Short answer: it varies by state and how fussy your car is—because Australia never met a rule it couldn’t complicate.
In Victoria, testers set their own prices, typically around AUD 150–300 for a passenger car, plus any repairs if it fails.
New South Wales uses an eSafety check (pink slip) with a government-capped fee, usually in the AUD 40–50 range; Queensland safety certificates are similarly regulated at roughly AUD 80–100 for light vehicles.
Elsewhere: SA generally doesn’t require one for private sales, while WA/NT/Tas/ACT may only need inspections in specific cases (transfers, defect clearances, first rego), typically under AUD 200.
Also budget for re-inspection fees and the inevitable “those tyres are bald, mate” moment.
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