Setting off on a road trip from Melbourne to Perth was an adventure we eagerly anticipated. However, the excitement of the open road also came with the responsibility of planning and budgeting. In this post, we’ll share our experience driving across Australia, detailing the actual costs involved in this journey.
Planning the Road Trip Budget
Before we hit the road, we knew that planning our budget was crucial. We considered several factors that would influence our spending:
- Fuel costs
- Accommodation
- Food and drink
- Toll fees
- Unexpected expenses
By categorizing our expenses, we aimed to have a clear understanding of our financial needs and avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way.
Fuel Costs
Driving from Melbourne to Perth covers approximately 3,400 kilometers. According to our research, the average vehicle consumes about 12 liters per 100 kilometers. With fuel prices ranging around AUD $1.60 per liter, we estimated our fuel budget:
- Total kilometers: 3,400 km
- Fuel efficiency: 12 L/100 km
- Total fuel needed: 408 liters
- Estimated fuel cost: AUD $652.80
For real-time fuel prices, check resources like the [Australian Institute of Petroleum](https://www.aip.com.au/pricing/fuel-pricing).
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation was another significant cost. Since we planned to break the journey over five days, we budgeted for nightly stays at budget-friendly motels and campgrounds. On average, we found:
- Motels: AUD $80 per night
- Campgrounds: AUD $20 per night
We opted for a mix of motels and camping, depending on location and availability. This decision helped keep our accommodation costs to about AUD $300.
Food and Drink
When it came to meals, we chose to prepare our own food where possible. This approach not only helped save money but also ensured we had healthy eating options. Our average daily food and drink budget was around AUD $30 per person.
Additional Costs
Other expenses included minor tolls and the Australian National Parks entry fees whenever we wanted to explore some attractions along the way. These costs amounted to approximately AUD $50.
Unexpected Expenses
Lastly, we set aside a contingency fund for unforeseen events, such as minor vehicle repairs or detours. We designated about AUD $100 for this purpose.
Final Budget Overview
Here’s a concise breakdown of our total estimated expenses for driving from Melbourne to Perth:
- Fuel: AUD $652.80
- Accommodation: AUD $300
- Food and Drink: AUD $300
- Additional Costs: AUD $50
- Contingency Fund: AUD $100
Total Estimated Cost: AUD $1,402.80
Resources and References
Planning a similar road trip? Check out the detailed route on [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Melbourne,+VIC/Perth,+WA). This trip was an incredible journey that proved rewarding both in experience and financial planning.
When budgeting for your own trip, remember that costs can vary based on fuel prices, desired accommodations, and meal preferences. It pays to research and adjust your budget according to personal needs and travel goals. Safe travels!
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