🇦🇺Australia · Spa / Massage
How much to tip a massage therapist in Australia (2026 Guide)
OptionalCash or card
Nothing routinely; A$10–20 for exceptional treatment
Tipping calculator
$
Cultural notes
Day-spa and massage tipping is uncommon in Australia. Treatments are priced inclusive of award-rate wages and many luxury spas (especially at resort properties) explicitly state "gratuities not expected." For a 90-minute treatment that significantly exceeded expectations, A$10–20 to the therapist is gracious. At a Thai-, Chinese- or international-style massage chain, locals may add A$5–10 cash, but this is at the customer's discretion.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip the therapist or pay at reception?
If you wish to tip, cash to the therapist directly is clearest.
Do hotel spas include a service charge?
Rarely. The listed price is usually all-in.
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
- 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: lonelyplanet.com