1. Sydney, New South Wales
Budget
- Luxury: Expect to spend around $400-$600 per day on accommodations, dining, and activities.
- Mid-Range: Around $200-$300 per day.
- Budget: Approximately $100-$150 per day.
Best Dates to Travel
September to November or March to May for mild weather and fewer crowds.
What to Do
- Visit the Sydney Opera House ($40 for a guided tour)
- Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge (Free, or $300 for BridgeClimb)
- Explore Bondi Beach (Free)
- Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains ($70 for a guided tour)
Best Places to Stay
- Park Hyatt Sydney for luxury ($800 per night)
- Sydney Harbour YHA for budget travellers ($50 per night)
Expert Tip
Don’t miss the chance to take a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for stunning views of the Sydney skyline.
2. Melbourne, Victoria
Budget
- Luxury: Around $350-$550 per day.
- Mid-Range: Approximately $180-$280 per day.
- Budget: Around $90-$130 per day.
Best Dates to Travel
March to May or September to November for pleasant weather.
What to Do
- Explore the laneways filled with street art (Free)
- Visit the Melbourne Museum ($15 entry fee)
- Attend a live music event (Varies, around $20-$100)
- Take a trip down the Great Ocean Road ($80 for a day tour)
Best Places to Stay
- The Langham for a luxurious experience ($300 per night)
- Space Hotel for budget accommodations ($40 per night)
Expert Tip
Check out the Queen Victoria Market for unique souvenirs and local produce.
3. Adelaide, South Australia
Budget
- Luxury: Around $300-$500 per day.
- Mid-Range: Approximately $150-$250 per day.
- Budget: Around $80-$120 per day.
Best Dates to Travel
March to May for mild weather and the Adelaide Festival.
What to Do
- Visit the Adelaide Zoo ($37 entry fee)
- Explore the Adelaide Botanic Garden (Free)
- Take a trip to Barossa Valley ($100 for a wine tour)
Best Places to Stay
- Mayfair Hotel for luxury ($250 per night)
- Adelaide Central YHA for budget travellers ($30 per night)
Expert Tip
Don’t miss the Adelaide Festival if you’re visiting in March.
4. Darwin, Northern Territory
Budget
- Luxury: Around $300-$500 per day.
- Mid-Range: Approximately $150-$250 per day.
- Budget: Around $80-$120 per day.
Best Dates to Travel
June to September for dry weather.
What to Do
- Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (Free)
- Explore Kakadu National Park ($40 entry fee)
- Take a sunset cruise ($70 per person)
Best Places to Stay
- Skycity Darwin for luxury ($200 per night)
- Darwin YHA for budget travellers ($25 per night)
Expert Tip
Visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Market for local crafts and food.
5. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Budget
- Luxury: Around $300-$500 per day.
- Mid-Range: Approximately $150-$250 per day.
- Budget: Around $80-$120 per day.
Best Dates to Travel
March to May for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and Floriade.
What to Do
- Visit the Australian War Memorial (Free)
- Explore the National Gallery of Australia (Free)
- Take a tour of the Parliament House (Free)
Best Places to Stay
- Hotel Realm for luxury ($220 per night)
- Canberra City YHA for budget travellers ($40 per night)
Expert Tip
Don’t miss the Canberra Balloon Spectacular if you’re visiting in March.
6. Cairns, Queensland
Budget
- Luxury: Around $350-$550 per day.
- Mid-Range: Approximately $180-$280 per day.
- Budget: Around $90-$130 per day.
Best Dates to Travel
June to October for mild weather and high visibility for diving.
What to Do
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef ($150 for a day tour)
- Explore the Daintree Rainforest ($80 for a guided tour)
- Take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ($50 per person)
Best Places to Stay
- Shangri-La Hotel for luxury ($250 per night)
- Cairns Central YHA for budget travellers ($30 per night)
Expert Tip
The Cairns Esplanade is a great place to relax and enjoy local food.
7. Hobart, Tasmania
Budget
- Luxury: Around $300-$500 per day.
- Mid-Range: Approximately $150-$250 per day.
- Budget: Around $80-$120 per day.
Best Dates to Travel
December to February for warm weather and outdoor activities.
What to Do
- Visit the Museum of Old and New Art ($30 entry fee)
- Explore Mount Wellington (Free)
- Take a day trip to Bruny Island ($100 for a guided tour)