How Much Does It Cost to Travel Around Australia? A Real Budget Breakdown

The True Cost of a Big Lap Around Australia

Embarking on a lap around Australia is a dream for many families, but how much does it actually cost? Alison Smith, a member of the Caravanning with Kids Facebook group, recently shared her detailed budget breakdown after nearly a year on the road with her husband and three young children (ages 5, 4, and 2).

The short answer? It depends. Some travellers manage on $800–$1,200 per week, while others spend over $2,000 per week enjoying premium caravan parks, paid experiences, and frequent dining out.

To give you an accurate picture, let’s break down the weekly budget of an Australian family who travelled for 48 weeks in 2023–2024 with their caravan and 4WD.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel Australia? (Weekly Breakdown)

Based on a real-life example from a family of five (two adults and three kids, aged 5, 4, and 2), here’s what they spent each week:

1. Fuel Costs – $271 per week

• Car & Van: Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series towing a 3.4T caravan
• Fuel consumption: ~20L/100km when towing
• Most expensive fuel: $2.99/L at Kings Canyon
• Highest weekly fuel spend: $645

How to Save on Fuel:

• Travel slower to reduce fuel usage
• Plan refueling stops in cheaper regions
• Use fuel discount apps

2. Accommodation – $288 per week

• Free camps: 74 nights
• Low-cost stays (<$35/night): 35 nights
• National Parks: 35 nights
• Caravan parks: 192 nights (usually $50–$60 per night)
• Most expensive stay: $112/night (Cairns Coconut Resort)

How to Save on Accommodation:

• Camp for free more often
• Choose low-cost campgrounds and national parks
• Use membership discounts (Big4, NRMA, G’Day Parks)

3. Food & Groceries – $253 per week

• Includes nappies, toiletries, and household items
• Costs are higher in remote areas

4. Eating Out & Alcohol – $187 per week

• Includes cafés, bakeries, breweries, and pub meals
• Costs are higher in tourist hotspots

How to Save on Food & Dining:

• Cook more meals in the van
• Shop at local markets and bulk-buy stores
• Cut down on takeaway coffee & alcohol

5. Paid Experiences – $262 per week

This family didn’t hold back on epic adventures:

• Whale shark diving (Exmouth)
• Great white shark cage diving (Port Lincoln)
• Cable Beach camel rides (Broome)
• Island day trips (Rottnest, Whitsundays, Fitzroy, Great Keppel)
• Reef Magic snorkel tour (Cairns)
• Fishing charters (Broome, Exmouth)
• Helicopter flight (Mitchell Falls)

How to Save on Activities:

• Take advantage of free national parks and hikes
• Book family passes or off-season discounts
• Prioritize the once-in-a-lifetime experiences

6. Vehicle & Caravan Maintenance – $135 per week

• 3 vehicle services and new tyres over 48 weeks

7. Gas (LPG) – $3 per week

• Used for cooking and hot water

8. Miscellaneous – $42 per week

Includes: haircuts, pharmacy items, caravan toilet chemicals, and wetsuits

9. Phone & Internet – $18 per week

• Used $35/month Woolworths phone plans
• No Starlink, but they would consider it next time

Total Cost of Traveling Around Australia: $1,459 per Week

For this family, the total cost of 48 weeks on the road was approximately $69,000.

To put that into perspective:

• They previously paid $980 per fortnight in daycare
• Full-time travel was more affordable than city living!

How to Travel Australia on a Budget

If you’re looking to cut costs, here are some easy ways to save money on the road:

✅ Travel Slower

• Fewer kilometres = less fuel used
• Slower travel means more time at free camps

✅ Choose Free & Low-Cost Camps

• Use apps like WikiCamps & CamperMate
• National Parks are cheaper than caravan parks

✅ Reduce Eating Out

• Meal prep in the caravan
• Buy groceries in bulk when possible

✅ Limit Paid Activities

• Prioritise free hikes, beaches, and waterfalls
• Choose one or two bucket-list experiences

Can You Travel Australia for Under $1,000 a Week?

Yes! A minimalist traveller or couple could comfortably travel Australia for $800–$1,000 per week by:

• Free camping 80% of the time
• Slowing down travel to cut fuel costs
• Cooking nearly all meals in the van
• Choosing mostly free activities

Could You Spend More? Absolutely.

Luxury travellers or families who prefer caravan parks, frequent dining out, and high-end tours can easily spend $2,000+ per week.

Final Thoughts: How Much Will Your Big Lap Cost?

Your travel budget depends on your lifestyle, travel speed, and choices. This real-world budget breakdown offers a realistic guide to help you plan.

Want to compare RVs for your trip? Explore the best caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes at RVfinder.com.au.