Petrol prices in Australia change by city, region and week, but a practical planning range is around AUD$1.70 to AUD$2.10 per litre for unleaded petrol. Remote areas, outback routes and small service stations can cost more. If you are booking a self-drive trip, your itinerary can usually give an estimated fuel cost based on the selected rental car and route.
If you want the latest fuel prices we recommend checking out Fuel Price Australia's website for up to date pricing!
Petrol Costs in Australia
Petrol is sold by the litre in Australia. Prices move with global oil markets, exchange rates, local competition and the distance fuel has to travel. Large cities usually have more service stations and more price competition, while small towns and remote areas often cost more.
As a guide, travellers should allow around AUD$1.70 to AUD$2.10 per litre for regular unleaded petrol. Some weeks will be cheaper, and some locations will be higher. Diesel and premium fuel may cost more than regular unleaded, depending on the region.
| Fuel planning item | What to allow |
|---|---|
| Regular unleaded petrol | Around AUD$1.70 to AUD$2.10 per litre (Please note this is just an estimate but if you want up to date pricing check out Fuel Prices Australia's website here) |
| Remote or outback fuel stops | Often higher than city prices |
| Long self-drive days | Budget by distance, vehicle type and route |
| Rental car fuel policy | Check whether the car must be returned full |
Inside Australia Travel notes that fuel estimates can be included in tour planning based on the car selected. This is useful if you are comparing different road trip routes or deciding how much driving you want in the itinerary.
Why Petrol Costs Vary by Region
Australia is large, and fuel pricing reflects that. Petrol in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth may change often due to city price cycles. Regional towns can be steadier, but not always cheaper.
Remote areas are different. Fuel can cost more in parts of the Northern Territory, inland Western Australia, the Kimberley, Cape York and outback South Australia because supply distances are long and service stations are farther apart. On routes such as the Spirit of the West Coast Road Trip, it is smart to plan fuel stops before each day’s drive.
If you are driving in more isolated regions, the guide to road conditions in Australia is worth reading before you travel. Distances, heat, weather and road surfaces can all affect how you plan the day.
Budgeting Fuel for a Self-Drive Trip
Fuel cost depends on three main things: the distance travelled, the car’s fuel use and the price per litre. A compact car on sealed coastal roads will usually cost less to run than a larger SUV or 4WD-style vehicle on longer regional drives.
For example, a car using 8 litres per 100 kilometres over a 1,000 kilometre route would use about 80 litres of fuel. At AUD$1.90 per litre, that would be around AUD$152. This is only a planning example, as real fuel use changes with hills, luggage, air conditioning, driving style and road conditions.
Rental car inclusions also matter. The FAQ on rental car inclusions in Australia explains what is usually included in the hire, while breakdown cover for rental cars is useful if you want to understand roadside assistance before setting off.
Need Help Planning Fuel Costs?
If you are unsure how much to allow for fuel, contact Inside Australia Travel and ask for guidance based on your route, car type and travel dates. You can also talk to the team if you are comparing self-drive options and want a realistic sense of distances, fuel stops and daily pacing.