Advice for travelling to Australia? Cost estimates?

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Advice for Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip to Australia: Cost Estimates and Tips

I’m based near Portland, Oregon, and I have a close friend who lives about three hours from Perth, Australia. I’m an 18-year-old who loves taking a birthday travel trip each year. My next birthday isn’t for another five months, so I have time to plan, but I want to gather practical input before making a decision. I’ve only traveled outside the U.S. once (a day trip to Canada), so a solo journey of this scale would be a big step—but visiting a friend makes it feel worthwhile. I’d like to stay roughly a week to have time for activities as well.

Flight and travel planning
– I’m weighing two departure options: driving a couple hours north to Seattle for the international flight, or departing from Portland. Some sources suggest Seattle may offer shorter layovers or better pricing, though overall both options are similar in cost.
– I’m open to either route, provided the total cost stays reasonable.

Two lodging scenarios
– Option A: Stay with my friend for the entire trip. This would save a lot of money and allow more time with my friend, but the itinerary might be more limited since she lives in a more rural area. It would also be my first in-person meeting with her, which feels a bit awkward but exciting.
– Option B: Stay in a hotel in Perth for part or all of the trip. This would expand sightseeing and activities in Perth, but would likely reduce time with my friend (she may not want to drive to Perth every day), and hotel costs in Australia can be high.

Budget considerations
– My target total budget is around $5,000, including airfare. I’d like to explore conservative estimates and additional ways to save money while there.
– I’m seeking realistic ballpark costs for airfare, accommodations (when not staying with a friend), food, local transport, activities, and visa fees.

Visa and logistics
– I understand I’ll need a visa to visit Australia. If this thread yields actionable advice and I’m set on the trip, I plan to start the visa application process soon.

What I’m hoping to get from readers
– Practical advice for a first-time traveler planning a trip to Australia, including budgeting tips, cost-cutting ideas, and realistic price ranges.
– Recommendations for must-see activities and experiences in Perth and the surrounding area.
– Honest opinions on the two lodging scenarios: staying with a friend vs. staying in a hotel.
– Any travel hacks or strategies to reduce costs without sacrificing safety or enjoyment.

If you have specific pricing estimates (airfare, accommodation, food, local transport, visas), trusted sources, or personal experiences, I’d greatly appreciate them. Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions!