The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s tour of Australia and the advance visit for the trip cost Australia’s taxpayers just under STG260,000 ($A474,582), according to recent figures.

William, Kate and Prince George toured Australia for 10 days in April, visiting some of the nation’s most famous sites from the Sydney Opera House to Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock.

The total cost for the trip, and a preliminary visit in January by Kensington Palace staff and personal protection officers, was STG259,000, with transportation costs the largest portion of the bill at just over STG137,000 ($A233,458).

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The Cambridges based themselves in Sydney and later the capital Canberra during the tour, with their son remaining at the locations while they carried out official engagements.

The bill for media liaison at STG46,641 ($A79,480) was the next highest cost followed by domestic travel, for things such as meals and accommodation, at STG40,233 ($A68,560) while hospitality and event related costs came to STG32,501 ($A55,384).

During royal visits to countries where the Queen is head of state, it is normal practice for the host nation to pay for the cost of the trip.

The figures were released by Australia’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to The Australian newspaper after a Freedom of Information request, but do not include the cost of security or GST.

When the Queen visited Australia in October 2011, the cost of her trip reportedly came to almost STG1.5 million ($A2,556,108), but the bill included the charter of a plane for long-haul flights.