What does it cost to travel around Australia with a dog? Your budget will depend on how long you’re away, how far you drive, where you stay and how much you spend each day. Fuel, accommodation and everyday expenses usually make up the main costs, with dog-related fees and supplies adding to the total.
For example, a seven-day road trip for two adults and one dog, covering 700 km with six nights in caravan parks, could cost around $1,280 using Pawtal’s comfortable-spending calculator assumptions. That includes accommodation, fuel, daily spending, dog food, estimated pet fees and a 10% general contingency. It’s an illustrative budget, not an average Australian road trip cost or a quote for your dates.
The cheapest-looking route or accommodation may not offer the best value once you factor in pet fees, dog access, extra driving and your dog’s needs. Check the full trip cost and booking conditions before deciding what works for your dog.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel Around Australia?
The cost of travelling around Australia depends on your trip length, driving distance, accommodation choices and everyday spending. If you’re bringing your dog, you’ll also need to account for pet fees and any additional care or equipment required.
Start by estimating these five main expenses:
| Expense | What to budget for |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Nightly rate multiplied by the number of nights. |
| Fuel | Total kilometres driven, vehicle fuel consumption and fuel price. |
| General spending | Groceries, meals, activities and everyday supplies. |
| Dog-related expenses | Dog food, accommodation pet fees, daycare and any new travel gear. |
| Contingency | A separate allowance for unexpected expenses or changes to your plans. |
Accommodation and everyday spending increase with the number of days you’re away, while fuel costs depend mainly on distance and vehicle consumption. New travel equipment is generally a one-off expense. Separating these costs makes it easier to see where you can adjust your budget.
Example: A Seven-Day Road Trip With One Dog
Using Pawtal’s Comfortable spending assumptions, a seven-day road trip for two adults and one dog, covering 700 km with six nights in caravan parks, comes to an estimated $1,277, or around $1,280. This includes accommodation, fuel, everyday spending, dog food, estimated pet fees and a 10% general contingency.
It’s an illustrative planning budget, not an Australian average or a quote for your travel dates. The three road trip examples later in this article show how these expenses add up over seven days, four weeks and three months.
How Much Does Fuel Cost to Travel Around Australia?
Fuel can be a significant part of the cost to travel around Australia, especially on longer road trips. How much you spend depends on the distance you drive, your vehicle’s fuel consumption and the price you pay along the route.
How Driving Distance Affects Your Fuel Budget
You can estimate your fuel costs using three figures: your total driving distance, your vehicle’s average fuel consumption in litres per 100 kilometres and the expected fuel price per litre.
Fuel cost = (total kilometres ÷ 100) × fuel consumption (L/100 km) × fuel price per litre.
For example, if you’re planning to drive 5,000 km in a vehicle that uses 10 litres per 100 km, with an assumed fuel price of $2.00 per litre:
- 5,000 km ÷ 100 = 50
- 50 × 10 litres = 500 litres
- 500 litres × $2.00 = $1,000 in estimated fuel costs
This is an illustrative calculation using an assumed fuel price, not a current fuel quote. Your actual costs will depend on your vehicle, route and the prices you encounter.
What Can Increase Your Fuel Costs?
Driving conditions and how you travel can make a noticeable difference to your fuel budget.
- Towing a caravan or trailer: Additional weight and aerodynamic drag can increase fuel consumption, so your usual figures may underestimate the trip cost.
- Roof boxes and extra equipment: Additional drag and weight may affect fuel efficiency, particularly during highway driving.
- Remote routes: Fuel prices and the distance between service stations can vary. Check prices and fuel availability along your intended route rather than relying on one national price.
- Local driving and detours: Trips to beaches, walking areas, shops and accommodation can add kilometres beyond your original navigation estimate.
When estimating how much it will cost to drive around Australia, include the full return journey and likely side trips. If you’re towing, use a fuel-consumption figure that reflects your loaded vehicle rather than relying on its normal everyday usage.
It’s also worth considering how your driving plans work for your dog. Choosing accommodation or stops that require repeated detours may increase both your fuel spending and time in the car. A route with fewer unnecessary kilometres can make the trip easier to budget and more manageable for the dog you’re travelling with.
Accommodation Costs When Travelling Around Australia With a Dog
Accommodation can make a substantial difference to your road trip budget, especially on longer journeys. Free camping, caravan parks and dog-friendly motels offer different prices, facilities and conditions, so it’s worth comparing the full cost of each stay.
