School Holiday Road Trips Under $100 Fuel | Every State
Best road trips under $100 in fuel for every Australian state. Real costs at today's prices — $22 Bruny Island to $90 Busselton. Calculate yours.
The Best Road Trips Under $100 in Fuel — Every State
School holidays kick off **April 3 in most states**, and fuel prices are still elevated thanks to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruption. But here's the good news: you don't need a massive budget to get away. Some of Australia's best short-break destinations are a tank (or less) from every capital city.
We've calculated the **actual fuel cost** for road trips in all eight states and territories using today's prices and a standard mid-size car (8.5 L/100km — think Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, or Hyundai i30). Every trip on this list costs **under $100 in fuel return**.
All prices are based on state-average ULP as of 29 March 2026, sourced from [ACCC weekly fuel monitoring data](https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/petrol-and-fuel) and FuelCalc's live government API feeds. Your actual cost will vary depending on your vehicle, driving style, and the price you find at the bowser — **[run your exact numbers through FuelCalc](/)** before you leave.
Prices can vary 20–30 cents between suburbs and states, and the market remains volatile — wholesale benchmarks have shifted sharply since late February. Diesel has been hit hardest, frequently exceeding $3.00/L in capital cities. Always check live prices in FuelCalc before you leave.
*Prices shown are state averages as of late March 2026. Updated regularly through the school holiday period — your local price may be higher or lower.*
When Do School Holidays Start in 2026?
Term 1 holidays don't align perfectly across the country, so check your state's education department before booking:
| State | Holiday Dates | Notes | |---|---|---| | **NSW** | 3 April – 20 April | Government schools | | **VIC** | 3 April – 19 April | | | **QLD** | 3 April – 19 April | | | **SA** | 3 April – 19 April | | | **WA** | 3 April – 19 April | | | **TAS** | 18 April – 3 May | Latest start — Term 1 runs longer | | **ACT** | 3 April – 20 April | | | **NT** | 3 April – 20 April | |
Most states share the same holiday window this year, which means **peak crowds from 3–19 April** across the country. Tasmania is the exception — Tassie families are still in school until 17 April, so eastern state families visiting Tasmania in early April will find less competition for accommodation.
:::note School date disclaimer Dates shown are for government schools and may vary slightly by division or region within each state. Independent and Catholic schools often differ by a week or more — always confirm with your school before booking. Dates don't include pupil-free days, which can add an extra day or two either side. :::
Sources: [NSW Education](https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/calendars/2026), [VIC Education](https://www.vic.gov.au/school-term-dates-and-holidays-victoria), [QLD Education](https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/calendar/term-dates), [WA Education](https://www.education.wa.edu.au/future-term-dates), [TAS Education](https://decyp.tas.gov.au/learning/term-dates/).
New South Wales — $2.35/L ULP Average
**Sydney to Blue Mountains (Katoomba)** — 110 km one way Fuel cost: **$22 one way, $44 return** The classic. Two hours from the CBD, you're walking clifftop trails at Wentworth Falls and watching sunset over the Three Sisters. April is peak autumn colour season in the upper mountains — Leura and Blackheath are stunning. Free camping options exist at Ingar or Euroka.
**Sydney to Jervis Bay** — 190 km one way Fuel cost: **$38 one way, $76 return** White sand, clear water, and some of the best coastal walking tracks on the east coast. Hyams Beach consistently features in 'whitest sand' lists. Budget tip: Booderee National Park has affordable campgrounds and a $13/vehicle entry fee.
**Sydney to Newcastle & Hunter Valley** — 160 km one way Fuel cost: **$32 one way, $64 return** Beach town plus wine region in one trip. Merewether Beach for the morning, Hunter Valley cellar doors for the afternoon. The drive up the M1 is straightforward and fast.
:::warning Regional NSW Diesel shortages remain an issue in parts of western NSW. If you're heading past Bathurst or Dubbo, check [FuelCheck NSW](https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/) for station availability before you leave and fill up at every opportunity. :::
Victoria — $2.37/L ULP Average
**Melbourne to Great Ocean Road (Torquay)** — 105 km one way Fuel cost: **$21 one way, $42 return** Australia's most famous coastal drive starts under $50 in fuel. You don't have to do the whole road in one hit — Torquay to Apollo Bay is the most scenic section and keeps you well under budget. April means fewer crowds than summer, and the surf is still solid.
