How to plan fuel stops on a long Australian drive

1. Start with usable range

Your dashboard range is a guide, not a promise. Calculate from the fuel actually in the tank and a realistic L/100 km figure. As a simple example, 45 usable litres at 9 L/100 km gives about 500 km. Hold back a reserve rather than planning to arrive empty. Load, hills, wind, towing and stop-start driving can shorten the range.

If you only know a published laboratory consumption figure, allow for a higher real-world number. OTW applies a 20% planning allowance and keeps the larger of 5 litres or 10% of tank capacity in reserve. Read the full method, then enter your actual car and tank level in the fuel trip planner.

2. Find the gaps before chasing a price

Look at the entire drive, especially the distance between listed stations. The longest stretch may begin after you have already used part of your tank. A station shown on a map may be closed, lack your fuel grade or require a substantial road detour. Check opening hours and access when the next stop is remote.

For remote travel, the Northern Territory Government advises planning for long distances between fuel stops and carrying enough food, water and fuel. It also recommends letting someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. See its driving guidance. OTW's route pages show gaps between listed stations, but they cannot verify that every servo will be open when you arrive.

3. Compare stops you can reach

A lower pump price helps only if you can reach the station and the saving survives the detour. Choose the right fuel type, check the price report time, then compare stations along your direction of travel. The ACCC says fuel-price apps and websites help motorists shop around, while their coverage and freshness can differ. Its guide to fuel-price apps explains the Australian data landscape.

OTW can rank reachable stops by estimated net fuel saving and plan multiple legs. If you only need a rough budget first, use the fuel cost calculator. For a local fill before leaving, compare nearby reports.

4. Recheck before each leg

Prices and conditions can change after you make a plan. Before setting off, confirm the next stop, its fuel grade and hours. On a multi-day drive, check again each morning. Plan while parked and keep a larger margin when services are far apart.