Free Camping and Low-Cost Camping
Free camping can help reduce accommodation costs, particularly when you’re travelling for several weeks or months. Some campsites have no overnight fee, while others charge a small amount or request a donation.
Facilities vary between locations. Some camping areas have limited access to water, toilets or shade, and dogs aren’t permitted everywhere. Check the rules with the relevant land manager, along with the facilities and access conditions, before relying on a campsite in your budget.
If a free camp doesn’t allow dogs or won’t work for your travel setup, you’ll need another option. Allowing for an occasional paid night can make your accommodation budget more realistic.
Caravan Park Costs When Travelling With a Dog
Caravan park prices vary by location, season, site type and length of stay. Unpowered sites may be cheaper than powered sites, and some parks offer longer-stay rates.
Dog policies and charges also vary. Some parks include dogs in the site price, while others charge pet fees or restrict the number of dogs allowed.
Before booking, check:
- Whether dogs are allowed on your chosen site or in your accommodation type.
- Any pet fees charged per dog, per night or per stay.
- Leash requirements and restrictions in shared areas.
- Whether dogs can be left unattended at the site.
- Any approval requirements before arrival.
These conditions matter if you’re planning activities where dogs aren’t allowed. You may need to arrange suitable care or adjust your plans, which can affect the overall cost of your stay.
Dog-Friendly Motels, Cabins and Hotels
Motels, cabins and hotels can be useful when you want a private room or a break from camping. However, the advertised nightly rate may not include all the costs of bringing your dog.
Depending on the property, additional charges may include pet fees or cleaning costs. There may also be limits on dog numbers, restrictions on indoor access or rules against leaving dogs unattended.
Confirm the full price and pet policy directly with the accommodation provider. Check where your dog is allowed inside, where they can sleep and whether the conditions fit your planned activities.
Compare the total cost of your stay, including pet fees and any care or extra travel the accommodation arrangements require. A slightly higher nightly rate may offer better value if the location and conditions work for your dog.
What Extra Costs Come With Travelling Around Australia With a Dog?
When budgeting for a road trip with your dog, it’s worth separating everyday dog expenses from costs that arise because you’re travelling. Food and regular supplies still need a place in your trip budget, but you may already be paying for them at home. Pet fees, daycare and new travel equipment are more likely to add to what the holiday costs.
Dog Food and Everyday Supplies
Allow enough for your dog’s usual food, treats and other supplies for the time you’re away. If you plan to buy food along the route, consider where you’ll be able to find the products your dog normally uses.
These expenses aren’t necessarily extra holiday costs, but they still need to be covered while you’re travelling. Buying additional food before departure or replacing supplies along the way can also affect when you spend the money.
Pet Fees, Doggy Daycare and Travel Equipment
Accommodation pet fees can add up across multiple bookings, particularly if charges apply per dog or per night. Check the full cost before confirming each stay rather than assuming the advertised room or site rate includes your dog.
Doggy daycare may also need a place in your budget if you’re planning activities where dogs aren’t permitted and suitable care is available. Check the provider’s requirements, opening hours and suitability for your dog before relying on it.
If you need to buy travel equipment, such as an appropriate car restraint, bedding or other supplies, treat these as one-off costs. You may already own everything you need, so there’s no reason to add a standard equipment allowance unless you expect to buy something.
Cleaning, Replacement Supplies and Changes to Bookings
Laundry, dog washing, additional cleaning charges and replacement supplies can create smaller expenses throughout a trip. You may also face additional costs if an accommodation booking needs to change because the property’s dog rules don’t work with your plans.
These costs won’t apply to every trip. A practical approach is to identify the expenses you already know about, then keep a separate contingency for changes or unexpected spending.
Before setting your daily budget, check the dog-related conditions for your accommodation and the activities you want to visit. Knowing where dogs are allowed, whether they can be left unattended and whether you’ll need alternative arrangements can help you avoid unexpected costs later.
Example Road Trip Budgets for Travelling Around Australia
How much you need for a road trip depends on the length of the journey, the distance you drive and where you stay. To show how these costs add up, we've calculated three example trips using the same spending assumptions.
Each example includes two adults, one dog, caravan park accommodation, fuel, general daily spending, dog food, estimated pet fees and a 10% general contingency.