**Melbourne to Daylesford** — 115 km one way Fuel cost: **$23 one way, $46 return** The spa capital of Victoria. Natural mineral springs, excellent cafes, and the Hepburn Bathhouse. A relaxed 90-minute drive through the goldfields region. Popular with families and couples alike.
**Melbourne to Phillip Island** — 140 km one way Fuel cost: **$28 one way, $56 return** The penguin parade alone is worth the trip for kids. Add in the Koala Conservation Centre and the scenic coastline. Under an hour and a half from the city, and under $60 in fuel return.
**Worth stretching for: Melbourne to Bright** — 320 km one way Fuel cost: **$64 one way, $129 return** (over budget — but hear us out) Bright in autumn is arguably the most beautiful drive in Australia. The $129 fuel cost breaks our $100 rule, but split between two families that's $65 each. Use [FuelCalc's cost-per-person splitter](/) to divide it up.
Queensland — $2.35/L ULP Average
**Brisbane to Gold Coast Hinterland (Tamborine Mountain)** — 90 km one way Fuel cost: **$18 one way, $36 return** Rainforest walks, glow-worm caves, and Gallery Walk for the adults — all for $36 in fuel. Mount Tamborine is only an hour from Brisbane and feels like a different climate. Pack a picnic; the lookouts over the Gold Coast are spectacular.
**Brisbane to Noosa** — 150 km one way Fuel cost: **$30 one way, $60 return** Noosa Heads, the Noosa Everglades by kayak, and Hastings Street for fish and chips. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland (Maleny, Montville) is on the way and adds almost nothing to the fuel cost. $60 return makes this one of the best-value family trips in the country.
**Brisbane to Stanthorpe** — 220 km one way Fuel cost: **$44 one way, $88 return** Queensland's coolest town — literally. April nights in Stanthorpe can drop to single digits, and the apple orchards and granite belt wineries are in full autumn mode. Girraween National Park has excellent bushwalking. Under $90 in fuel for a proper regional getaway.
**QLD bonus:** The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are among the most popular school holiday destinations in the country — book accommodation early, especially for the first week of April when demand peaks.
South Australia — $2.32/L ULP Average
SA has the second-cheapest fuel in the country right now, and some of the best short-break destinations.
**Adelaide to Barossa Valley** — 70 km one way Fuel cost: **$14 one way, $28 return** World-class wine region, 45 minutes from the city, for less than $30 in fuel. That's hard to beat anywhere in Australia. April is harvest season — many wineries offer tastings of freshly pressed vintage. Kids can run around at Barossa Chateau's playground while you sample Shiraz.
**Adelaide to Victor Harbor** — 85 km one way Fuel cost: **$17 one way, $34 return** The horse-drawn tram to Granite Island, whale watching (southern rights start arriving in May), and the Fleurieu Peninsula coastline. A genuine beach holiday for $34 return.
**Adelaide to Clare Valley** — 135 km one way Fuel cost: **$27 one way, $54 return** Riesling Trail cycling, cellar doors, and rolling hills. Less crowded than the Barossa and equally beautiful. Under $55 return.
Western Australia — $2.30/L ULP Average
WA has the cheapest ULP in the country at $2.30/L average, plus the most predictable fuel price cycle (weekly, centred on Tuesday lows).
**Perth to Mandurah** — 75 km one way Fuel cost: **$15 one way, $30 return** Dolphin cruises on the estuary, fresh seafood at the marina, and the stunning Dawesville Cut. Just $30 return — one of the cheapest getaways on this entire list.
**Perth to Busselton** — 230 km one way Fuel cost: **$45 one way, $90 return** The famous 1.8 km timber jetty, underwater observatory, and the gateway to Margaret River wine country. Just squeaks under $100 return. If you time your fill-up to the bottom of Perth's weekly price cycle, you could save another $5–8.
:::success WA Savings Tip Perth's weekly fuel price cycle typically bottoms out on Tuesdays. According to ACCC data, Perth motorists who consistently buy at the cycle trough save up to **$520 per year**. Fill up on the cheap day before your trip. :::
Tasmania — $2.34/L ULP Average
Tasmania's compact size makes it the best state for budget road trips. Everything is close.
