Australia is one of the best countries in the world for road trips. From the red deserts of the Outback to the tropical coastlines of Queensland and the endless beaches of Western Australia, travelling by car or campervan gives you complete freedom.

But there's one thing many travellers underestimate: finding fuel in remote Australia.

Unlike Europe or North America, petrol stations in Australia can be hundreds of kilometres apart, especially in places like the Nullarbor, Northern Territory, Outback Queensland or remote Western Australia.

For backpackers, vanlifers and even locals, running low on fuel in the middle of nowhere can quickly turn into a stressful (and expensive) situation.

That's exactly why we created our Fuel Map Australia tool, an easy way to find petrol stations anywhere in Australia before you hit the road.

Whether you're driving across the country, planning a campervan trip or just looking for the cheapest fuel near you, this guide explains everything you need to know.

Why finding fuel in Australia can be difficult

Campervan refuelling at a remote petrol station in the Australian Outback

Huge distances between petrol stations

Australia is massive, almost the same size as Europe. Some remote highways have over 250 km between fuel stops, and mobile signal can disappear for hours in rural areas. In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, finding fuel is easy. But once you head into regional or remote Australia, things change fast.

Popular routes where fuel can become an issue include Perth to Broome, Adelaide to Darwin, the Nullarbor Plain, Cairns to Cape York, Alice Springs to Uluru and the Gibb River Road. Many travellers assume there will always be a servo nearby, until Google Maps shows nothing for the next 200 kilometres.

The real cost of running out of fuel in Australia

Running out of petrol in remote Australia is not just inconvenient. It can quickly become dangerous due to extreme heat, expensive if roadside assistance is required, stressful in areas with no reception, and risky for solo travellers.

According to Australian road safety authorities, preparation is one of the most important factors for safe regional travel.

Temperatures in some Outback regions regularly exceed 40°C during summer. Waiting hours for assistance without water or shade can quickly become serious.

That's why experienced road trippers always plan fuel stops in advance.

AllRide Fuel Map Australia tool

We created a simple and practical solution for travellers and locals.

Australia fuel station map

Backpackers consulting a fuel station map on an Australian Outback road

Our tool helps you:

Find petrol stations across Australia
Locate fuel in remote areas
Plan fuel stops before long drives
Avoid running low in isolated regions
Discover nearby servos while travelling

You can use it before your trip or directly on the road.

Features of the tool

Interactive Australia fuel map
Covers remote and regional areas
Easy mobile-friendly navigation
Great for campervan and 4WD travel
Useful for backpackers and locals
Fast fuel station search

Use it to check our live Fuel Map Australia, find petrol stations near your route, or plan your Outback fuel stops with confidence.

Explore AllRide Fuel Map Australia

Fuel prices in Australia: what travellers should know

Fuel prices in Australia vary massively depending on location. Major cities offer the cheapest fuel, remote areas are significantly more expensive, and prices fluctuate weekly in some states. For example:

Location	Average Fuel Cost
Sydney	Lower
Melbourne	Lower
Remote WA	Higher
Outback NT	Much higher

Remote fuel prices can sometimes be 30 to 60% more expensive than city prices. That's another reason why planning ahead matters.

AllRide fuel cost estimator interface for planning a trip in Australia

Best places to use a fuel map in Australia

Western Australia

Western Australia is famous for long distances between towns. Routes like Perth to Exmouth, Broome to Darwin or the Coral Coast road trip often require careful fuel planning. Some petrol stations may also close earlier than expected in remote towns.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory has some of the most isolated roads in the country. If you're driving between Darwin, Alice Springs, Uluru and Katherine, you should always know your next fuel stop. Some travellers also carry jerry cans for extra safety.

South Australia & the Nullarbor

The Nullarbor crossing is legendary among Australian road trippers. Fuel stops exist, but they are limited and often expensive. Using a fuel map before crossing the Eyre Highway is essential.

Queensland road trips

Queensland has incredible coastal drives, but remote inland areas can still become challenging. Travellers heading toward Cape York, Outback Queensland, Mount Isa or Longreach should prepare ahead.

Tips for driving in remote Australia

1. Never wait until your tank is empty

A common Australian road trip rule: never pass a fuel station with less than half a tank. This is especially true in the Outback.

2. Download offline maps

Reception disappears in many regional areas. Before leaving major towns, download offline maps, save your route, and take screenshots of your planned fuel stops.

3. Carry water and emergency supplies

If you're travelling remotely, always carry:

Extra water
Snacks
Phone charger
First aid kit
Emergency blanket

4. Check fuel availability in advance

Some remote servos may close early, run out of fuel temporarily, or have limited opening hours. Using a fuel station map before departure helps avoid surprises.

Explore Fuel Map Australia