One of the biggest questions families ask when planning a lap of Australia is how much fuel will cost.
More specifically, many people want to understand the fuel cost to travel around Australia before committing to the trip.
What does fuel cost to travel around Australia?
It’s an understandable concern. With global events sometimes affecting fuel supply and prices, many people worry that the fuel bill for travelling around Australia could become overwhelming.
But despite the current price hike, once you break the numbers down realistically, the cost often becomes far more manageable than people first assume.
Understanding how fuel works as part of your overall travel budget is one of the first steps in planning a Freedom Lap.
How many kilometres is the Big Lap of Australia?
The traditional Big Lap of Australia typically covers somewhere between: 15,000 and 25,000 kilometres depending on the route you take and how many detours you include.
Some travellers stick mostly to the coastal highways, while others add inland destinations such as:
- Uluru
- The Red Centre
- Kakadu National Park
- The Kimberley
- inland national parks
Because Australia is such a vast country, your final distance will depend on how much exploring you decide to do along the way.
Average Fuel Consumption When Travelling Australia
Fuel consumption depends largely on your vehicle and whether you are towing a caravan.
Travelling by Car (No Caravan)
A standard car or SUV travelling without towing may average roughly:
8–10 litres per 100 km
Towing a Caravan
Many families travelling Australia tow a caravan or camper trailer.
Fuel consumption for a diesel 4WD towing a caravan often falls somewhere between:
16–22 litres per 100 km
This can vary depending on:
- vehicle size
- caravan weight
- terrain
- wind conditions
- driving style
Because towing requires more power, this is where most fuel costs increase.
Estimated Fuel Cost for the Big Lap of Australia
Let’s look at a rough example.
Assuming:
- 20,000 km travelled
- 18 litres per 100 km fuel consumption
- diesel price around $2.00 per litre
The total fuel required would be approximately:
3,600 litres of diesel
Which means the total fuel cost for the trip may fall roughly between:
$7,000 and $8,000
Fuel prices will naturally fluctuate, so this estimate simply provides a useful starting point for budgeting.
Typical Fuel Cost Estimates for a Big Lap
| Setup | Fuel Consumption | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Car only | 8–10L/100km | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Car + caravan | 16–22L/100km | $6,000 – $10,000 |
A Helpful Way to Think About Fuel Costs
One thing my Dad always reminds me when we talk about travelling Australia is something very simple:
“You’re only paying for fuel when you’re moving.”
It sounds obvious, but it’s a helpful way to think about the journey.
When people imagine doing a lap of Australia, they sometimes picture constant driving. In reality, most travellers spend far more time exploring and staying in places than actually driving.
You might drive a few hours to reach a beautiful destination — and then stay there for several days or even a week.
During that time, your fuel cost is zero.
Travelling slowly is not only more enjoyable, it can also make the overall trip much more affordable.
If you’re trying to understand the full cost of travelling Australia, this guide breaks it down:
👉 https://thefreedomlap.com/cost-of-travelling-australia/
Monitoring Fuel Prices While Travelling
Fuel prices in Australia can vary significantly between regions, especially in remote areas.
If you want to monitor fuel prices while travelling, these tools are helpful:
Australian fuel price comparison:
https://petrolspy.com.au
FuelWatch (Western Australia fuel monitoring):
https://www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au
Many travellers also use mobile apps to check prices in nearby towns before filling up.
Planning fuel stops strategically can help keep costs under control.
Ways Travellers Reduce Fuel Costs
Experienced travellers often manage fuel expenses by adjusting their travel style.
Some common strategies include:
Travelling slowly
Driving fewer kilometres each week reduces fuel usage significantly.
Staying longer in each destination
Instead of moving every day, many families stay several nights in each location.
Planning routes carefully
Avoiding unnecessary backtracking and planning fuel stops can reduce kilometres travelled. Many travellers report fuel being one of their biggest expenses when travelling Australia. For example, one long-term traveller recorded using around 3,300 litres of fuel over nearly 30,000km, with fuel being their largest single cost category.
For families towing caravans, fuel use is often significantly higher, which is why planning your travel pace becomes so important.
Fuel Is Only One Part of the Travel Budget
While fuel is one of the larger expenses when travelling Australia, it’s only one part of the overall budget.
Other costs include:
- accommodation or camping fees
- food and groceries
- vehicle maintenance
- activities and experiences
You might also find it helpful to read how families approach funding their lap:
👉 https://thefreedomlap.com/how-do-families-afford-to-travel-australia-for-a-year/
Planning the Freedom Lap Lifestyle
For many families, understanding fuel costs is one of the first practical steps in planning a lap of Australia.
Once you start putting realistic numbers together, the dream often becomes much more achievable.
For some families, that planning also includes learning ways to create flexible income streams that travel with them.
It’s something I’ve personally been exploring as we work toward our own Freedom Lap.
One thing I’ve realised while researching all of this is that many families aren’t just budgeting for the trip — they’re also looking at ways to create income while travelling.
That’s something I’ve been exploring as we work toward our own Freedom Lap…
👉 https://thefreedomlap.com/learn-and-earn/
Final Thoughts
Fuel is definitely one of the major costs when travelling Australia, but it’s rarely as overwhelming as people initially expect.
By travelling slowly, planning your routes carefully and remembering that you only use fuel when you’re actually moving, it becomes much easier to manage this part of the travel budget.
And for many families, understanding these practical details is what turns the idea of a Freedom Lap from a dream into a real plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Lap Fuel Costs
How much fuel does it take to drive around Australia?
Driving the traditional Big Lap route usually covers 15,000–25,000 kilometres. Most travellers towing a caravan use around 16–22 litres per 100 km, meaning the entire trip may require roughly 2,500–4,500 litres of fuel.
How much does fuel cost for a Big Lap of Australia?
Fuel costs vary depending on vehicle type, distance travelled and fuel prices. Many travellers towing caravans report spending somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000 on fuel for the entire lap.
What vehicle is best for fuel efficiency on a lap of Australia?
Many travellers choose diesel 4WD vehicles when towing caravans. Diesel engines generally offer better fuel efficiency and towing power over long distances compared to petrol engines.
Do you drive every day on a lap of Australia?
No. Most travellers drive to a destination and stay there for several days or longer. This means fuel costs occur in stages rather than continuously.
