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.

Melbourne to Sydney Fuel Cost

Calculate Melbourne to Sydney fuel costs. 878km via Hume Freeway. Compare vehicle efficiency and find the cheapest fuel stops.

Distance: 878 km | Drive time: ~9.5 hours

Route highlights

Yass Valley
Albury-Wodonga border towns
Blue Mountains National Park
Sydney Harbour approaches
Hume Freeway engineering

Places of Interest Between Melbourne and Sydney

Beechworth (Town)

45 minutes east of Wangaratta — gold-rush granite streetscape, the legendary Beechworth Bakery, and Ned Kelly's original lock-up. A worthwhile first-night split-stop for Melbourne-starters.

40 min off Hume at Wangaratta

Albury-Wodonga (Town)

The twin cities straddle the Murray River at the VIC/NSW border. Monument Hill Lookout gives the whole valley in one shot; the Commercial Club in Albury is the classic Hume-driver's pub meal.

On route

Holbrook Submarine (Attraction)

A decommissioned Oberon-class submarine mounted on the main street of an inland farming town — Australian roadside kitsch at its finest. Free, flat, and the fuel here is routinely the cheapest on the Hume.

On route

Gundagai & the Dog on the Tuckerbox (Historic Site)

The bronze dog, the café, the view over the old bridge — Hume tradition. The nearby Prince Alfred Bridge is currently being reopened as a walking track worth the 10-minute stretch after a long session behind the wheel.

2 min off M31

Canberra (City)

A 40-minute side trip at Yass via the Barton Highway. The War Memorial, Parliament House and the National Gallery are all free. Worth a half-day at minimum if you've never been.

40 min detour at Yass

Southern Highlands (Berrima, Bowral, Robertson) (Town)

The final scenic stretch before Sydney. Berrima's colonial village, Bowral's cafés, Robertson's pie shop and the Fitzroy Falls lookout at Morton National Park make an ideal late-afternoon break.

10 min off M31 at Mittagong

Best Time to Drive Melbourne to Sydney

Spring and autumn are ideal — mild driving, wildflowers then leaves. Summer is fine but late-afternoon thunderstorms between Albury and Goulburn can be intense. Avoid Friday and Sunday evenings around Melbourne — the M31 through the outer north clags up. Early Monday morning is often the quietest driving window of the week.

Local Tips for the Melbourne to Sydney Drive

Northbound fuel strategy: top up at Albury or Holbrook before the NSW border (SA/WA timing — NSW prices are usually higher for ULP, lower for diesel). The Sydney approach via Campbelltown is free of tolls if you stay on the Hume; taking the M7 adds a toll but skips Liverpool traffic.

Driving Tips

Reverse route of Sydney-Melbourne drive with equally scenic appeal. Fuel tends to be cheapest in Albury; take advantage before heading toward Sydney where prices rise. Many travellers complete this drive in reverse over two days, stopping overnight in Goulburn. Approaching Sydney via Blue Mountains adds stunning scenery in final 90 minutes. Note Sydney CBD parking is expensive and congested—consider afternoon arrival to book accommodation before rush hour.