Traveling to Sydney on a working holiday can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to money. Here’s a breakdown of what I actually spent — including hostels, transport, activities, food, and the little “oops” moments.
Accommodation
| Date | Place | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| 11–16 Oct | Wake Up! Hostel (free) | €0 |
| 16–25 Oct | Hump Backpackers | €20 × 9 nights = €180 |
| 1 night | Ivy Club | €15 |
| 25–30 Oct | Hostel Wollongong | €17 × 5 nights = €85 |
| 1 night | Wake-Up Hostel | €20 |
| 31 Oct–3 Nov | Surf Camp Seven Miles Beach | €320 (~$495 AUD) |
| 3–9 Nov | Hump Backpackers | €20 × 6 nights = €120 |
Accommodation total: €740
Transport & Activities
| Activity | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Blue Mountains day trip | €8 |
| Ferry to Manly | €10 |
| Other local transport (bus/train estimate) | €15 |
Transport & Activities total: €33
Extras / Essentials
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Water bottle replacement | €18 |
| Misc (toiletries, small unexpected stuff) | €20 |
Extras total: €38
Food & Drinks (estimated)
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner mostly self-cooked / budget meals: ~€10–12/day
- Occasional wine or goon: ~€3–5/day
- 30 days → roughly €350
Grand Total
| Category | Total (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €740 |
| Transport & Activities | €33 |
| Extras / Essentials | €38 |
| Food & Drinks | €350 |
💰 Total spent in Sydney (approx.): €1,161
Budgeting Tips
- Hostels are your friend — cheap, social, and perfect for meeting other travelers.
- Cook your own meals — huge money saver. A little wine or goon is fine, just keep it balanced.
- Plan transport — ferries, trains, and buses add up. Use scenic trips wisely!
- Expect small unexpected expenses — like replacing water bottles or toiletries.
- Track everything — journaling helps you see where your money goes.
