If you’re planning a Big Lap or driving around Australia for the first time, understanding the real cost is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make. Budgeting affects how long you travel, where you go, and how flexible your plans can be.
This cost breakdown is part of the broader planning process for travelling Australia by road.
👉 How do you start planning a Big Lap of Australia?
If you’ve been dreaming of hitting the road for a Big Lap of Australia, you’re probably wondering—how much does it really cost?
The answer? It depends.
When driving around Australia long-term, fuel and accommodation are usually the biggest expenses.
Some couples do it on a tight budget of $500 a week, while others spend $2,000+ per week enjoying luxury caravan parks, dining out, and staying at premium spots.
So, let’s break it all down—from fuel and accommodation to food, entertainment, and unexpected expenses. By the end of this post, you’ll have a realistic budget range and money saving tips to help you plan your own epic Aussie adventure!
The Average Cost of a Lap of Australia
On average, most full-time travellers spend between $1,000 to $1,500 per week, depending on their travel style, fuel consumption, and accommodation choices.
A 12-month lap could cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000+ based on your pace and lifestyle.
Budget is just one of several key decisions involved in driving around Australia, alongside timing, rig choice, and travel style.
👉 Planning a Big Lap of Australia
Let’s break down the key expenses:
1. Fuel Costs: The Biggest Expense!
Fuel is often the largest weekly expense on the road.Â
- Average fuel price in Australia: $2.00 – $2.50 per litre (varies by region)
- Average fuel consumption: 15L – 25L per 100km for a 4WD towing a caravan
Budget Estimate
- Slow travellers (~10,000km in a year): $5,000 – $7,500
- Fast-paced travellers (~30,000km+ in a year): $12,000 – $20,000
Ways to Save
- Use fuel discount apps like PetrolSpy & FuelMap Australia
- Fill up in major towns instead of remote areas
- Travel slower (staying longer) to reduce fuel consumption
2. Accommodation Costs: Free vs. Paid Campsites
Your choice of where to stay makes a huge difference in costs.
- Free Camping & Low-Cost Sites: $0 – $15 per night
- Caravan Parks: $30 – $60 per night
- Luxury Holiday Parks: $70+ per night
Budget Estimate
- Mainly free camping (70% of the time): $100 – $250 per month
- Mix of free camping & caravan parks (50/50): $600 – $1,000 per month
- Full-time caravan parks & powered sites: $1,500+ per month
Ways to Save
- Use WikiCamps & Campedia to find free & low-cost camps
- Look for discount with a caravan park membership (e.g. Kui Parks, G’Day Parks, NRMA, BIG4)
- Stay longer in one place to get weekly discounts at parks
3. Food & Grocery Costs
Your food budget will depend on how often you cook vs. eat out.
- Cooking in your caravan? $150 – $250 per week
- Eating out a few times per week? $300 – $400 per week
- Dining out often? $500+ per week
Budget Estimate
- Budget travellers (cooking most meals): $600 – $1,000 per month
- Eating out a few times a week: $1,200 – $1,600 per month
- Dining out frequently: $2,000+ per month
Ways to Save
- Buy in bulk before entering remote areas
- Plan simple caravan-friendly meals (one-pan dishes, BBQs)
- Shop at local markets & discount stores
4. Vehicle & Caravan Maintenance Costs
Your car and caravan will need regular maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns.
- Tyres, oil changes, services: $1,500 – $3,500 per year
- Breakdowns & unexpected repairs: $1,000 – $5,000+ (depends on the condition of your rig)
Budget Estimate
- Basic maintenance: $2,000 – $3,500 per year
- Older vehicles & more repairs: $5,000 – $10,000+ per year
Ways to Save
- Learn basic vehicle maintenance (check tyre pressure, change oil)
- Get roadside assistance (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, etc.)
- Carry spare parts & basic tools
5. Internet & Phone Costs
Staying connected on the road is essential, especially if you work remotely.
- Basic mobile plan (Optus/Telstra, 60GB data): $60 – $80 per month
- Unlimited internet (Starlink RV for remote areas): $195+ per month
Budget Estimate
- Minimal internet usage: $80 – $120 per month
- Regular internet use (streaming, remote work): $150 – $250 per month
Ways to Save
- Use free WiFi at libraries, McDonald’s, or caravan parks
- Invest in a WiFi booster to improve mobile reception
- Consider prepaid data SIMs for extra coverage
- Get a month FREE from Starlink here
6. Entertainment & Activities
What’s the point of a Big Lap if you don’t enjoy the experiences along the way?
- Tours & excursions: $50 – $300 per person
- National park fees: $30 – $100 per year
- Theme parks, museums, attractions: $20 – $150 per visit
Budget Estimate
- Budget travellers (self-guided adventures): $100 – $300 per month
- Mid-range (some tours & attractions): $500 – $1,000 per month
- Luxury travellers (lots of paid activities): $1,500+ per month
Ways to Save
- Prioritise free attractions (beaches, hikes, waterfalls)
- Buy annual passes for national parks
- Look for local deals & last-minute discounts
At this point, many people realise that a Big Lap budget isn’t just about weekly spend, it’s shaped by timing, pace, routes, vehicle setup and how long you plan to travel.
If you want help pulling all of those decisions together, our Planning a Lap of Australia eBook walks through the full planning process step by step, so you can set a budget that actually suits your trip before you leave.
The Grand Total: Estimated Monthly & Yearly Costs
| Travel Style | Weekly Budget | Monthly Budget | Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (slow travel, free camps, home-cooked meals) | $500 – $800 | $2,000 – $3,500 | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Mid-Range (mix of free & paid stays, occasional dining out, some tours) | $1,000 – $1,500 | $4,000 – $6,500 | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Luxury (fast-paced travel, caravan parks, dining out, paid activities) | $2,000+ | $8,000+ | $100,000+ |
Cost is often the first question people ask, but it’s rarely the only one. Once you understand your budget, the next steps are deciding when to travel, what rig to choose, and how you want to travel day to day.
If you’re still in the early planning phase, this guide walks through those decisions in the right order.
👉 How to start planning a Big Lap of Australia
Final Thoughts: What’s YOUR Budget?
A Big Lap of Australia can be done on almost any budget—it just depends on your travel style, pace, and priorities.
How much did you spend (or expect to spend) on your Big Lap? Share your budget tips & experiences in the comments below!
Pin This
With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
