Road Trip Alert: Cost of Driving From Cairns to Melbourne

Are you planning a road trip from Cairns, Queensland, to Melbourne, Victoria? If so, you're in for a real treat! The drive is approximately 3,000 kilometers and offers some stunning views of Australia's east coast. However, before you hit the open road, you'll want to be prepared for the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Coastal Route

If you're looking for a scenic drive, the coastal route is the way to go. The trip will take you along the east coast of Australia, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and lush forests. The distance of this route is approximately 3,050 kilometers, and it takes around 35 hours to complete.

Gas prices vary along the route, but on average, you can expect to pay around AU$1.50 per liter of fuel. In terms of tolls, there are a few scattered along the route, costing around AU$5 each. The total cost for the trip, including gas and tolls, will be around AU$550.

Route 2: Inland Route

For a more direct route, you can take the inland route from Cairns to Melbourne. This route takes you through the heart of Australia and offers a different perspective on the country's varied scenery. The distance of this route is approximately 2,800 kilometers, and it takes around 32 hours to complete.

Gas prices along the inland route are slightly cheaper, averaging around AU$1.30 per liter. There are also fewer tolls along this route, costing around AU$3 each. The total cost for the trip, including gas and tolls, will be around AU$490.

Route 3: Combination Route

If you want to enjoy both unique scenery and the convenience of a direct route, you can combine the coastal and inland routes. This route will take you along the Pacific coast before cutting inland and across the country's center.

The total distance of this route is approximately 2,925 kilometers, and it takes around 33 hours to complete. Gas prices along the route are comparable to the coastal route, and there are a few tolls, costing around AU$5 each. The total cost for the trip, including gas and tolls, will be around AU$530.

Final Thoughts

Whichever route you choose, a road trip from Cairns to Melbourne will be a memorable adventure. And now, armed with knowledge of the current gas prices and tolls, you can plan and budget accordingly. Don't forget, prices vary depending on where you are in Australia and changes can happen quickly, so be sure to update your expenses as you go. Enjoy the drive!