What is the average fuel price in Australia in 2026?

As of March 2026, average Australian fuel prices are approximately $2.33/L for ULP (unleaded 91), $2.28/L for E10, $2.46/L for Premium 95, $2.54/L for Premium 98, and $2.72/L for Diesel. Prices vary by state and are affected by global oil supply disruptions. FuelCalc lets you enter the exact price you're paying for the most accurate estimate.

How do I calculate litres per 100km fuel consumption?

To calculate L/100km: fill your tank, reset your trip meter, drive normally, then fill up again. Divide the litres used by the kilometres driven, then multiply by 100. For example, if you used 45 litres over 600km: (45 / 600) x 100 = 7.5 L/100km. FuelCalc includes fuel consumption presets for hundreds of popular Australian vehicles.

How much does it cost to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?

The drive from Sydney to Melbourne is approximately 880km via the Hume Highway. At an average fuel consumption of 8 L/100km and ULP price of $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $164. A return trip would cost about $328 in fuel. Actual costs vary based on your vehicle, driving style, and current fuel prices. Use FuelCalc for an accurate estimate.

How much does it cost to drive from Brisbane to Sydney?

Brisbane to Sydney is approximately 920km via the Pacific Highway (M1). At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $171. A return trip costs approximately $343. The drive takes about 10 to 11 hours depending on traffic and stops. Use FuelCalc to get an estimate based on your vehicle and fuel price.

How much does it cost to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide?

Melbourne to Adelaide is about 730km via the Western Highway and takes roughly 8 hours. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is approximately $136. A return trip costs about $272. Use FuelCalc for an estimate tailored to your specific vehicle and current fuel prices.

How much does it cost to drive from Perth to Sydney?

Perth to Sydney is one of Australia's longest drives at approximately 3,930km. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $733. The drive takes about 40 to 42 hours of driving time across several days. Use FuelCalc to calculate the exact cost for your vehicle.

How much does it cost to drive from Sydney to Gold Coast?

Sydney to the Gold Coast is approximately 840km via the Pacific Highway (M1) and takes around 9 hours. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $157. A return trip costs about $314. Use FuelCalc to calculate the exact cost based on your vehicle and current fuel price.

How much does it cost to drive from Sydney to Canberra?

Sydney to Canberra is approximately 280km via the Hume and Federal Highways and takes about 3 hours. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $52. A return trip costs about $104. It is one of the most popular short drives in Australia.

How much does it cost to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?

Brisbane to Cairns is approximately 1,700km via the Bruce Highway and takes around 19 to 20 hours of driving, usually done over two or three days. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $317. A return trip costs about $634.

How much does it cost to drive from Sydney to Byron Bay?

Sydney to Byron Bay is approximately 770km via the Pacific Highway (M1) and takes around 8 to 9 hours. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $144. A return trip costs about $287. Use FuelCalc for an estimate tailored to your vehicle.

How much does it cost to drive from Melbourne to Geelong?

Melbourne to Geelong is approximately 75km via the Princes Freeway (M1) and takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.35/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $14. A return trip costs about $28. This is one of Australia's most common daily commutes.

How much does it cost to drive from Perth to Broome?

Perth to Broome is approximately 2,240km via the Great Northern Highway and takes around 24 hours of driving time, usually split over two to three days. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.32/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $416. Fuel prices in remote WA can be significantly higher than city prices.

How much does it cost to drive from Adelaide to Sydney?

Adelaide to Sydney is approximately 1,380km via the Hume Highway through Wagga Wagga and takes around 14 hours. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.28/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $252. A return trip costs about $504. Use FuelCalc to calculate the cost for your specific vehicle.

How much fuel do I need for a 500km trip?

The fuel needed for a 500km trip depends on your vehicle's consumption rate. At 8 L/100km (average for a mid-size car), you would need 40 litres. At 6 L/100km (small car), you would need 30 litres. At 12 L/100km (large SUV or ute), you would need 60 litres. The formula is: (distance / 100) x L/100km = litres needed.

Is it cheaper to drive or fly in Australia?

For solo travellers, flying is often cheaper than driving for distances over 800km when you factor in fuel, tolls, food, and accommodation. However, driving becomes more cost-effective with multiple passengers because fuel costs are split while airfares multiply per person. For example, Sydney to Melbourne costs roughly $164 in fuel for one car but $200 to $400 per person to fly. With four passengers, driving costs about $41 per person. Use FuelCalc to compare.

Is E10 petrol cheaper than ULP 91 in Australia?

Yes, E10 is typically 3 to 5 cents per litre cheaper than ULP 91 in Australia. As of March 2026, the national average is $2.28/L for E10 versus $2.33/L for ULP. However, E10 contains 10 percent ethanol which has less energy than pure petrol, so your fuel consumption increases by about 3 percent. For most drivers, E10 still works out slightly cheaper overall. Check your vehicle manual to confirm it is compatible with E10.

