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 is useful if you work remotely, travel beyond mobile coverage, or need reliable 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 can be a serious comfort and safety upgrade.
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.