Used flutes in Australia typically sell for A$77 to A$480 (about $54 to $335). Flutes sell on whether the pads still seal, so test every key by covering the holes and feeling for suction — leaking pads are what make a cheap flute unplayable.
What flutes are worth in Australia
| Condition | Typical | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | A$479 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | A$407 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | A$311 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | A$216 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | A$120 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
Guide ranges converted from sterling at the 2 August 2026 rate, not quotes — sellers set their own price. Grades are seller-declared; WishThrift does not inspect or verify them.
What lifts the price
- Pads sealing cleanly with no leaks
- Case, cleaning rod and cloth included
What pulls it down
- Leaking pads needing a repad
- Dents in the body and head joint
Selling a flute in Australia
Bank transfer via PayID is instant and is what most private buyers will offer. Cash on collection remains common for larger items.
Australia’s second-hand market is strongly local and strongly seasonal, with most activity concentrated in the eastern capitals and buyers who expect to collect.
WishThrift has not opened Australia for trading yet, so this page is a guide rather than a live marketplace — the category becomes browsable here the moment the first Australian sellers list.
Seasons are inverted relative to the UK and North America: warm-weather items move from September, and winter gear from around May.
Working out what yours is worth
- Press each key and check the pads seal
- Check the head joint markings for silver content
Getting it ready
- Note whether the head joint is silver-plated or solid silver, and whether it is open or closed hole.
- Check for dents in the tube, bent keys and the condition of the cork.
Photograph
- The flute assembled, full length, on a plain background
- The head joint and embouchure hole
- The case, cleaning rod and any dent or bent key
Put in the description
- Brand, model, and whether open or closed hole
- Whether the head joint is silver plated or solid silver
- Pad condition and whether all keys seal
Brand, keys and material: “Yamaha YFL-212 Flute, Closed Hole, Silver Plated, Case Included”. Open versus closed hole is a real filter, since students need closed and advancing players want open. Say whether the head joint is solid silver, which is a genuine price factor.
Lifts in September and before Christmas as school music starts. Student models sell fastest in those windows.
It costs nothing to list
There is no listing fee, no selling fee and no commission, so the A$479 a buyer pays is the A$479 you keep. You and the buyer settle up and arrange the handover between yourselves; WishThrift does not hold the money or ship the item.
Where in Australia
Australia is a big place and what sells well moves with it. These are the parts of Australia with their own page for flutes.
- Selling a flute in Sydney
- Selling a flute in Melbourne
- Selling a flute in Brisbane
- Selling a flute in Perth
- Selling a flute in Adelaide
- Selling a flute in Gold Coast
- Selling a flute in Canberra
Common questions
Where can I sell a flute in Australia?
List it free on WishThrift and deal with the buyer direct. There is no selling fee, so the whole amount stays with you. Bank transfer via PayID is instant and is what most private buyers will offer. Cash on collection remains common for larger items.
Do the pads seal?
Close each key and feel for suction. Leaking pads make a flute unplayable and a repad costs real money, so buyers ask first.
What is a repad?
Replacing all the pads so the instrument seals properly. It is a significant cost, so leaking pads reduce value noticeably.
Do dents matter?
Yes, particularly in the head joint, where they affect tone. Look down the tube against the light.
More: how to sell a flute, what flutes are worth, or Music & Instruments across Australia.