Planning a trip to Ningaloo Station? Learn how much fuel you may need, typical 4WD consumption rates and where to refuel along the way.
How Much Fuel Do You Need for a Trip to Ningaloo Station?
Travelling to Ningaloo Station is an unforgettable experience, but like many destinations in remote Western Australia, it requires careful planning.
One of the most important considerations is fuel.
Distances between towns can be significant, and fuel availability becomes more limited the further north you travel. Understanding how much fuel your vehicle uses can help you plan your trip with confidence.
Typical Fuel Consumption for Touring Vehicles
Fuel usage varies depending on the vehicle, load and driving conditions.
Below are typical examples many travellers experience:
| Vehicle Type | Average Consumption |
| 4WD touring vehicle | 9–12L per 100km |
| 4WD towing caravan | 14–18L per 100km |
| Large off-road caravan setup | 16–22L per 100km |
| Campervan | 10–13L per 100km |
Strong winds, soft sand, roof loads and towing weight can increase fuel consumption significantly.
Example Fuel Use for Common Travel Routes
Below are rough examples based on typical driving distances.
Perth to Ningaloo Station
Approximate distance: 1,200 km
Estimated fuel usage:
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Used |
| 4WD (10L/100km) | 120L |
| 4WD towing caravan (16L/100km) | 192L |
Exmouth to Ningaloo Station
Approximate distance: 80 km
Fuel required is minimal, but it is still important to ensure the vehicle has sufficient fuel before travelling along the coast.
Where to Fuel Up Before Arriving
Fuel availability becomes more limited the further north you travel.
Before arriving at Ningaloo Station, many travellers top up in towns along the North West Coastal Highway or in Exmouth.
You can review available stops here: Where to Fuel Up on the Way to Ningaloo Station
Planning ahead ensures you avoid unnecessary detours searching for fuel.
Estimating the Cost of Your Trip
Fuel prices fluctuate frequently across Australia, and prices in regional areas can be significantly higher than in major cities.
To understand how fuel costs may affect your travel plans, you can use our Great Australian Travel Cost Calculator.
The calculator allows travellers to estimate:
- Fuel usage
- travel distance
- campsite costs
- activity expenses
Try using the fuel calculator here.
Understanding Fuel Prices in Remote Western Australia
Fuel prices in remote areas can be higher due to transport distances and supply logistics.
If you would like to learn more about how fuel pricing works across Western Australia, see our guide: Fuel Costs When Travelling in Western Australia
Planning Ahead Makes the Journey Easier
A little planning goes a long way when travelling across remote parts of Australia.
By understanding your vehicle’s fuel consumption, planning refuelling stops and estimating trip costs in advance, you can focus on enjoying the journey and the incredible coastline waiting for you at Ningaloo Station.
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More Locations
Check out the rest of the Locations available
14 Mile Beach Camp
14 Mile Beach Camp is a remote, off-grid beachfront campground near Coral Bay with white sand, turquoise water, big skies and epic sunsets.
It’s dog-friendly (on lead) and well-priced, but you need to arrive prepared because there are no toilets, showers, or water on site.
Boat Harbour Campground
Secluded 4WD-access campground with basic amenities near Ningaloo Marine Park.
Bruboodjoo Campground
Bruboodjoo Campground is a large, off-grid coastal camping area north of Coral Bay suited to self-contained travellers, especially fishers and boat owners.
Expect big open sites, beach launching access, and a remote feel rather than structured campground facilities.
Bungarra Campground
Bungarra Campground is a small inland campground set slightly back from the shoreline, offering a quieter and more sheltered stay than the beachfront sites.
With only a handful of camps and a short walk to the water, it suits travellers who want proximity to the coast without being directly exposed to wind and salt.
Janes Bay Campground
Janes Bay Campground is a remote coastal campsite suited to travellers who want space, simplicity and a proper off-grid stay.
