How much to tip at a restaurant in Australia (2026 Guide)
Round up to nearest A$5–10, or 10% at upmarket venues
0–10% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Tipping at sit-down restaurants is genuinely optional because servers earn at least the national minimum wage (A$24.95/hr in 2025) plus 25% Saturday loading, 50% Sunday loading and 150% public-holiday loading under most hospitality awards. Tourism Australia explicitly states "tipping is always your choice." In upmarket city restaurants 10% for exceptional service is common; in suburban or regional venues it is normal to leave nothing. Weekend/public-holiday surcharges (typically 10–15%) printed on the menu are a wage loading and are not a tip — you do not tip on top of them.
Common mistakes
Tipping 18–20% American-style on top of a public-holiday surcharge effectively double-pays staff and signals you are a tourist.
Frequently asked questions
Is the weekend surcharge a tip?
No. It is a penalty-rate wage loading paid to staff for working unsocial hours. You do not add a tip on top.
Will the server be offended if I do not tip?
No. Most Australian servers genuinely do not expect a tip.
Should I tip on the pre-tax amount?
GST is included in the menu price, so there is no separate pre-tax figure. If you do tip, do it on the bill total, but most people just round up.
Tipping other services in Australia
- 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
- Tour guideA$10–20 per person full-day; A$2–5 short walking tours
- 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: australia.com, lonelyplanet.com