How much does 1 kg of dry ice cost in Australia?

Dry ice in Australia typically costs $3 to $8 per kilogram depending on the quantity purchased, supplier location, and grade. Minimum order quantities usually start at 5–10 kg, making small casual purchases relatively expensive per kilogram.

Where can you buy dry ice in Australia?

Dry ice in Australia is available through specialist cold chain suppliers, industrial gas distributors, and some service stations. It is not widely available at major retailers or supermarkets. For a reliable, Australia-wide supply of dry ice packs, Envirofreeze ships directly to businesses and individuals.

Dry ice does not melt — it sublimates, meaning it transitions directly from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid. This process happens continuously at room temperature and accelerates in warmer environments and poorly insulated containers.

What happens if you touch dry ice without gloves?

Even brief contact without gloves can cause cryogenic burns. Dry ice at −78.5°C freezes skin tissue almost instantly, causing frostbite. Always use insulated gloves, tongs, or a cloth when handling dry ice.

How Much Does Dry Ice Cost in Australia? Pricing, Buying Guide & Storage Tips

Q: Is dry ice just frozen water?

No — dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂), not frozen water. It sublimates at −78.5°C directly into gas without passing through a liquid phase, which is why it leaves no wet residue. Regular ice is frozen water (H₂O) that melts at 0°C into liquid.

Q: How long does 1 kg of dry ice last?

1 kg of dry ice lasts approximately 3–5 hours in open air, 8–12 hours in a standard insulated cooler, and up to 18–24 hours in a high-quality insulated shipping box.

Whether you’re a business shipping frozen goods or an individual needing dry ice for a special event, understanding the cost and availability of dry ice in Australia is essential. In this guide, the Envirofreeze team covers everything you need to know about dry ice pricing, purchasing, storage, and what makes it unique.

How Much Is 1 kg of Dry Ice in Australia?

The price of dry ice in Australia typically ranges from $3 to $8 per kilogram, depending on quantity purchased, supplier location, grade and purity, and delivery vs. pickup. Minimum order quantities at most Australian suppliers start at around 5–10 kg, so casual one-off purchases can work out to be relatively expensive per kilogram.

Is Dry Ice Very Expensive?

Compared to regular ice, dry ice is significantly more expensive — often 5–10x the cost per kilogram. However, dry ice delivers far superior cooling performance: it operates at −78.5°C (vs 0°C for regular ice), sublimates rather than melting into water, and maintains frozen temperatures for much longer per kilogram than wet ice.

For businesses running cold chain logistics, the cost is usually justified by the value of the goods being protected. For many applications, Envirofreeze dry ice packs offer a more cost-effective alternative — particularly for regular, high-volume shippers.

Is Dry Ice Available at Major Retailers in Australia?

Dry ice is not available at most major Australian retailers including supermarkets and warehouse stores. In Australia, dry ice is typically sourced through specialist cold chain suppliers, industrial gas distributors, select wholesale food distributors, or online cold chain packaging providers like Envirofreeze.

How Do You Buy Dry Ice in Australia?

Industrial gas distributors — reliable for large quantities, usually require an account and minimum order
Cold chain packaging specialists — best for businesses needing both dry ice and insulated packaging solutions
Some service stations — limited availability, typically only pellet-form dry ice in small quantities
Online suppliers — convenient for dry ice alternatives and supplementary cold chain products like Envirofreeze dry ice packs

For consistent, reliable supply delivered Australia-wide, Envirofreeze is a trusted option — particularly for businesses that ship regularly.

Is Dry Ice Just Frozen Water?

No — dry ice is not frozen water. Regular ice is frozen H₂O that melts at 0°C into liquid. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) that sublimates at −78.5°C directly into CO₂ gas — it never becomes a liquid under normal atmospheric pressure. This is why it’s called “dry” ice — it doesn’t leave any liquid residue.

Does Dry Ice Melt?

Technically, dry ice doesn’t “melt” — it sublimates, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas and skipping the liquid phase entirely. Sublimation accelerates in warmer environments, high humidity, poorly insulated containers, and containers that are frequently opened.

Will Coke Melt Dry Ice?

Yes — placing dry ice in a warm liquid like Coca-Cola causes rapid sublimation and dramatic bubbling. The liquid’s heat accelerates the sublimation process significantly. Never consume a drink with dry ice still in it — wait until all dry ice has fully sublimated before drinking.

Can You Store Dry Ice in a Freezer?

You can store dry ice in a freezer to slow sublimation, but it’s not recommended long-term. Dry ice at −78.5°C is far colder than a standard freezer at −18°C, so it will still sublimate. CO₂ gas can build up inside and potentially damage the appliance. The best storage is a ventilated styrofoam or insulated box in a well-ventilated space.

How Long Does 1 kg of Dry Ice Last?

3–5 hours in open air
8–12 hours in a standard esky or cooler
18–24 hours in a high-quality insulated shipping box

The Cost-Effective Alternative: Envirofreeze Dry Ice Packs

💰 More affordable at scale — available in 20, 100, 350, and 1400-pack quantities
📦 Compact and lightweight — cheaper to freight than gel packs or solid dry ice
💧 Activate on demand — just add water when needed; store dry until required
✂️ Cut to size — flexible sheets can be trimmed to fit any packaging
🏥 First aid approved — suitable for schools and medical facilities

View Envirofreeze dry ice pack pricing →

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the right cold chain solution for your shipping needs? Contact our team — we ship Australia-wide and have been trusted by businesses since the 1990s.

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How Much Does Dry Ice Cost in Australia? Pricing, Buying Guide & Storage Tips