To travel 25,000kms around Australia in one year, you'd need to have around $25,400 set aside for a car and caravan trip. We found about $17,400 of that would need to go towards paying for powered camping sites, while the remaining cost of close to $8,000 would go towards fuel.

Driving around Australia (often called "The Big Lap") is a massive undertaking that typically requires a budget of $15,000 to $25,000 AUD for a solo traveler or a couple over a 6 to 12-month period. This estimate includes the purchase or rental of a reliable vehicle (like a 4WD or a campervan), fuel, insurance, maintenance, and food. In 2026, fuel prices remain a significant variable, especially in remote outback regions where prices can be 30% to 50% higher than in coastal cities. For a shorter 4-week road trip along a popular route like the East Coast (Sydney to Cairns), you should budget approximately $4,000 to $6,000 AUD, covering van rental, caravan park fees, and iconic activities like reef tours. Daily costs can range from $100 to $250 AUD depending on your "comfort level"—cooking your own meals and using free campsites can significantly lower the cost, while frequent hotel stays and guided tours will push the budget higher. Many travelers look for "vehicle relocation" deals, which can cost as little as $1 per day, to save on the largest expense. It is also vital to have an emergency fund of at least $2,000 for unexpected mechanical repairs.