December 2025: School Holiday Road Trip? Find Cheap Fuel Now!

The December school holidays are here, and families across Australia are gearing up for road trips to explore our beautiful country. However, before you pack the car and hit the road, it's crucial to factor in one significant expense: fuel. With fluctuating petrol prices, finding the cheapest fuel can significantly impact your holiday budget. This guide provides expert advice on how to save money on fuel during your travels, ensuring a smoother and more affordable holiday experience.

Understanding Current Fuel Prices Across Australia

Fuel prices can vary considerably from city to city and even suburb to suburb. As of December 2025, there are significant differences in fuel costs across Australian capital cities. For instance, Brisbane motorists are currently facing higher prices for Unleaded 91 at 209.59 cpl, a considerable difference compared to Adelaide's 167.39 cpl. In fact, Unleaded 91 prices are 25.2% higher in Brisbane than in Adelaide.

Premium 98 fuel also shows a significant price range. Brisbane currently sits at 233.82 cpl, while Adelaide offers a more affordable option at 192.05 cpl, highlighting a 21.7% difference. Diesel prices also fluctuate; Canberra's price stands at 203.76 cpl, while Adelaide offers a lower price of 187.39 cpl. This means diesel is currently 8.7% more expensive in Canberra compared to Adelaide. If you're in Sydney, note that Premium 95 costs 189.96 cpl, which is 9.3% more than Unleaded 91 at 173.73 cpl.

Interestingly, even within a city, there are savings to be found. For example, Brisbane motorists can save a little by choosing E10 at 207.11 cpl over Unleaded 91 at 209.59 cpl. Currently, Adelaide offers the cheapest prices for most fuel types, making it Australia's most affordable capital city for motorists. The top 3 cheapest capital cities for Unleaded 91 are Adelaide (167.39 cpl), Perth (172.48 cpl), and Sydney (173.73 cpl).

Planning Your Route: Optimise for Fuel Efficiency

Careful route planning is essential for minimising fuel consumption. Consider these tips:

• Avoid Peak Hour: Stop-start traffic significantly increases fuel consumption. Plan your journey to avoid congested areas and peak travel times.
• Choose Efficient Routes: Opt for routes with fewer hills and less stop-start driving. Motorways generally offer more consistent speeds and better fuel economy.
• Combine Errands: Group your stops to minimise unnecessary trips. A single long trip is generally more fuel-efficient than several short ones.

Driving Habits: Simple Changes, Significant Savings

Your driving style has a direct impact on fuel consumption. Adopting these habits can lead to substantial savings:

• Maintain a Steady Speed: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Smooth, consistent driving is far more fuel-efficient.
• Use Cruise Control: On open roads, cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, optimising fuel economy.
• Anticipate Traffic: Look ahead and anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.
• Avoid Idling: Turn off your engine when stopped for more than a minute. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle.

Vehicle Maintenance: Keep Your Car in Top Condition

A well-maintained vehicle operates more efficiently, saving you money on fuel. Prioritise these maintenance tasks:

• Tyre Pressure: Check your tyre pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
• Engine Servicing: Regular servicing ensures your engine is running optimally. Replace air filters, spark plugs, and oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Wheel Alignment: Misaligned wheels can increase tyre wear and fuel consumption. Have your wheels aligned regularly.
• Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your car. Extra weight increases fuel consumption.

Leveraging Technology: Find the Cheapest Fuel with FuelRadar

In today's digital age, technology can be a powerful tool for saving money on fuel. Several apps and websites provide real-time fuel price information, allowing you to compare prices and find the cheapest petrol near you.

FuelRadar is a leading solution for motorists looking to save money on fuel. FuelRadar provides real-time fuel prices across Australia, empowering you to make informed decisions about where to fill up. With FuelRadar, you can quickly locate the cheapest petrol stations in your area, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars per year.

FuelRadar is available on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to virtually all smartphone users. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily search for fuel prices by location, fuel type, and distance. You can also view a comprehensive map of petrol stations in your area, displaying current prices at a glance. Check out the FuelRadar map at https://fuelradar.com.au/map.

By using FuelRadar, you can take advantage of price variations between petrol stations. For example, even within the same suburb, prices can differ by several cents per litre. Over the course of a road trip, these small savings can add up to a significant amount.

Conclusion: Smart Fuelling for a Happy Holiday

With careful planning, smart driving habits, and the help of tools like FuelRadar, you can significantly reduce your fuel costs this holiday season. Before you embark on your adventure, take a few minutes to download FuelRadar and locate the cheapest fuel along your route. By being proactive and informed, you can enjoy a more affordable and stress-free holiday experience. Download the FuelRadar app today and start saving: https://fuelradar.com.au/download-the-fuelradar-app. Happy travels!