $500 AUD+
Total spend: $6,500–$8,500 AUD per person for a two- to three-week Contiki Australia trip.
Why It’s Worth It
That might sound like a lot, but here’s the reality: Australia is never going to be a “cheap” destination. If you tried to book flights between cities, find accommodation, and line up activities yourself, you’d often spend more — and you’d lose days to planning.
With Contiki:
- Your travel days are built in and managed.
- Group discounts lower the cost of key activities.
- You get to share the experience with people your own age — which makes the nightlife, reef trips, and desert adventures ten times better.
It’s not just about cost — it’s about value. You’re paying for efficiency, energy, and peace of mind.
How to Make Sure You Budget Right
The biggest mistake travellers make is going in blind. They set aside the base tour price, forget to factor in the extras, and end up stressed halfway through their trip.
Booking through Boost Travel means you don’t get caught out. We’ll map out:
- The realistic budget for your chosen route.
- Which activities are worth prioritising (and which you can skip).
- The best season to travel for your money.
- Options to tweak your trip if you want a different pace or vibe.
That way, you can focus on the adventure, not the numbers.
Final Word: Contiki Australia Is Worth Every Cent (If You Plan Properly)
Australia is unforgettable, but it’s also big, bold, and expensive. The difference between a stressful trip and the holiday of a lifetime isn’t luck, it’s knowing the real costs before you book. Contiki makes it possible to see the highlights with ease, energy, and friends by your side.
Talk to Boost Travel today. Because when it comes to Contiki Australia, knowing the cost upfront is the only way to make it worth every cent.
Claim your free Dream Trip Blueprint session now.