7-Day Road Trip
4-Week Road Trip
3-Month Road Trip
Where the Money Goes
The following breakdown uses the Comfortable spending setting in Pawtal's Dog Holiday Budget Calculator. All amounts are in Australian dollars.
| Expense | 7 Days | 4 Weeks | 3 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $432 | $1,944 | $6,408 |
| Fuel | $168 | $672 | $2,160 |
| General daily spending | $476 | $1,904 | $6,120 |
| Accommodation pet fees | $36 | $162 | $534 |
| Dog food | $49 | $196 | $630 |
| Estimated trip spending | $1,161 | $4,878 | $15,852 |
| General contingency (10%) | $116 | $488 | $1,585 |
| Suggested total budget | $1,277 | $5,366 | $17,437 |
How these figures were calculated
Each example assumes caravan park accommodation at $72 per night, fuel at $24 per 100 km, general spending of $68 per day for two adults, accommodation pet fees of $6 per dog per night, and dog food at $7 per dog per day. A 10% general contingency is then added.
These are illustrative planning allowances, not current Australian average prices or quotes. They exclude optional daycare, new travel gear and major unexpected expenses. Totals are rounded to the nearest dollar.
What Changes as the Trip Gets Longer?
Accommodation and everyday spending continue to add up for every extra day away. Fuel depends on how far you drive, so a longer trip with fewer driving days may cost less in fuel than a shorter journey covering similar kilometres.
The three-month example assumes 90 days and 9,000 km of driving. It represents one possible extended road trip, not a complete lap of Australia. A different route, accommodation mix or travel pace could produce a very different result.
When travelling with your dog, also consider whether the accommodation and driving pace work for them. Extra driving to reach a cheaper campsite, or booking accommodation with restrictive dog conditions, can affect the overall cost of the trip.
Note: Dog food is included in these trip budgets, although it may already be part of your normal household spending. General contingency is separate from emergency veterinary or major vehicle repair funds.
What Does Travelling Around Australia Cost in Real Life?
If you'd like to compare a planned budget with actual travel spending, this video shares one family's expenses from two years travelling around Australia in a caravan.
Their figures reflect their own travel style and circumstances, so they aren't a guide to current Australian prices. The video also doesn't specifically cover the extra costs of travelling with a dog.
Video by the original creator on YouTube. Watch the video on YouTube .
What’s the Cheapest Way to Travel Around Australia With a Dog?
The cheapest way to travel around Australia with a dog depends on where you stay, how far you drive and how often you move. Choosing a practical base, reducing unnecessary kilometres and comparing total accommodation costs can help you spend less without making the trip harder for your dog.
Stay Longer in Fewer Places
Staying several nights in one location can reduce fuel costs and the time spent moving between accommodation. Some caravan parks and other properties may also offer longer-stay rates, although it’s worth checking whether these actually save money.
Look for a base close to the places you want to visit, with facilities and conditions that work for your dog. That gives you more flexibility to explore the area without needing to drive to a new location each day.
Compare Camping and Accommodation Costs
Free camping and lower-cost caravan parks can help stretch your travel budget, particularly over longer trips. However, savings depend on availability, dog access and any additional charges.
Compare the total cost of your stay, including pet fees and the fuel needed to reach the property. A campsite further from your planned activities may end up costing more than a conveniently located caravan park.
Plan Your Route and Activities Together
Grouping nearby activities and choosing accommodation in a convenient location can reduce unnecessary driving. Include shopping trips, sightseeing detours and local travel when estimating your total kilometres.
Check dog access at planned activities before booking. If an activity requires paid dog care, include that cost in your comparison. You may find that choosing a different activity or adjusting your schedule gives you a better overall result.
Compare the Total Cost Before Choosing
If you’re deciding between two routes or accommodation options, compare the expenses that would change:
- Accommodation: Total nightly charges and pet fees.
- Fuel: Additional driving, detours and local travel.
- Dog care: Any paid arrangements needed for planned activities.
- Extra stays: Additional nights or costs involved in moving locations.
Add up the difference between the two options rather than comparing nightly prices alone. A slightly more expensive stay may work out cheaper overall if it avoids extra driving, another booking or paid dog care.
Calculate Your Dog Holiday Budget
Ready to estimate your own road trip costs? Pawtal’s free Dog Holiday Budget Snapshot uses five quick details about your trip to calculate a practical starting budget.
You’ll see an estimated total, daily spending, a separate general contingency and a breakdown of costs, including dog-related expenses. You can adjust the estimate to reflect your own route, accommodation and other planned costs.
