Fair prices in Australia — what things really cost

Melbourne is obsessed with coffee and the flat white is the local ritual, so an independent laneway cafe is normal, good value. Prices are fair citywide; just watch for a 10–15% surcharge added on Sundays and public holidays.

Melbourne's multicultural food is excellent value away from the tourist strip — Vietnamese in Richmond, Greek in the CBD, everything in the laneways. A main at a casual, well-loved local place is far better value than a big-name tourist restaurant.

A classic pub 'parma' (chicken parmigiana) with chips is one of Melbourne's best-value, most-loved meals. Local pubs charge much less than waterfront or tower restaurants for a hearty plate, and many run cheap 'parma night' specials.

The SkyBus runs 24 hours between Tullamarine airport and Southern Cross Station in the CBD for about A$22.80, far cheaper than a taxi and often just as quick. It's the best-value way into the city; book online or tap on at the airport.

A taxi or rideshare from Melbourne Airport to the city runs about A$50–80 depending on traffic, plus a small airport toll. Use only the official rank or rideshare pickup, and consider the SkyBus or an off-peak rideshare to save a lot.

You need a Myki card to ride trains, trams and buses outside the free zone; a 2-hour fare covers Zones 1+2 with a daily cap, so extra trips after the cap are free. Inside the CBD's Free Tram Zone, trams are completely free — you don't even need to touch on.

Admission is around A$28; book online for a small saving and go near sunset for the best light. For a free alternative view, many rooftop bars let you enjoy the skyline for the price of a drink.

Sydney takes its coffee seriously and the flat white is the local staple. A good one at an independent cafe is normal value; prices creep up at harbourside tourist spots, so step a block inland for the same coffee for less.

A main course at a decent mid-range restaurant is reasonable for a big city, and Sydney's multicultural food (especially Asian and modern Australian) offers great value away from the waterfront. Note that weekends and public holidays often add a surcharge to the bill.

A classic pub meal or a cafe brunch is one of the best-value ways to eat in Sydney. Local pubs and suburban cafes charge far less than the restaurant rows at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour for comparable, often better, food.

The Airport Link train reaches the CBD in about fifteen minutes but includes a hefty station access fee, so the total is around A$22 — still often the fastest option. If you have time, the budget bus-plus-train route costs only a few dollars.

There is a NSW-set fixed fare for taxis from the airport to the city centre (about A$60 for a standard cab), which protects you from meter games — confirm the driver is charging the fixed CBD fare. A rideshare is usually cheaper except during surge pricing.

The Manly ferry is charged as a normal Opal fare of only a few dollars, one of the best-value sightseeing rides anywhere. Avoid the pricier 'fast ferry' or tourist cruise for the same views; the regular public ferry is cheaper and just as scenic.

The standard one-hour guided tour is around A$48; the exterior, forecourt and Opera Bar are free to enjoy without a ticket. Book the tour online in advance for the best price and to secure a time slot in peak season.