School Holiday Road Trip? Fuel Cost Calculator for October 2025!

The October school holidays are here, and for many Australian families, that means hitting the open road for a well-deserved break. But before you pack your bags and program your GPS, it's crucial to factor in one significant expense: fuel. With fluctuating petrol prices, careful planning can save you a substantial amount of money. This guide will help you estimate your fuel costs, offer tips for fuel efficiency, and introduce you to tools like FuelRadar to find the cheapest petrol along your route.

Calculating Your Fuel Costs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Estimating your fuel costs doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a simple formula to get you started:

1. Determine Your Trip Distance: Use a map or online route planner to calculate the total distance you'll be travelling.
2. Find Your Vehicle's Fuel Consumption: This information is usually found in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. It's typically expressed in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km).
3. Calculate Total Fuel Consumption: Divide your total trip distance by 100, then multiply by your vehicle's fuel consumption rate. For example, a 1000km trip in a car that uses 8L/100km would consume (1000 / 100) * 8 = 80 litres.
4. Estimate Fuel Cost: Multiply your total fuel consumption by the average fuel price in the areas you'll be travelling through. This is where real-time data becomes essential.

Current Fuel Prices Across Australia (October 2025)

Fuel prices can vary significantly between cities and even within the same suburb. Here's a snapshot of current prices in major Australian capital cities to help you with your calculations:

• Sydney: Unleaded 91 (U91) is averaging 175.57 cpl, while E10 petrol sits at 174.02 cpl. Diesel (DSL) is currently at 185.19 cpl. Premium 98 (P98) is the most expensive option at 199.65 cpl.
• Brisbane: Prices are generally higher in Brisbane. Unleaded 91 (U91) is at 204.77 cpl, and E10 is slightly cheaper at 201.95 cpl. Diesel (DSL) is at 186.50 cpl and Premium 98 (P98) reaches 228.90 cpl.
• Perth: Unleaded 91 (U91) is averaging 179.17 cpl and Diesel (DSL) comes in at 183.86 cpl. Premium 98 (P98) is priced at 204.24 cpl. E10 is unavailable in Perth.
• Adelaide: Currently, Adelaide offers some of the most competitive fuel prices. Unleaded 91 (U91) is at 165.75 cpl and Diesel (DSL) is at 178.73 cpl. Premium 98 (P98) is sitting at 190.38 cpl. E10 is available at 159.07 cpl.
• Hobart: Unleaded 91 (U91) is costing 177.19 cpl, while Diesel (DSL) is at 186.60 cpl. Premium 98 (P98) averages 201.90 cpl.
• Darwin: Unleaded 91 (U91) is priced at 186.01 cpl and Diesel (DSL) at 187.47 cpl. Premium 98 (P98) is the highest of the capital cities at 222.51 cpl.
• Canberra: Unleaded 91 (U91) is at 185.38 cpl and Diesel (DSL) is the highest of the capital cities at 193.76 cpl. Premium 98 (P98) sits at 210.08 cpl.

As you can see, prices vary considerably. For example, Unleaded 91 prices are significantly higher in Brisbane (204.77 cpl) than in Adelaide (165.75 cpl). Similarly, Premium 98 prices can be almost 20% more expensive in some cities compared to others. Diesel is also notably more expensive in Canberra (193.76 cpl) compared to Adelaide (178.73 cpl).

Tips for Saving Fuel on Your Road Trip

Beyond finding the cheapest petrol, there are several ways to optimise your fuel consumption:

• Drive Smoothly: Avoid harsh acceleration and braking. Maintain a steady speed.
• Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
• Remove Excess Weight: The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove unnecessary items from your car.
• Minimise Air Conditioning Use: Air conditioning can significantly increase fuel consumption, especially at lower speeds. Use it sparingly.
• Plan Your Route: Avoid congested areas and peak traffic times where possible.
• Service Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, can improve fuel efficiency.

Finding the Cheapest Fuel with FuelRadar

Manually checking petrol prices at every station along your route is impractical. That's where tools like FuelRadar come in handy. FuelRadar provides real-time fuel prices across Australia, allowing you to quickly identify the cheapest petrol stations in your area or along your planned route. This can translate into significant savings, especially on a long road trip.

FuelRadar empowers you to make informed decisions about where to fuel up. By comparing prices in real-time, you can avoid overpaying and keep more money in your pocket. The FuelRadar map is available at https://fuelradar.com.au/map, allowing you to visualise fuel prices in your vicinity.

Fuel Type Considerations

Choosing the right fuel type for your vehicle can also impact your costs. In Sydney, for instance, Premium 95 (192.56 cpl) costs noticeably more than Unleaded 91 (175.57 cpl). Check your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations to ensure you're using the appropriate fuel type. Brisbane motorists can currently save slightly by opting for E10 (201.95 cpl) over Unleaded 91 (204.77 cpl), where compatible. While some cities may not have E10 available, such as Perth and Darwin, it's worth considering where available.

Maximise Your Savings with FuelRadar

Don't leave home without a plan to tackle fuel costs. Download FuelRadar today and start saving on every fill-up. FuelRadar is available on both iOS and Android devices, putting the power of real-time fuel price information at your fingertips.

To download FuelRadar app, visit https://fuelradar.com.au/download-the-fuelradar-app and start planning a more affordable school holiday road trip!