The figures are illustrative planning allowances, not live prices. You can use the calculator without providing an email address.
What Will This Dog-Friendly Road Trip Really Cost?
Get a practical starting budget for your trip, including dog-related expenses that are easy to overlook.
Tell Us About Your Trip
Five quick details are all you need. You can adjust the estimate afterwards.
The starting estimate assumes two adults and one fewer overnight stay than days away. You can adjust this after seeing your budget. No email required.
$0 per day
Contingency is included in the suggested total and shown separately above. It is not a dedicated fund for major veterinary emergencies or vehicle repairs.
Where Your Money May Go
What Stands Out
Want to Make Your Estimate More Accurate?
These adjustments are optional. Only change what applies to your trip.
Use My Own Prices or Trip Details
Leave optional price fields blank to use the starting allowances.
If you enter your own fuel consumption and price, use figures reflecting towing and remote conditions where relevant. The calculator will not add fuel percentage adjustments again.
Extra Costs Worth Checking
Your budget may still need to allow for:
- Pet cleaning fees or bonds
- Tolls, ferries and parking
- Laundry and dog-washing costs
- Unexpected veterinary treatment
- Extra nights or changed bookings
- Replacement dog supplies or equipment
How Was My Budget Calculated?
This estimate uses broad Australian planning allowances. These are indicative figures rather than live quotations or national averages.
The default daily spending amount assumes two adults and scales with the number of people entered.
Mixed accommodation uses an even split between caravan parks and hotels or motels. Pet fees are estimated per dog per paid night unless you enter an actual total.
Dog food is included as a trip expense, although it may already form part of your normal household spending. Itemised dog-related costs are not necessarily the additional cost of bringing your dog.
Want Help Checking the Rest of Your Trip?
Your budget is a useful starting point. Get three free dog-travel tools to check one drive day, review the wider trip and bring the final details together before you leave.
Bring the Rest of Your Trip Together
Your budget is one part of the plan. Pawtal's Dog-First Travel Planning System helps you work through drive days, accommodation, stops, conditions and your dog's individual needs.
Start with the Priority Planner, receive your personalised Dog-First Road Trip Brief, then work through the relevant planning tools and Guide sections.
Lifetime access • Future updates • 30-day money-back guarantee
This calculator provides an indicative budget, not a quote. Check live prices for your dates, route and bookings, and make separate arrangements for significant emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much money do you need to travel around Australia?
The amount you need depends on how long you’re travelling, your accommodation choices and your daily spending. Camping and caravan parks may cost less than regular motel stays, but fuel, food, pet fees and other expenses still need to be included. Build your budget around your planned route and travel style rather than relying on one average figure.
Q2. How much does it cost to drive around Australia?
Driving costs depend on the total kilometres, your vehicle’s fuel consumption and the price of fuel along your route. For example, driving 5,000 km in a vehicle using 10 L/100 km would require approximately 500 litres of fuel. At an illustrative price of $2 per litre, that would cost $1,000. Allow for detours, local driving and higher consumption when towing.
Q3. Is it cheaper to travel around Australia in a caravan or stay in motels?
It depends on your setup and how often you move. A caravan may reduce some accommodation costs, but you’ll still need to allow for site fees, towing fuel and any ownership or maintenance expenses that apply. Motels can have higher nightly rates and additional pet charges. Compare the full trip costs before deciding which option offers better value.
Q4. How much extra does it cost to travel with a dog?
Additional costs may include accommodation pet fees, doggy daycare and travel equipment you need to buy. Your dog’s usual food and everyday supplies also belong in the trip budget, although they may already be part of your normal household spending. The extra amount will depend on your bookings, activities and dog’s needs.
Q5. Can you travel around Australia with a dog on a budget?
Yes. Choosing affordable accommodation, staying longer in fewer places and reducing unnecessary driving can help manage costs. Check that campsites and caravan parks allow dogs and that their conditions work for your plans. A cheap stay may offer less value if it involves extra driving, pet fees or paid dog care.
Conclusion
The cost to travel around Australia with a dog depends on how long you’re away, the distance you drive, where you stay and the arrangements your dog needs along the way.
A useful budget brings together fuel, accommodation, everyday spending, dog-related costs and a contingency for unexpected expenses. The closer your estimates are to your actual route and bookings, the easier it is to see what you can comfortably afford.
If you haven’t already, use the free Dog Holiday Budget Calculator above to estimate your trip costs before you start booking.
