If you look to your left, there are several links that TA has put together on many subjects related to Australia. They will give you the basics of everything you need to know.

The one for tipping is found here:

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g255055-s606/Australi…

;o) If you want an idea of what you could potentially start on this forum with this question, search on "tipping" in the aussie forum.. it's an emotive issue LOL

Wheeeeeee! The great tipping debate!!

IMHO only (of course):

10% every time in restaurants, unless the service has been bad, in which case nothing, or the service has been really really exceptional, in which case 15 to 20% ...

Rounding up on taxi fares...

A gold coin from my change in bars...

I have been a poor student in the service industry, and although I know that wages in the service industry in Australia are not too bad, I still remember what a difference $10 in tips can make that week... Now that I am not a poor student, I think I can afford to make that difference in people's lives...

Plus, if you are going back somewhere, they will generally remember the customer who left a tip, and the service is even better...

I also tip on other services like removalists (the other day I gave a 10% tip on a removalists fee, on the basis that the guys who were doing the carrying had done a good job, and weren't going to see most of the money I paid their employer to move my stuff)...

At the same time, I would never suggest that people HAVE to leave a tip... and I don't think there is an expectation of a tip in most places, but a carefully chosen tip can make someone's week (and maybe stop someone giving you crap service the next time they see you)!!

To sound less pompous, I would amend one of my sentences to read:

"Now that I am not a poor student, I think I can afford to make that SMALL difference in people's lives..."

Yes, I agree that carefully chosen is the important thing. Don't tip for bad service, or bad food, or a package that is not over and above what you would expect for the price you are charged. Be selective.

I'm one who has been persuaded that as a general principle tipping is not to be encouraged... but I did tip twice this past weekend. Last night because I took my elderly father to dinner. Dad struggles a bit now with what used to be simple tasks like deciding what to eat, or processing what people say to him. He suffers from dementia. Our host treated him with such dignity. He could have left it to us to manage Dad but no. He hopped in and helped dad just like he would any other patron and generally just helped make a very enjoyable meal. Over and above the call of duty! I HAPPILY tipped... and the food was great. .. so here an enthusiastic plug for Cafe 66 in Port Macquarie...a great place to eat!

Work hard and be good to your mother!

Never listen to small men wearing pork pie hats and checked suits on race courses who talk out of the side of their mouth.

Apart from that Race 4 Number 7 at Flemington, on Saturday.

ROFL Aussie John, good one!

Also never listen to supersticious old bigots in white frocks speaking at racecourses either!

(Sorry, couldn't resist...)

As for tipping, ditto what others have said. Not compulsory - no one will give you a hard time if you choose not to tip, but generosity for good service will be appreciated. Round up taxi fares, a few coins in bars, maybe a few dollars for hotel porters and anything from 5-20% in restaurants depending on quality.

My belief is that tipping is not compulsory, it's at your discretion. If you believe it to be justified then tip, if not then don't.

Generally speaking, I might round up to the nearest dollar or so in a restaurant in the evening - depending upon how demanding my group has been; how great the service etc. Can't say I've ever tipped @ lunch for sandwiches & tea. Wouldn't tip for short distance taxis. Wouldn't tip for normal maid service / porters etc at hotels/motels but I've never really asked for anything out of the ordinary anyway! Never at shops when buying clothes etc.

It shouldn't be expected as a fait accompli as it is in other parts of the world.

Some may call me cheap, others will say too right.

So, I guess you need to go with what you are comfortable with but I don't believe you need to add 10% to the cost of living whilst you're here.