I'm looking at spending most of November in Australia, then a week in New Zealand.
So far, it looks like the average hostel price in Oz is about US$16 a night. Transportation & activities going from Sydney to Cairns and back to Brisbane looks to cost around $1000, but I'll be packing in a lot in those few weeks. Figuring I'll be staying with friends here and there and that I won't be eating like a beast (but drinking like one), I'm planning on spending a grand total of $2k for 23 nights in Australia... I was hoping that'd be the figure for the whole trip, but since there's a wedding right in the middle, I guess there'll be a bit of a splurge in there.
Realistically, I don't know what it'll break down to, since there's so much I want to do. A surf camp, sandboarding, snorkeling, rafting, seeing as much wildlife (natural and nocturnal) as I can... I think I might die of sticker shock if I price everything out, but I'll have to do it eventually.
I know Thailand costs a lot less, but not having been there, I'll leave the average costs to the experts around here
As for picking up weed, it's illegal in NSW, and possession is a ticketable offense in Queensland. However, it's widely available on the East Coast, particularly in towns like Nimbin, where just about everyone is stoned
They even have an event called
Mardi Grass to celebrate the sticky icky icky.
Personally, I'd much rather drink beer, so if our paths cross, we can chug back a few. Happy traveling!