Road trip costs
Australia road trip costs
A practical budget guide with a fuel cost calculator for Australian campervan trips.
Daily cost ranges
A basic campervan trip can sit around AUD 120 to 220 per day for two people if you mix free camps, cook often, and travel outside peak season. A comfortable trip with paid caravan parks, higher insurance, attractions, and more fuel can sit around AUD 250 to 400 per day. Peak summer, remote routes, one-way hire, and larger motorhomes push costs higher.
Fuel costs
Fuel is one of the biggest moving costs. A small van might use 9 to 11 L/100 km, while a larger diesel camper can use 12 to 16 L/100 km. Remote fuel can cost far more than city fuel. Long routes such as Perth to Exmouth, the Red Centre, or Brisbane to Cairns need a real fuel budget, not a guess.
Starlink for campervans
Starlink can be useful if you work remotely, travel beyond mobile coverage, or need regular weather and road-condition updates. It adds hardware, monthly plan, and power-use costs, so it is not necessary for every short coastal trip. For remote Western Australia, the Top End, and Outback routes, it may be worth considering alongside other safety and communication options.
Where costs creep up
One-way fees, ferry bookings, national park passes, tolls, paid camps near cities, insurance upgrades, extra drivers, bedding packs, child seats, and after-hours depot fees can all change the real price. Build a 10 to 15 percent buffer into your budget.