How much to tip a tour guide in Australia (2026 Guide)
A$10–20 per person full-day; A$2–5 short walking tours
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Tipping tour guides is one of the few areas where Australian norms align loosely with international expectations, because tour companies cater largely to international visitors. For a full-day tour (Outback, Great Barrier Reef pontoon, Blue Mountains), A$10–20 per person is a fair guide tip; for half-day or short walking tours, A$5 per person is reasonable. Drivers on long-haul coach tours may also be tipped separately. Free walking tours (Sydney, Melbourne) are tip-funded — A$10–20 per person is appropriate.
Common mistakes
Tipping a percentage of the tour price — locals and guides think in flat dollars per person.
Frequently asked questions
Do I tip the bus driver separately from the guide?
On multi-day tours, yes — usually a smaller amount than the guide.
Is the "free" walking tour really free?
No — it is expected you tip at the end. A$10–20 per person is standard.
Tipping other services in Australia
- Sit-down restaurantRound up to nearest A$5–10, or 10% at upmarket venues
- Counter / takeawayNo tip; drop coins in the jar if you want
- CaféDrop coins in the tip jar, or nothing
- BarGenerally nothing; offer to "buy them a drink" for great service
- HousekeepingA$2–5 per night at upscale hotels; nothing at budget
- PorterA$2–5 per bag at upscale hotels; nothing elsewhere
- ConciergeNothing routinely; A$10–20 for a meaningful favour
- TaxiRound up to nearest A$5 or A$10
- RideshareOptional in-app tip A$1–5; most riders leave nothing
- Food deliveryOptional in-app tip A$2–5 for difficult orders
- Grocery deliveryGenerally nothing; A$2–5 only for very large orders
- HairdresserA$5–20 for an excellent cut/colour; many do not tip at all
- SpaNothing routinely; A$10–20 for exceptional treatment
- Tattoo artist10–20% in major-city studios; flat A$20–50 for smaller pieces
- ValetA$2–5 cash on car return
- Airport baggageA$2–5 per bag if a porter assists (rare)
- BuskerA$1–5 in the hat if you stop to listen
- MoversNo cash tip; offer cold drinks, snacks or lunch
- TradespersonNo tip; cup of tea / cold drink is the norm
Last verified: · Sources: lonelyplanet.com