Going on a road trip in Australia is a dream come true, but it’s something that you definitely have to plan for. Even if you intend to cook your own meals and only camp in free camping spots etc, you’re still going to end up spending quite a bit of money, so budgeting is key. In this article, we’ll bring you through all the things you’ll likely have to pay for (before you set off and during your trip) so you can get an idea of how much you need to have saved.
Table of Contents
Formalities: Visa and Flight
Visa
To enter Australia, you’ll need a visa. The right one depends on whether you’re coming as a tourist, a working holidaymaker, or a student.
Here are the 3 most commonly used visa options:
| Visa | Length | Cost | For | Processing time |
| Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 | 1 year | $840 | For people between 18 to 35 years old (or 30 years). It allows you to have an extended holiday in Australia and work here to fund your trip. | From a few hours to 4 months |
| Tourist Visa eVisitor subclass 651 | 3 months | Free | Allows you to go to Australia on holidays, visit friends/family, undergo training or study and conduct short professional research. | 1 to 6 days |
| Student Visa Subclass 500 | 3 months to 5 years | $2500 | This visa allows you to study in Australia, bring your family members with you, and work limited hours in any sector. | A few weeks |
Fees correct as of July 2026 — always check the latest on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Flight Ticket
Start by comparing airlines and dates, fares swing wildly from one day to the next. Good comparison sites include Skyscanner, Opodo, eDreams and Kayak.
A flight from Europe takes at least 24 hours, with a stopover in Singapore, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Doha or Bangkok. Common carriers are Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways.
A few tips: be flexible on your departure date, airport and arrival city; search in incognito mode to avoid price-tracking cookies; and aim for an off-peak time of year. Book at least two months ahead.
💡 Ballpark: a return London–Sydney fare sits around €1,400 per person, but can easily double in peak season.
Suggested Route Map & Duration
Start in Sydney, then drive north through the coastal highlights: Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, K’gari (Fraser Island), Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays, and finish in Cairns.
Allow 4 to 6 weeks to enjoy the East Coast without rushing — you’ll make far better memories that way. For a detailed breakdown of the first leg, see our Sydney to Brisbane itinerary.
Accommodation (City Stops)
You’ll want a few nights in a bed at the start and end of the trip, before and after the campervan.
In Sydney, plan 3 to 4 nights. A hotel in the CBD makes a great base:
- Hyde Park Inn or The Ultimo, from around $190 per person per night.
- An Airbnb (e.g. around York & George) runs about $200 per person per night, usually with a kitchen, so you can cook and save on eating out.
In Cairns, book one night before your flight home. The Coral Tree Inn, for example, is around $100 per person.
Your Vehicle: Motorhome, Campervan or 4WD
This is the heart of an East Coast road trip, and where your choice really shapes the budget.
Renting a motorhome or campervan
Most rental depots are near the airport, so you’ll need public transport, a taxi or an Uber to reach them. The main companies in Cairns include Travellers Autobarn ((5% OFF with PROMO CODE:GUIDEEN), Britz, Apollo, Jucy Rentals and Cruisin Motorhomes.
Prices depend on the vehicle (number of berths, whether it has a shower and toilet), the season, how long you rent for, and how far ahead you book. As a guide, a 4-berth motorhome (2 adults + 2 children) in October/November runs from around $250/day with Britz up to $380/day with the pricier operators. Expect at least $250/day for a spring rental.
For a deeper look, see our guide to motorhome rental in Sydney and how to rent a vehicle in Australia.
Renting vs buying a 4WD
If you’re travelling for several months, buying a vehicle can work out cheaper than renting — though you’ll deal with rego, insurance and resale at the end. For a one-month trip, renting almost always wins. If you’re weighing it up, here’s how to choose and buy a vehicle.
Whichever you choose, budget $2–3 per day for insurance, and remember that a proper pre-trip vehicle check is what keeps repair costs at zero. Breakdowns are unpredictable — having a buffer in your budget is wise.