**Hobart to Bruny Island (ferry terminal)** — 55 km one way Fuel cost: **$11 one way, $22 return** The cheapest road trip on this list. Bruny Island has the famous Neck lookout, Get Shucked oyster farm, and some of Australia's most dramatic coastal scenery. Add the ferry cost (~$39 per car return) and you're still under $65 total transport.
**Hobart to Freycinet (Coles Bay)** — 195 km one way Fuel cost: **$39 one way, $78 return** Wineglass Bay is consistently rated as one of the world's best beaches. The walk to the lookout takes about an hour return. April in Freycinet is magic — fewer people than summer and the light is incredible for photography.
**Launceston to Cradle Mountain** — 150 km one way Fuel cost: **$30 one way, $60 return** Iconic alpine wilderness. The Dove Lake circuit walk (6 km, 2–3 hours) is world-class. April brings the start of snow on the peaks and the turning of the deciduous beech — Tasmania's only native deciduous tree. Breathtaking. $60 return in fuel.
:::tip Tasmania Timing Tasmania's school holidays start later — **18 April** — while most other states break from 3 April. Eastern state families visiting Tasmania in early-to-mid April will find less competition for accommodation and lower prices. :::
Northern Territory — $2.58/L ULP Average
The NT has the highest fuel prices in Australia — 23 cents more per litre than WA — but the destinations are worth the premium.
**Darwin to Litchfield National Park** — 120 km one way Fuel cost: **$26 one way, $53 return** Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole — some of Australia's best swimming holes, all accessible by sealed road. April is the tail end of the wet season, so the waterfalls are at their most impressive. Check [NT Parks](https://nt.gov.au/parks) for current access conditions.
**Alice Springs to West MacDonnell Ranges** — 130 km one way (to Ormiston Gorge) Fuel cost: **$29 one way, $57 return** Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole — the red centre at its most dramatic. April is ideal: warm days (25–30°C), cool nights, and no extreme heat. Under $60 return.
**April weather:** Darwin is at the tail end of the wet season — expect warm days (32°C), high humidity, and occasional late-afternoon storms. Alice Springs is drier and cooler (25–30°C days, 10–15°C nights) — ideal for bushwalking and camping. By mid-April, Litchfield tracks are mostly open but check access conditions before you go.
:::warning Remote NT Fuel Fuel prices in remote NT communities can exceed $3.00/L — and diesel is even higher. Always fill up in Darwin or Alice Springs before heading bush, and [check your exact fuel cost in FuelCalc](/) so you know what to budget. :::
Australian Capital Territory — $2.33/L ULP Average
Canberra is often overlooked for holidays, but it's perfectly positioned as a launchpad for coastal and mountain getaways.
**Canberra to Batemans Bay** — 150 km one way Fuel cost: **$30 one way, $59 return** The drive over the Clyde Mountain is dramatic, and Batemans Bay delivers beaches, rock pools, and fresh oysters at the waterfront. A genuine coast escape for under $60 in fuel.
**Canberra to Thredbo / Jindabyne** — 200 km one way Fuel cost: **$40 one way, $79 return** April in the Snowy Mountains means autumn hiking at its best — no snow yet, trails are open, accommodation is cheap (off-season), and the mountain air is crisp. The Thredbo Valley Track (9 km one way) runs alongside the Thredbo River through eucalypt forest. Under $80 return.
**April in the ACT:** Canberra is spectacular in autumn — the city was designed with deciduous trees, and early-to-mid April is peak colour season. Lake Burley Griffin, the National Arboretum, and the parliamentary triangle are particularly photogenic. Expect cool, crisp days (18–20°C) and cold nights (5–7°C). Pack layers.
**Canberra itself:** If you're driving to Canberra from Sydney (286 km, about $114 return in fuel), Floriade may be over but the National Gallery, Questacon for kids, and the Australian War Memorial are world-class and mostly free. [Calculate the exact Sydney to Canberra cost in FuelCalc](/) with your vehicle and today's price.
