It’s no secret — fuel prices are going through the roof across Australia.
Whether you’re towing a caravan, driving a campervan, or just road-tripping in your trusty 4WD, the cost of filling up is starting to bite.
But good news: you don’t have to put the brakes on your adventure.
With a few clever tricks (and a little help from Aussie country pubs), you can still hit the road without blowing your budget.
Here’s how.
Why Are Fuel Prices So High?
There are a few reasons for the latest fuel spike:
- Global oil prices are up due to international supply pressures.
- Domestic taxes and levies have increased quietly in early 2025.
- Seasonal demand — especially around public holidays and winter migration north.
As of May 2025, average unleaded prices are hovering around $2.20–$2.40/L — and diesel even higher. Ouch.
“Fuel is now our single biggest road trip expense — but there are ways to travel smarter.”
— WikiPubs Community Member
How to Plan a Cheaper Road Trip (and Still Have a Great Time)
1. Base Your Trip Around Free Camping Pubs
Instead of booking expensive caravan parks or tourist camps, plan your stops at pubs that offer free camping or low-cost overnight spots.
You’ll save $40–$80 a night — and those savings add up fast.
✅ Find camping-friendly pubs easily on WikiPubs.com.au — with new listings added weekly.
2. Shorten the Driving Distances
Instead of marathon driving days, plan smaller hops between towns.
Less driving = less fuel burnt = more budget for cold beers.
🔎 Use apps like WikiCamps or Google Maps to plan stops every 100–200km at welcoming pubs.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Fuel prices often spike just before long weekends and school holidays.
If you can, travel mid-week or off-peak to save both at the bowser and on food/accommodation.
4. Lighten the Load
Less weight = better fuel economy.
If you’re carrying unnecessary gear, heavy water tanks, or extras you don’t need — leave them behind for this trip.
Even a small reduction in weight can save you hundreds of dollars over long distances.
5. Join Loyalty Fuel Programs
It’s not glamorous, but stacking 4c or 6c/L discounts at places like Shell, Ampol, or United can really help over a long trip.
Link it to your supermarket spend and stack those savings.
Pub Camping = The Secret Weapon Against Rising Costs
At the end of the day, camping at country pubs:
- Saves you money.
- Supports local businesses.
- Gives you a true, authentic Aussie experience.
- Lets you keep travelling even when everything else is getting more expensive.
And honestly?
A sunset beer at a quiet country pub beats fighting for a caravan park site every time.
👉 Browse free pub camping spots now at WikiPubs.com.au
👉 Download our free “Top 20 Free Camping Pubs” guide for the road!
Final Tip
Fuel might be expensive — but with smart planning, you can still have the best road trip of your life.
Support country pubs, travel light, plan smart — and keep the dream alive.
