🇦🇺 Australian Petrol Price Calculator
Calculate the cost of any Australian road trip, understand the weekly petrol price cycle, and find out how to save money at the bowser.
Australian petrol prices right now
The national average for unleaded petrol (ULP) in Australia is around 242 cents per litre (c/L) as of October 2026, with diesel averaging around 281 c/L. Prices vary between cities, with Adelaide the cheapest capital and Hobart and Darwin the most expensive.
Petrol prices by city
| City | Average ULP (c/L) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 237 c/L | Cheapest capital |
| Perth | 238 c/L | FuelWatch regulated — rises Wednesday |
| Brisbane | 240 c/L | Strong weekly price cycle |
| Sydney | 241 c/L | Strong weekly price cycle |
| Melbourne | 242 c/L | Strong weekly price cycle |
| Canberra | 246 c/L | Less competition than Sydney |
| Darwin | 249 c/L | Remote location |
| Hobart | 250 c/L | Most expensive — less predictable cycle |
The weekly petrol price cycle — Australia's unique fuel market
Australia has one of the world's most distinctive fuel pricing systems. In the major east coast cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), petrol prices follow a predictable weekly cycle — rising sharply at the start of the week, then falling steadily until they bottom out mid-week before rising again.
⏰ Best days to fill up in Australia
Tuesday to Thursday — prices are typically at their lowest mid-week. Filling up on a Thursday instead of a Sunday can save up to 15 cents per litre, or around $8 on a 55-litre tank. In Perth, FuelWatch regulates the cycle, with prices rising on Wednesday mornings — fill up on Tuesday in Perth.
The cycle isn't perfectly consistent — some weeks run 7 days, others stretch to 10-14 days. The best approach is to check a price comparison app before filling up rather than assuming a specific day will always be cheapest.
Australian road trip fuel costs
Australia's vast distances make fuel costs a significant part of any road trip budget. Based on a typical 10L/100km vehicle at 242 c/L:
| Route | Distance | Estimated fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Melbourne | 880 km | ~$213 |
| Melbourne to Adelaide | 730 km | ~$177 |
| Sydney to Brisbane | 920 km | ~$223 |
| Perth to Broome | 2,240 km | ~$542 |
| Sydney to Cairns (coastal) | 2,900 km | ~$702 |
| Darwin to Alice Springs | 1,500 km | ~$363 |
For outback routes, always carry extra fuel — petrol stations can be 200-300km apart in remote areas, and prices at remote roadhouses can be 50-100 cents per litre above city prices.
Australian speed limits
| Road type | Speed limit |
|---|---|
| Motorways and highways | 100-110 km/h (varies by state) |
| Rural roads | 100 km/h |
| Suburban areas | 50 km/h |
| School zones | 40 km/h (during school hours) |
| Shared zones | 10 km/h |
The Northern Territory removed its open speed limit in 2016 — all NT roads now have posted limits. The Stuart Highway, once famous for unlimited speed, is now 130 km/h.
💡 Tips to save money on petrol in Australia
Frequently asked questions
What is the average petrol price in Australia in 2026?
Around 242 cents per litre (c/L) nationally as of October 2026, with Adelaide the cheapest capital at 237 c/L and Hobart the most expensive at 250 c/L. Remote areas can be significantly higher.
What is the cheapest day to buy petrol in Australia?
Tuesday to Thursday in the major east coast cities, where the weekly price cycle bottoms out mid-week. In Perth, fill up on Tuesday before Wednesday morning when FuelWatch allows prices to rise.
Why is petrol so expensive in remote Australia?
Remote roadhouses face much higher distribution and transport costs — fuel has to be trucked hundreds of kilometres from the nearest terminal. Lower competition and higher operating costs also contribute. Expect to pay 50-100 c/L more in outback areas than in capital cities.
Does Australia use litres or gallons for fuel?
Litres — all Australian fuel is priced and sold in litres. Fuel economy is typically expressed as litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) rather than miles per gallon. Our calculator supports both measurement systems.