Petrol

Type of fuel

In Australia, you'll find several types of fuel:

• Standard unleaded petrol (91)
• Premium 95-octane unleaded
• Premium 98-octane unleaded
• E10, also marketed as 94-octane
• E85 - flex-fuel
• Diesel
• Premium diesel

Which petrol should you use?

The branch staff will tell you which fuel your vehicle needs, and there's usually a sticker on the fuel inlet. Use only that fuel. Any other fuel could damage the engine.

Tank sizes

Tanks range from as little as 60L in small campers up to 100L in the largest vehicles. Fuel consumption depends on the vehicle, the use of air conditioning, temperature and terrain. Ask the branch about your vehicle's tank size and typical consumption when you collect it, so you can plan fuel stops on longer stretches.

Cost

The price of petrol and diesel changes often and varies between states, cities and remote areas. Fuel price apps show current prices near you.

Petrol stations

You'll find petrol stations in cities, towns and rural areas across Australia. Here's where they're typically located:

• Major cities and suburbs: often near shopping centres, industrial parks, major intersections, main roads, airports and highways.
• Highways: along major highways and motorways, petrol stations are often at regular intervals so drivers can refuel on long journeys. They usually have toilets and food and drink outlets, and sell a few basic groceries.
• Regional towns and rural areas: even in remote areas, petrol stations are usually in the town centre or on the main road into or out of town. In very remote areas or outback regions, they may be less frequent, so plan your fuel stops when travelling long distances. On the Adelaide to Darwin route, for example, there's a 500km+ stretch between Marla and Uluru with very limited fuel. If you're heading into the outback, also check the road restrictions for campervans, as sealed-road-only rules apply to 2WD vehicles.

You can find petrol stations with Google Maps or fuel price apps.

Run out of fuel

If you run out of fuel, pull over where it's safe. Call the nearest petrol station and ask what they'd charge to bring fuel to you. If you're close to a petrol station, you might walk there, buy a jerry can, fill it and carry it back to the van.

Roadside assistance usually doesn't cover running out of fuel. Some providers offer extra roadside assistance that covers lockouts, jump starts, changing a flat tyre using the vehicle's spare, and delivery of up to 20 litres of fuel. To add this option, check with DriveNow or ask the rental company when you pick up the vehicle.

Next steps

• Road restrictions: fuel planning for remote areas
• Apps to help with your planning and travel: fuel price and map apps
• Unexpected additional charges: refuelling before you return

Part of During Your Trip in the Campervan Hire Handbook.