A short coastal trip may only require a few hundred dollars in fuel, while a long-distance journey through regional or remote Australia can cost considerably more.
How Much Does Campervan Fuel Cost in Australia?
Typical fuel consumption estimates are:
- Small campervan: approximately 8–11 litres per 100 km
- Standard campervan: approximately 11–14 litres per 100 km
- Larger motorhome: approximately 15–20 litres per 100 km
Many Australian rental campervans use around 11–14 litres per 100 kilometres. Fuel consumption can increase with heavy luggage, air conditioning, hills, strong winds and unsealed roads.
Fuel prices change regularly. For planning purposes, using a fuel price of $1.80–$2.20 per litre is a sensible starting range. Remote areas may be more expensive.
Recent Australian petrol price data is available from the
Australian Bureau of Statistics
.
How to Calculate Campervan Fuel Cost
Use this simple formula:
Distance ÷ 100 × fuel consumption × fuel price = estimated fuel cost
For example, a campervan travelling 2,500 kilometres and using 13 litres per 100 kilometres would need approximately:
2,500 ÷ 100 × 13 = 325 litres
At $1.90 per litre:
325 × $1.90 = $617.50
Therefore, a 2,500-kilometre campervan trip could require around $620 in fuel, before allowing for detours, local driving or price increases.
Example Campervan Fuel Budgets
| Road-trip distance | Estimated fuel cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 km | $200–$310 |
| 2,500 km | $500–$800 |
| 4,000 km | $800–$1,300 |
| 6,000 km | $1,200–$2,000 |
These estimates assume approximately 11–14 litres per 100 kilometres and fuel prices between $1.80 and $2.20 per litre. A larger motorhome or remote route may cost more.
What Affects Campervan Fuel Consumption?
Vehicle Size
A compact two-berth campervan usually uses less fuel than a high-roof motorhome. Larger vehicles are heavier and create more wind resistance at highway speeds.
Driving Speed
Fuel consumption usually increases at higher speeds. Driving at 90 km/h may use noticeably less fuel than travelling at 100 or 110 km/h, especially in a tall campervan.
Air Conditioning
Using air conditioning for long periods can increase fuel use. This is particularly relevant when travelling through northern Australia, inland regions or during summer.
Hills, Wind and Road Conditions
Mountain roads, strong headwinds, gravel roads and frequent stops can reduce fuel economy. Remote routes may also involve long distances between fuel stations.
Load and Water Tanks
Camping equipment, food, luggage, bicycles and full water tanks all add weight. Pack carefully and avoid carrying items you do not need.
Fuel Costs on Popular Australian Routes
The cost of fuel depends on the total distance rather than the number of days. A seven-day trip with limited driving may use less fuel than a three-week trip covering thousands of kilometres.
- Sydney to Melbourne return: approximately 1,800–2,000 km
- Melbourne to Adelaide return: approximately 1,600–1,800 km
- Brisbane to Cairns one way: approximately 1,700 km
- Perth to Broome one way: approximately 2,300 km
- Melbourne to Uluru return: more than 4,000 km
Add at least 10–15% to your route estimate for supermarket trips, sightseeing, detours and unexpected driving.
How to Save Money on Campervan Fuel
- Compare prices before filling up in larger towns.
- Fill up before entering remote areas.
- Check the required fuel type before leaving the depot.
- Use supermarket fuel discounts where available.
- Keep the tyres correctly inflated.
- Remove unnecessary equipment from the vehicle.
- Avoid excessive idling.
- Plan your route to reduce backtracking.
Do not allow the fuel tank to become extremely low in remote areas. Paying slightly more for fuel is safer than risking a breakdown far from the nearest service station.
Is Diesel Cheaper Than Petrol?
Diesel vehicles can sometimes use less fuel, particularly larger motorhomes, but diesel is not always cheaper at the pump. Compare the total cost per 100 kilometres.
- Petrol campervan: 13 litres per 100 km at $1.90 per litre = $24.70 per 100 km
- Diesel motorhome: 16 litres per 100 km at $2.00 per litre = $32.00 per 100 km
Always follow the rental company’s instructions. Using the wrong fuel can cause serious engine damage and may not be covered by your rental agreement.
Does Campervan Hire Include Fuel?
Usually, campervan rental prices do not include the fuel used during your trip. Most rental companies provide the vehicle with a certain fuel level and expect it to be returned at a similar level.
Check your rental agreement for:
- Required return fuel level
- Correct fuel type
- Refuelling fees
- Roadside assistance conditions
- Restrictions on remote or unsealed roads
Final Fuel Cost Estimate
For a standard Australian campervan, budgeting approximately $25–$30 per 100 kilometres is a practical starting point when fuel prices are around $1.90–$2.20 per litre.
For a 2,500-kilometre trip, allow roughly $625–$750 for fuel, plus an additional buffer for detours, local driving and regional price differences.
Fuel prices change, so check current prices before departure and update your calculation using the vehicle’s actual fuel-consumption estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fuel does a campervan use per 100 km?
Most standard campervans use approximately 11–14 litres per 100 kilometres. Larger motorhomes may use 15–20 litres per 100 kilometres.
How much fuel should I budget for a two-week trip?
For a typical two-week trip covering 2,000–3,000 kilometres, a realistic fuel budget is approximately $500–$900, depending on the vehicle and fuel prices.
Is fuel more expensive in remote Australia?
Yes. Remote and regional locations often have fewer fuel stations, higher transport costs and less competition. Fill up whenever you have a reliable opportunity.
Should fuel be budgeted separately from campervan hire?
Yes. Fuel is normally an additional travel cost and should be included separately in your campervan road-trip budget.
Fuel consumption and prices are estimates only. Always check current prices and your rental vehicle specifications before travelling.
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Last updated: August 15, 2026