How much does catering cost in Australia?
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Key takeaways
- Most catering jobs in Australia land between A$2,500–A$35,000 — known locally as caterer.
- Australian caterers must be registered with the local council and have a nominated Food Safety Supervisor; alcohol service needs RSA-certified staff and appropriate licensing. Confirm whether quotes are GST-inclusive.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Catering prices by job size in Australia
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-off / buffet (50 guests) Casual buffet, light staffing | A$2,500 | A$4,500 | A$7,500 |
| Plated dinner (50 guests) Served plated meal with staff | A$5,000 | A$8,500 | A$14,000 |
| Full wedding catering (100 guests) Full-service with staff, hire and bar | A$10,000 | A$18,000 | A$35,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per guest (buffet) | A$55 | A$85 | A$130 |
| per guest (plated) | A$90 | A$140 | A$200 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Australia typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a catering pro in Australia
- Confirm council food-business registration and a Food Safety Supervisor
- Get an itemized quote: per-head food, staff, hire, travel
- Ask about a tasting for weddings/large events
- Confirm public liability insurance and RSA-certified staff for alcohol
- Collect and share guest dietary/allergy needs in advance
- Confirm whether GST and service are included
Red flags
- No council registration or Food Safety Supervisor
- Per-head price with no breakdown
- Serving alcohol without RSA staff/licence
- No insurance
- GST/service unclear in the quote
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to AUD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Australian catering per-head data 2025; caterer pricing guides.
Frequently asked questions
How much do catering staff and hire add?
Staffing and equipment hire can add 20-40% on top of the food, especially for plated service and events without a venue kitchen. Servers, chefs, bar staff, crockery, glassware and linen all cost. Get these itemised so you can compare like with like.
Is a service charge or gratuity expected?
Many caterers add a service charge (often 15-22%) covering staff; confirm whether it's included or extra, and whether it goes to the team. Where a service charge is applied, an additional tip is usually optional. Clarify this before signing to avoid a surprise on the final invoice.
How much does catering cost per person?
Caterers price per head, and the service style drives it: a drop-off or finger buffet is cheapest, a served buffet mid-range, and a plated multi-course dinner the most. Staffing, bar service, hire (crockery, linen) and travel are usually on top of the per-head food price.
What's included in a catering quote?
Look for: per-head food price, service style, staff (chefs, servers) and hours, equipment hire (crockery, glassware, linen, chafing dishes), setup and clear-down, travel, and any bar or drinks package. A per-head number alone hides staffing and hire costs that can rival the food.
Buffet or plated — which should I choose?
Buffet is cheaper, more flexible on dietary needs, and needs fewer servers; plated service is more formal, controls portions and timing, and suits sit-down weddings and galas. Plated costs more in both food precision and staff. Match it to the event's formality and budget.
How far in advance should I book a caterer?
For weddings and large events, 6-12 months ahead secures popular caterers and dates; smaller parties, a few weeks to a couple of months. Book earlier for peak season (summer weddings, December). A tasting before you commit is standard for bigger events.
Do caterers handle dietary requirements and allergies?
Professionals do — collect guest dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) in advance and give them to the caterer, who should label dishes and manage cross-contamination. Allergen management is a legal duty for food businesses in many countries; ask how they handle it.
What does catering cost per person in Australia?
Buffet service runs roughly AUD 55-130 per guest and plated dinners AUD 90-200, before staff and hire. A 100-guest wedding with staff and bar commonly totals AUD 10,000-35,000. Check GST is included.
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