How much does a trip to Sydney & Melbourne cost from South Africa?
About R65 200 for 7 days, solo
Or R51 760 each for two people sharing a room. Saving for a trip a year from now means about R5 430 a month.
Estimates from Johannesburg, booked 3 to 6 months ahead, including a 20% buffer and the visa fee. Prices checked Sep 2026.
Join the waitlistHarbour-city beaches in Sydney, laneway coffee and culture in Melbourne, and family and friends for many South Africans.
Cost by trip length and style (solo)
| Length | Tourist | Blend | Niche |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | R54 400 | R55 186 | R54 940 |
| 7 days | R65 200 | R65 292 | R64 276 |
| 14 days | R103 000 | R100 665 | R96 952 |
Tourist covers the famous sights. Niche swaps them for places locals love, usually with cheaper stays but more travel between them. Blend mixes both. Two people sharing pay less each, because the room is split.
Where the money goes (7 days, Tourist, solo)
| Return flight from Johannesburg | R20 000 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, 7 nights | R22 400 |
| Food, local transport and activities | R9 100 |
| 20% buffer for surprises | R10 300 |
| Visa and entry fees | R3 400 |
| Total | R65 200 |
Visa for South Africans
Visa required Yes. South Africans need a Visitor visa (subclass 600), tourist stream to visit Australia.
Apply online 6 to 8 weeks ahead; biometrics at a visa centre.
Reconfirm before you book. This rule relies on secondary sources or changed recently. Check the official source.
When to go
| Best time | Sep–Nov and Mar–May |
|---|---|
| Cheapest time | Jun–Aug (winter) |
| Currency | Australian dollar (A$) |
Get the visa first; book flights 4 to 6 months out and avoid the December school holidays.
Know before you go
| Getting there | About 10 to 13 hours direct from Johannesburg (Qantas to Sydney and, from 2026, Perth). |
|---|---|
| Health | No malaria. UV is intense, and swim between the flags. |
| Money | Tap-to-pay everywhere; tipping is optional. |
A 7-day plan that mixes both
- Day 1 Arrive, check in and find dinner nearby
- Day 2 Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge
- Day 3 Swim in Bronte's ocean pool
- Day 4 Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- Day 5 Newtown's cafés and live music
- Day 6 Ferry to Manly
- Day 7 Final morning, then fly home
The classics
- Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge
- Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- Ferry to Manly
- Blue Mountains day trip
- Taronga Zoo
- Fly to Melbourne for its laneways and street art
- Great Ocean Road drive
- Phillip Island penguin parade
Where locals go
- Swim in Bronte's ocean pool
- Newtown's cafés and live music
- Royal National Park's Figure Eight Pools (low tide only)
- Queen Victoria Market at dawn
- Fitzroy and Brunswick in Melbourne
- Mornington Peninsula hot springs
- Jervis Bay's white beaches
- Fly to Hobart for MONA
Hidden gems near Sydney & Melbourne
Jervis Bay
Some of the whitest sand anywhere and dolphin-filled water, about three hours south of Sydney.
About R1 500 extra to get there
Tasmania
An hour's flight from Melbourne: wild coastline, Hobart's MONA museum and excellent food.
About R3 500 extra to get there
Ready to book?
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Quick answers
How much does a trip to Sydney & Melbourne cost from South Africa?
About R65 200 per person for 7 days travelling solo, or R51 760 each for two people sharing a room, booked 3 to 6 months ahead. That includes return flights from Johannesburg, mid-range accommodation, daily spending, the visa fee and a 20% buffer. These are estimates checked in Sep 2026.
Do South Africans need a visa for Australia?
Yes. South Africans need a Visitor visa (subclass 600), tourist stream to visit Australia. Apply online 6 to 8 weeks ahead; biometrics at a visa centre.
When is the best time to visit Sydney & Melbourne?
The best time is Sep–Nov and Mar–May. The cheapest time is usually Jun–Aug (winter).
How long is the flight from Johannesburg?
About 10 to 13 hours direct from Johannesburg (Qantas to Sydney and, from 2026, Perth).
Sources
Checked Sep 2026.