Cost of a 3-Week Trip to Australia from Perth to Melbourne

If you're dreaming of an unforgettable adventure, exploring Australia in a van might be the perfect choice for you. This guide will break down the costs of a three-week road trip from Perth to Melbourne, helping you plan an exciting getaway without breaking the bank. From flights to accommodation and everything in between, we’ll cover it all!

Detailed Overview of the Costs for a Trip to Australia

Traveling across Australia is an adventure like no other, and while it's known for being expensive, it can be quite manageable with the right planning. In this article, we’ll dive into the costs associated with a three-week van trip across Australia, focusing on key aspects such as flights, van rental, fuel, accommodation, food, and miscellaneous expenses.

How to Find Affordable Flights to Australia

Getting to Australia doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While direct flights from Europe can be pricey, there are often better deals available when you book well in advance or consider stopovers.

• Consider flying from Asia: Many travelers find affordable flights from Bali or Singapore, often costing around €50-60.
• For those traveling from Spain, round-trip tickets typically start at around €600, but you can find better deals with smart stopovers.
• Utilize flight comparison websites like Skyscanner for the best prices.

With a bit of flexibility, you might find a flight to Australia for about €600, including stops in places like Athens, where you can snag flights to major Australian cities for as low as €200.

Renting a Van: The Best Way to Explore Australia

Renting a van or campervan is undoubtedly the most convenient way to traverse Australia. The freedom it offers allows you to explore at your own pace. We recommend using a rental comparison site like Motorhome Republic to find competitive prices.

• Daily Rates: Rental prices usually decrease for longer durations. For instance, renting for two weeks or more often yields better deals.
• Peak Season: Prices surge from November to March due to high demand. Consider traveling in the shoulder seasons for more affordable rates.
• One-Way Rentals: Check if there's a one-way fee included in your rental agreement. This can oftentimes be waived for specific routes.

For our three-week trip, the total cost of renting a Hitop van was approximately 1,100 AUD (about €700), translating to €350 per person if you’re traveling as a couple. This price was during the low season, and you might even snag an upgrade!

Understanding Fuel Costs on Your Road Trip

Fuel prices in Australia are quite reasonable, averaging around €0.87 per liter for diesel. During our journey covering 5,423 km, we found that our van consumption was about 8.75 liters/100 km, which is quite efficient.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our fuel expenses:

• Total Distance: 5,412 km
• Fuel Consumed: 475 liters
• Total Cost: 660 AUD (around €420)

To track fuel prices while traveling, we utilized the Fuel Map Australia app, which helps you find the best rates along your route.

Accommodation Options for Budget Travelers

One of the most significant advantages of traveling in a campervan is the ability to save on accommodation. While we stayed at Caravan Parks and YHA hostels occasionally, most nights were spent comfortably in our van.

• Caravan Parks: A standard site with electricity for two people generally costs around 30-40 AUD, providing access to showers and cooking facilities.
• YHA Hostels: Dormitory beds in cities range from 25-30 AUD, ideal for those looking to meet fellow travelers.
• Free Camping: In many areas, you can camp for free or at minimal costs, drastically reducing accommodation expenses.

In fact, we managed to complete our journey without spending a single dollar on accommodation by embracing the van life.

Food Budget for Your Australian Adventure

Cooking your meals in the van can lead to significant savings. With a budget of around 300 AUD for two people over three weeks, you can enjoy a mix of home-cooked meals and occasional dining out.

Here are some tips to manage your food budget:

• Cook several meals in the van; this will keep costs low.
• Look for lunchtime specials at restaurants, where meals can be as cheap as 15-20 AUD.
• Take advantage of happy hours for affordable drinks, often around 5-7 AUD.

Don’t forget: drinking tap water is free, so skip the pricey beverages and fill up your reusable water bottles!

Miscellaneous Expenses to Consider

No trip is complete without accounting for additional costs. Here are a few that may arise:

• Entry Fees: Many parks and attractions charge admission fees. Set aside about 50€ for these activities.
• Travel Insurance: A must-have for any journey, especially in a country like Australia. We found a good policy for around 101€ for 21 days.
• Unexpected Costs: Budgeting around 50€ for miscellaneous expenses can help you cover any surprises.

Overall, we estimated these additional costs to be about 201€ per person.

Final Breakdown of Costs for a Three-Week Trip to Australia

After detailing all expenses, here's a comprehensive summary of the costs for a three-week van trip from Perth to Melbourne:

This budget provides a solid foundation for planning your own Australian adventure. Remember that the final cost can vary based on personal choices, travel style, and any additional activities you choose to engage in.

For those seeking to maximize their travel experience while keeping costs in check, remember that careful planning and flexibility can lead to an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Australia.

Three-Week Travel Budget for Australia

East Coast Australia Road Trip Guide from Melbourne to Cairns