How much does it cost to drive from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Melbourne to Brisbane is approximately 1,670km via the inland Newell Highway or 1,760km via the coastal Pacific Highway. At 8 L/100km and ULP at $2.33/L, the one-way fuel cost is roughly $311 to $328 depending on route. The drive takes around 18 to 19 hours. Use FuelCalc to calculate the cost for your specific vehicle and preferred route.

What is the cheapest fuel type in Australia?

E10 ethanol blend is typically the cheapest fuel in Australia at around 3 to 5 cents per litre less than ULP 91. However, E10 has about 3 percent lower energy content, so your consumption increases slightly. LPG (autogas) is significantly cheaper per litre but requires a vehicle conversion. For total running cost, hybrid and electric vehicles are the cheapest to fuel.

Is FuelCalc free to use?

Yes, FuelCalc is completely free to use. There are no sign-ups, no ads, and no hidden fees. It works on any device with a web browser — phone, tablet, or desktop — and can be installed as an app for offline use.

What fuel types does FuelCalc support?

FuelCalc supports all common Australian fuel types: Unleaded 91 (ULP), Ethanol E10, Premium 95 (P95), Premium 98 (P98), Diesel, and Electric Vehicles (EV with kWh pricing). You can select your fuel type and adjust the price per litre to match what you pay at the pump.

Does FuelCalc have live fuel prices?

Yes, FuelCalc has live fuel prices for six states and territories: NSW and Tasmania via the FuelCheck API, Queensland via FuelPricesQLD, Victoria via Fair Fuel, South Australia via FuelPricingInformation, and Western Australia via FuelWatch. This covers the vast majority of Australian fuel stations. You can always manually enter the exact price you are paying for the most accurate estimate.

Brisbane to Byron Bay Fuel Cost

Calculate fuel cost for Brisbane to Byron Bay. 170km down the Pacific Motorway, ~2.25 hours. Live QLD and NSW fuel prices with border refuel strategy.

Distance: 170 km | Drive time: ~2.25 hours

Route highlights

Pacific Motorway M1
Gold Coast theme park strip
Tweed Heads border
Mt Warning (Wollumbin) views
Cape Byron lighthouse

Places of Interest Between Brisbane and Byron Bay

Mount Tamborine (Town)

30-minute detour at Oxenford. Gallery Walk, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and Cedar Creek Falls. A worthy hinterland break before the Gold Coast strip.

30 min off M1

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park (National Park)

Glow-worm cave under a natural rock arch, set in World Heritage rainforest. Best at dusk. Free walk (700m return). Cave Creek flows through the arch creating a waterfall from above.

30 min off M1 via Numinbah

Point Danger & Captain Cook Memorial (Town)

The Gold Coast–NSW border headland. Free clifftop lookout with panoramic views north to Surfers and south to Fingal Head. Cross into NSW and adjust watches (no daylight saving in QLD Oct–Apr).

On route

Fingal Head Causeway (Natural Attraction)

The hexagonal basalt columns at Fingal Head are the southern tail of the same geological formation as Giant's Causeway in Ireland. Free access, 5 min off the highway. Tidal — check before visiting.

10 min off Pacific Motorway

Mount Warning (Wollumbin) & Nightcap National Park (National Park)

Ancient volcanic plug, sacred to Bundjalung people (summit walk currently closed for cultural reasons). The surrounding Wollumbin National Park has dramatic walks at Terragon and Mount Nullum.

30 min off Pacific Motorway

Cape Byron Lighthouse & Easternmost Point (Natural Attraction)

Australia's most easterly point, 1901 lighthouse, and the 3.7km Cape Byron walking track. Sunrise from the lighthouse is a genuine bucket-list moment.

Destination

Best Time to Drive Brisbane to Byron Bay

May–October is the sweet spot — low humidity, whale season (humpbacks off Cape Byron June–November), and cheap accommodation. Avoid Splendour in the Grass (July) and Byron Bay Bluesfest (Easter) unless you have tickets and pre-booked accommodation.

Local Tips for the Brisbane to Byron Bay Drive

The Pacific Motorway is now four-lane end to end. The QLD/NSW border timezone change is critical — set your watch at Point Danger. Fuel is usually cheaper south of the border (NSW side at Tweed Heads or Chinderah). Byron Bay paid parking is active 9am–6pm — free parking at the Cape Byron car park fills before 8am.

Driving Tips

Straight run down the M1 from Brisbane to Coolangatta, then the Pacific Motorway continues into NSW to the Ewingsdale exit for Byron. Crossing the border into NSW means prices tend to step up 3–6 c/L — fill in Coolangatta or Tweed before crossing. Byron itself is expensive for fuel (10+ c/L above the NSW regional average) and the petrol stations in the town centre run out of the cheaper grades on peak weekends. Friday evening traffic through the M1 between Helensvale and Coolangatta can add 40 minutes easily.