What an Australian road trip costs
Plan for the whole journey, not just the vehicle and fuel.
Start with the shape of your trip
The number of nights, the roads you take and where you return your vehicle all change the budget.
A useful budget starts with a rough route and a realistic number of days. Mark your pickup and return points, the places you want to stay and the detours you do not want to miss. A coastal trip with short drives and paid activities has a different pattern of spending from a remote crossing with long distances between services.
Work through the categories below before comparing quotes. Leave a reserve for a change of plans, extra supplies or an unexpected night on the road; the right amount depends on your trip and circumstances.
- VehicleQuote and terms
- FuelRoute and consumption
- Overnight staysWhere and how often
- Activities and entryCheck each operator
Vehicle hire: look beyond the headline
Compare the full quote for the same dates and locations.
Check what is included, the applicable distance allowance, the excess or liability options and any conditions for additional drivers. A one-way itinerary may have different charges or availability from a return trip. Equipment, insurance products and roadside support can also vary, so read the terms for the actual vehicle and booking. Read the Wicked Campers rental policies alongside your individual quote.
If you are comparing a campervan with a car and accommodation, include every night’s sleeping arrangements for both. A vehicle with a bed changes where you can stay, but camping rules and facilities still need checking.
Make the comparison useful
Use the same dates, pickup and drop-off locations, number of travellers and any extras you need. At Wicked Campers, you can check campervan hire for your dates and review the full terms before deciding.
Fuel: estimate the route you will actually drive
Include local outings and the return, not only the line between two cities.
Add the planned driving distance, including airport transfers, park detours and driving between your campsite and attractions. Estimate litres by multiplying the distance in kilometres by the vehicle’s consumption in litres per 100 kilometres, then dividing by 100. Multiply the result by an appropriate fuel-price assumption for the areas you will visit.
That is a planning estimate, not a guarantee. Loading, driving conditions and the vehicle affect actual consumption; pump prices and opening hours vary. For remote trips, check current fuel availability, your vehicle’s practical range and the hire agreement, and keep a reserve.
A simple worksheet
- Distance Main route + detours + local driving.
- Litres Kilometres × litres per 100 km ÷ 100.
- Fuel allowance Estimated litres × your fuel-price assumption.
- Buffer Allow for changes, conditions and uncertainty.
Where you sleep, eat and explore
A campervan is transport and a place to sleep; it does not make every overnight stop free.
List the nights you expect to spend in caravan parks, campgrounds or other accommodation. Check each location’s facilities, rules, booking requirements and current charges. Do not assume a roadside rest area permits overnight camping or that the same rules apply across states and councils.
Add groceries, drinking water, meals out and supplies. Consider how often you can shop on the intended route and whether your vehicle has suitable cooking and refrigeration facilities.
Keep room for the trip itself
Park passes, campsite bookings, ferries, tours and equipment hire can be separate from vehicle hire. Check the current information from each park or operator. A longer stop can reduce driving but may add accommodation or activity costs; the balance depends on your plans.
Questions before you go
Use estimates to compare options, then confirm the actual charges before booking.
Is a campervan always cheaper than a car?
Not necessarily. Compare the complete vehicle quote, fuel, accommodation and any equipment for the same dates and itinerary. Availability and conditions vary.
Should I budget for one-way hire?
If you return the vehicle to a different location, check the quoted one-way terms. Charges and availability depend on the operator, route and dates.
Can I rely on free camping every night?
Plan alternatives. Rules, facilities and permitted stays differ by location, and the places that suit your route may require a booking or fee. Check the responsible local authority or campground.
Keep planning: allow time for driving days, compare a campervan and a 4WD, or see the fuel-planning considerations on the Nullarbor crossing.