How We Calculated These Costs
Every cost in this article was calculated using the same formula FuelCalc uses:
**Fuel cost = (distance ÷ 100) × consumption × price per litre**
We used: **Vehicle:** Mid-size car at 8.5 L/100km (combined cycle — represents a Corolla, Mazda 3, i30, or similar) **Fuel prices:** State-average ULP as of 29 March 2026, sourced from ACCC monitoring data and FuelCalc's live government API feeds from NSW FuelCheck, SA FuelPricingInformation, VIC Fair Fuel, and QLD FuelPricesQLD **Distances:** Driving distance via main routes (not straight-line)
Your costs will differ based on your vehicle (an SUV at 11.5 L/100km adds roughly 35%; a diesel 4WD adds 60–100%), driving style (aggressive driving adds 15–20% per the [NRMA](https://www.mynrma.com.au/cars-and-driving/fuel-finder/weekly-report)), and the actual price you pay at the bowser.
**For your exact cost, [calculate it instantly with FuelCalc](/) — enter your vehicle, route, and today's fuel price for a precise breakdown in seconds. You can even split costs across multiple passengers.**
5 Tips to Keep Your School Holiday Fuel Bill Down
**1. Fill up before you leave, not on the highway.** Highway servo prices are typically 10–20 cents per litre above suburban stations. On a 70-litre tank, that's up to $14 wasted.
**2. Time the price cycle.** If you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth, check the [ACCC's buying tips](https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/petrol-and-fuel/petrol-price-cycles-in-the-5-largest-cities) before you fill. Buying at the cycle trough instead of the peak saves 10–30 cents per litre. Perth's weekly cycle is the most predictable — fill up on Tuesdays.
**3. Check if E10 actually saves you money.** E10 is typically 5–9 cents cheaper per litre than ULP 91, but delivers about 3% less energy. It only saves money if the price gap is 7–8 cents or more. At current prices, it usually passes that test — but check before you fill. FuelCalc lets you toggle between fuel types to compare costs instantly. Read our [full E10 vs 91 breakdown](/blog/e10-vs-91-unleaded) for the maths.
**4. Split costs with another family.** A $76 return trip to Jervis Bay split between two families with four adults is $19 each. FuelCalc's cost-per-person feature does the maths automatically.
**5. Drive 100, not 110.** Fuel consumption increases roughly 15% between 100 km/h and 110 km/h. On a 300 km trip at 8.5 L/100km, that's about 3.8 extra litres — nearly $9 at today's prices. Use cruise control and save. See our [full guide to driving techniques that save fuel](/blog/driving-techniques-save-fuel).
Frequently Asked Questions
**How much does a school holiday road trip cost in fuel?** For a mid-size car (8.5 L/100km) at current ULP prices ($2.30–$2.58/L depending on state), most short-break destinations are under $100 in fuel return. The cheapest option is Hobart to Bruny Island at just $22 return. Popular routes like Sydney to Blue Mountains cost $44 return, and Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road costs $42 return.
**Which state has the cheapest fuel right now?** As of 29 March 2026, Western Australia has the cheapest average ULP at $2.30/L, followed by South Australia at $2.32/L. The Northern Territory is the most expensive at $2.58/L — a 28-cent gap that adds up over long distances.
**When do April school holidays start in each state?** Most states start on 3 April 2026: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, ACT, and NT. Tasmania is the exception, with holidays starting 18 April. Most states get roughly 17 days off. Dates are for government schools — independent and Catholic schools may differ.
**How can I calculate the exact fuel cost for my road trip?** Use [FuelCalc](/) — enter your starting point, destination, vehicle type, and current fuel price. The calculator returns your total fuel cost, distance, travel time, and cost per person if you're splitting expenses. It pulls live fuel prices from five state government APIs so you don't have to guess.
**Is E10 cheaper for road trips?** Usually, yes — but not always. E10 costs 5–9 cents less per litre than ULP 91 but delivers about 3% less energy per litre. It only saves money when the price gap exceeds 7–8 cents. At current March 2026 prices, that gap is typically 5 cents, which makes it marginal. Check our [E10 vs 91 analysis](/blog/e10-vs-91-unleaded) for the full breakdown.
Tags: school holidays, road trips, April 2026, cheap holidays, fuel costs, family travel, state by state, budget travel, school holiday driving