🚐 5% Discount with Travellers Autobarn
Travellers Autobarn is offering a 5% discount to Australia Backpackers Guide readers with promo code GUIDEEN
Fuel
A Sydney–Cairns run is about 2,415 km, but with detours and backtracking you’ll cover far more. Petrol sits between $1.90 and $2.20 per litre, expect the higher end the further you get from the cities.
At roughly $1.90/litre, driving around 120 km/day for 30 days, budget in the region of $250/week for fuel (more if you cover longer distances). It’s one of the biggest variable costs of the trip, so track it as you go. For driving advice, see our driving in Australia guide.
Food
Cooking your own meals is the single easiest way to keep costs down, most vans and hostels have a kitchen.
- Groceries (self-catering): from about $80/week per person.
- Add a restaurant meal per week: around $50 per person.
- Add the occasional fast food: around $25.
For a family of four eating out once or twice a week, budget roughly $160–280/week on meals out (at about $40 per person per dinner).
Excursions and Activities
The East Coast is full of incredible and unmissable activities! As we have budgeted for this, you don’t have to choose which ones you like best… you can try them all! To get the best rates, try to book in advance on the Internet or to go directly to the agency (the day before or the day of the tour). With this second option, of course you are taking some risks: high rates and/or unavailability (especially during the high season).
Here is a list of the main activities you should not miss:
The prices below are per person and may vary according to seasonality.
- Blue Mountains (abseiling day or canyoning): from $95/person. For more info and to book
- K’gari (Fraser Island) (2 day coach tour): $400/person. For more information & booking.
- Whitsunday Island (2 day cruise from Airlie Beach): from $300/person. For more information & booking.
- Airlie Beach SkyDive: from $250/person. Additionnal fees for photos & video. For more information & booking.
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling and/or Diving Day: from $150/person for snorkelling + $7 tax to be paid locally. For more information & reservations.
- Magnetic Island (Return Ferry Transfer Townsville to Magnetic Island): from $40. For more information & reservations.
Visit the Billabong Sanctuary in Townsville: $45/person.
Daintree Rainforest Crocodile Encounter Cruise: $40/person. For more information & reservations.
Budget at least $1,200 per person for activities, the coast is packed with boat trips, skydiving, seaplane and helicopter flights, diving, Whitsundays cruises, surf lessons and more. Booking ahead online usually gets the best rates.
Additional costs
Magnetic Island Ferry
There are two options: you can walk to the island as a passenger, or you can take your own vehicle. On foot, the round trip fare is $30/person. With your vehicle, the cost is approx. $220/person depending on the season.
Magnetic Island Bus Day Pass: $7/person.
Daintree Rainforest Ferry
As for getting to Magnetic Island, you have two options. On foot, the ferry will cost you a modest $4/person. With your own vehicle, the fare is $40/person.
Smart Budgeting Tips
- Optimal Travel Time: Aim for shoulder seasons (March–May or September–November) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Accommodation often offers kitchens; groceries significantly reduce your daily spending.
- Utilize Cheap Transport Options: Campervans give flexibility. Alternatively, consider bus passes (Greyhound or Firefly) instead of expensive point-to-point tickets.
- Free Outdoor Activities: National parks, beaches, and natural sights offer plenty of free wonders to enjoy.
- Track Costs and Deals: Use apps like Hipcamp for cheap camping, price alerts for flights/cars, and loyalty programs.
- Work along the way: The East Coast is full of second-year visa farm work — regions like Bundaberg and Bowen are classic stops. A few weeks of fruit picking can top up your budget mid-trip and count towards your 88 days.
Download the complete Guide for a Road Trip on the East Coast
Our FREE 52-page guide brings together all the info you need for your East Coast Road Trip in Australia:
- Preparations (seasons, budget)
- All the best spots to visit on the coast
- The best tours & activities
- Spots to park and sleep in a campervan
