What is the average fuel price in Australia in 2026?

As of May 2026, average Australian fuel prices are approximately $2.35/L for ULP (unleaded 91), $2.30/L for E10, $2.48/L for Premium 95, $2.56/L for Premium 98, and $2.74/L for Diesel. Prices remain elevated — automotive fuel is up 24.2% year-on-year on Middle East supply disruptions and a softer AUD, partially offset by the federal excise cut to 26.3¢/L (effective until 30 June 2026). 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.

Darwin to Alice Springs Fuel Cost

Calculate fuel costs for Darwin to Alice Springs legendary outback drive. 1500km via Stuart Highway to Uluru. Plan your Australian adventure.

Distance: 1500 km | Drive time: ~16 hours

Route highlights

Stuart Highway iconic route
Kakadu National Park detours
Red Centre landscape
Katherine Gorge region
Uluru cultural significance

Places of Interest Between Darwin and Alice Springs

Litchfield National Park (National Park)

A worthwhile half-day detour from Darwin before committing to the Stuart Highway. Wangi Falls and Florence Falls are the signature swimming holes; magnetic termite mounds at the park entry are geological oddities.

1 hour off Stuart Highway

Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) (National Park)

300km south of Darwin. 13 gorges carved through sandstone; ferry boat cruises between gorges in dry season, canoe hire from the visitor centre. Edith Falls on the way in is a free swimming alternative.

30 min off Stuart Highway

Mataranka Thermal Pools (Natural Attraction)

Crystal-clear 34°C thermal springs 100km south of Katherine. Free to swim, palm-shaded, easy access from the Stuart Highway. Bitter Springs (8km away) is the quieter local favourite.

On route

Daly Waters Pub (Historic Site)

Central Australia's most legendary roadhouse pub — ceiling covered in thousands of bras, business cards and hats left by passing drivers. Beef and barra every night, country bands most evenings. Almost exactly halfway.

5 min off Stuart Highway

Devil's Marbles / Karlu Karlu (Natural Attraction)

Massive round granite boulders scattered across the plain 100km south of Tennant Creek. Sacred to Warumungu people; free to view, best at sunrise or sunset for the colour shift. Small campground on site.

On route

West MacDonnell Ranges (National Park)

The last stretch into Alice Springs runs parallel to the West Macs. Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm are accessible as a day-loop from Alice; Ormiston Gorge is the signature waterhole.

Day trips from Alice Springs

Best Time to Drive Darwin to Alice Springs

May to September only — dry season, cool nights, sealed roads all the way. October onwards brings pre-monsoon humidity; November–April the north floods and roadhouses sometimes close. Alice gets below zero on winter mornings — camper vans need diesel fuel additive in July.

Local Tips for the Darwin to Alice Springs Drive

The Stuart Highway is 1500km of single-carriage sealed bitumen. Fuel stops are 100–250km apart — never pass one with less than half a tank. Reliable stops: Katherine, Daly Waters, Tennant Creek, Ti Tree. Road trains (up to 53.5m) require 2km of clear road to pass safely — don't rush. Livestock, kangaroos, camels all wander onto the road at dusk and dawn.

Driving Tips

Legendary outback drive through Australia's red interior—best completed over 2-3 days to experience landscape properly. Fuel is extremely expensive (10-15 cents per litre above capital city prices) so budget accordingly. Katherine Gorge (40km detour) is stunning and worthwhile stop. Service stations are widely spaced; never let fuel drop below 50% tank level. Food/accommodation options are basic in remote towns—book ahead or self-cater. Summer temperatures exceed 45C; drive very early (5am-10am) and late afternoon (4pm-7pm) for safety. Uluru extension requires additional time but is spiritual must-see experience.