Budget way more than you think for Australia

Just got back from the August departure and need to be honest about something G Adventures doesn't tell you upfront. The trip cost is only half of what you'll actually spend.

Australia is breathtakingly expensive. I budgeted $1200 for the Australian portion based on their suggested amount and blew through that in the first week. Ended up spending closer to $2400 just for Australia, not counting New Zealand.

Breakfast and dinner are included on most days but lunch is always on you. A basic cafe lunch in Sydney or Cairns? $18-25 AUD easily. Coffee is $5-6. If you want a beer after activities it's $10-12. The Spot X surf camp has a bar and everyone hangs out there at night. It adds up fast.

Optional activities are where it really hits. Great Barrier Reef snorkeling day trip? $250 AUD. Most people did it because you're already there. Skydiving in Cairns? $350+. The glacier hike in NZ? $400+. These aren't pushy upsells, they're genuinely once-in-a-lifetime things you'll regret skipping.

My advice: budget $2000 USD minimum for Australia alone, $1500 for New Zealand. That gives you breathing room to say yes to the big experiences without checking your bank account every day.