There are no built facilities, just open camps, ocean views and plenty of wind. The journey in can be rough, so it’s best suited to well-prepared campers with capable vehicles and everything they need on board.
Kurrajong Campground (Cape Range)
Kurrajong Campground is a quieter Cape Range campground with easy dune access to the water, clean facilities and a laid-back feel.
It’s a solid choice for travellers who want a more peaceful base, simple amenities, and quick access to swimming and reef time.
Mesa Camp
Mesa Campground is a popular coastal campground with spacious sites, beach access and easy launching for small boats.
Facilities are simple but well maintained, and some sites have shade. Generators are permitted during set hours.
Neds Campground
Neds Campground is a small, peaceful campground tucked behind the dunes with a short walk to a quiet swimming beach and excellent sunset views.
Sites are spacious, some with tree cover, and facilities are simple but well maintained.
North Kurrajong & T-Bone Campground (Cape Range)
North Kurrajong Campground is a spacious coastal campground set just behind the dunes with easy access to reef and swimming areas.
Facilities are basic but well maintained, and the location is known for wildlife sightings, snorkelling and peaceful surroundings.
Best suited to self-sufficient travellers wanting nature, quiet and proximity to the reef rather than a serviced camping area.
North Lefroy Campground
North Lefroy is a spacious beachfront campground with large private sites and excellent access to fishing and boating.
Facilities are basic and the access track can be rough and sandy, so a capable 4WD and lowered tyre pressures are essential.
North Mandu Campground
North Mandu is a small, secluded campground with only a handful of sites tucked behind the dunes.
Facilities are simple but generally well maintained, and the location offers peaceful camping close to some of the best beaches and snorkelling areas in Cape Range.
One K Campground
One K is a quiet and remote campground suited to self-sufficient travellers looking for space and solitude.
Facilities are basic and access requires some preparation, including lowering tyre pressures before arrival.
Osprey Bay Campsite
Osprey Bay Campsite is one of the standout campgrounds on the Ningaloo coast, with big, well-spaced sites right by the water, spotless long-drop toilets, and unreal snorkelling straight off the beach.
Point Billie Campground
Point Billie Campground is a big, off-grid Ningaloo Station campground best suited to boaters and fishos, with huge sites, cracking sunsets, and plenty of wildlife. Expect wind, exposure and a rough corrugated 4WD approach.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Sal Salis offers an exclusive, eco-luxury safari camp set within the dunes of Cape Range National Park, overlooking Ningaloo Reef.
With just 16 wilderness tents and one honeymoon tent, the experience blends barefoot comfort with guided nature-based activities and all-inclusive hospitality in a remote coastal setting.
South Lefroy Bay Campground
South Lefroy Bay Campground is a seriously special Ningaloo Station beach camp with clear, calm turquoise water and reef access straight off the sand.
Stans Camp (Overflow Camp)
A basic Ningaloo Station overflow campground sitting inland from the reef line. It’s open, exposed and self-contained only, often used when nearby beachfront camps are full.
The Ridge Campground
Remote bush campground south of Coral Bay with unpowered sites and basic facilities.
Tulki Beach Campground
Tulki Beach Campground is a small, well-kept Cape Range National Park campground known for its peaceful feel and proximity to some of Ningaloo’s best snorkelling areas.
Not directly on the reef edge, but close enough to paddle or walk to the water with ease.
Winderabandi Point Campground
Winderabandi Point Campground is a remote beachfront campground on Ningaloo Station offering one of the most immersive reef and wildlife experiences along the coast.
Expect true off-grid camping, soft sand access and wide-open ocean views. It rewards preparation – and punishes complacency.
Yardie Creek Campground
Yardie Creek Campground is a small, beachside Cape Range National Park campground near the Yardie Creek gorge walks. People rate it highly for the location, sunsets, stargazing and the camp host vibe, but it’s basic and books out fast.
Bring water, expect long-drop toilets, and plan around the creek crossing if travelling south.