Tipping and prices in Australia

Customs around tipping vary widely between countries, so newcomers often want to know what is expected in Australia. According to Tourism Australia, the national tourism body:

• Tipping is your choice. Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill, and tipping is not considered obligatory.
• Service charges are unusual. Most venues do not add a service charge unless you are part of a large group.
• In upmarket restaurants it is common to tip waiters around 10 per cent of the bill for good service.

Employees in Australia, including hospitality staff, are entitled to minimum pay under the Fair Work Act: from 1 July 2026 the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 an hour, and employees covered by an award are entitled to its minimum rates, including penalty rates and allowances.

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%. Tourism Australia notes that merchants may add surcharges for credit card payments in some places, so check before you pay by card.

Practice varies by place and person, and there is no official "correct" amount. Tourism Australia's 10 per cent guidance refers to good service in upmarket restaurants; elsewhere, tipping is simply your choice.