Fuel prices across Australia have been rising sharply, and for travellers planning long road trips across Western Australia, fuel can easily become one of the largest expenses.
The distances between towns are vast, fuel availability can be limited, and diesel vehicles – which many travellers rely on for towing caravans or camper trailers – can consume significant amounts when driving long distances.
Fortunately, there are several simple strategies that can make a noticeable difference to your fuel usage. With a little preparation and smarter travel habits, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and stretch your travel budget further.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before Leaving
One of the easiest ways to reduce fuel consumption is to make sure your vehicle is properly prepared before starting your trip.
Key checks include:
- Ensuring tyres are inflated to the correct pressure
- Servicing the engine and replacing air filters if required
- Checking wheel alignment
- Removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle
Roof racks, large roof boxes and poorly secured gear can significantly increase drag and fuel consumption. If possible, keep loads low and evenly distributed.
Drive at Consistent Speeds
Fuel efficiency improves when the vehicle maintains a steady speed.
Frequent acceleration and braking increases fuel usage, particularly in heavier vehicles or when towing.
On long stretches of highway, maintaining consistent speeds and avoiding aggressive acceleration can reduce fuel consumption noticeably over the course of a long journey.
Plan Your Route Carefully
Unnecessary detours and backtracking can quickly increase the amount of fuel used during a trip.
Before travelling to remote areas such as Ningaloo Station, it is worth planning your route carefully and identifying reliable fuel stops along the way.
For travellers heading north through Western Australia, you can review available fuel stops in our guide: Where to Fuel Up on the Way to Ningaloo Station
This helps ensure you do not travel unnecessary kilometres searching for fuel.
Reduce Unnecessary Driving Once You Arrive
Once you arrive at your destination, reducing unnecessary vehicle movement can also make a difference.
At Ningaloo Station, many travellers find they drive far less than expected once they settle into their campsite.
A few helpful strategies include:
- Stocking up on supplies before arriving
- Planning beach visits and activities in the same area
- Exploring nearby areas on foot where possible
- Avoiding repeated drives back and forth between locations
Because Ningaloo offers extensive coastal access and camping areas close to the reef, many activities can be enjoyed without constant driving.
Estimate Your Fuel Costs Before Your Trip
One of the best ways to plan ahead is to estimate fuel usage before starting your trip.
Our Great Australian Travel Cost Calculator allows travellers to estimate:
- Fuel usage based on kilometres travelled
- Vehicle consumption rates
- Camping and activity costs
You can try it here: Great Australian Travel Cost Calculator
This tool makes it easier to understand how fuel prices may affect your overall travel budget.
Understanding Fuel Costs in Western Australia
Fuel prices in regional and remote parts of Western Australia can be significantly higher than in major cities due to freight distances and supply logistics.
If you are planning an extended trip, it is helpful to understand how these factors affect travel costs.
You can read more in our guide: Fuel Costs When Travelling in Western Australia
Travelling Further While Using Less Fuel
Travelling across Western Australia remains one of the most rewarding road trip experiences in Australia. By preparing your vehicle properly, driving efficiently and planning ahead, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and travel further without dramatically increasing costs.
A little preparation can make a significant difference to both your travel budget and the overall experience of exploring remote parts of the country.
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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.