Tipping in Australia is genuinely optional — Australian workers are paid a legal minimum wage and do not rely on gratuities to survive. There is no social pressure to tip, and not doing so is completely acceptable. That said, tipping for excellent service is becoming more common, particularly in city restaurants and hospitality venues.
Tipping is not expected in Australian restaurants, but leaving 5–10% for excellent sit-down service is a generous and appreciated gesture. In casual cafés and fast food, tipping is unusual and not expected. Some upscale restaurants now include a service charge of 10–15% — check your bill. If you pay by card, most terminals now offer a tip prompt, though selecting 'no tip' is entirely normal.
Hotel staff in Australia do not expect tips. If a porter has been especially helpful with luggage, leaving A$2–5 is a kind gesture. Housekeeping tips are rare in Australia, though a few dollars left in an envelope at checkout is always appreciated for longer stays.
Australian taxi drivers do not expect tips. Rounding up to the nearest dollar is a common courtesy for short rides. For Uber and DiDi, in-app tipping is available and increasingly used, but remaining the exception rather than the rule. For long airport runs or drivers who waited, A$2–5 extra is generous.
Tipping is optional across the board. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is becoming more common in cities but is never required.
For an A$80 restaurant bill, leaving A$5–8 is a generous tip. For a A$35 taxi ride, rounding to A$37 is a common courtesy.
Australian workers earn fair wages — tips are a bonus for good service, not a replacement for living wages.