We were planning on a 3 month trip leaving Ballarat early July, going up the center to Darwin, across to the Kimberley, down the west coast to south west wa then across the Nullabor back home. We missed out last year as my father in law died and now looks like this year is a no go. Firstly the supply of fuel and secondly the cost of fuel. I reckon diesel will get to $4 litre in some more remote places. So, what will happen to caravan parks, supermarkets, shops and tourist operators if everyone one like me cancels?
This war looks like it will drag on for months, so it will probably only get worse.
Currently there is talk in the media of these prices remaining just as high for over 12 months, before any price relief is felt. I would be surprised if the price returns to pre middle east conflict prices with 24 months, even if the conflict is resolved relatively soon.
As for commencing a trip in July, I would hope that the conflict is resolved by then, but prices are likely to remain high. I suppose consider long range tanks, buying max in towns/cities and minimise remote fuel ups. If current indications persist with large numbers of school holiday and Easter bookings being cancelled, rural communities/facilities may well suffer badly.
-- Edited by Sarco Harris on Saturday 21st of March 2026 08:06:35 PM
I dont think the price will stop too many people.
Many spent a lot on their rigs and fuel is an incidental cost.
What will stop people is availability. Or the govt placing restrictions on unnecessary travel.
I dont think the price will stop too many people. Many spent a lot on their rigs and fuel is an incidental cost. What will stop people is availability. Or the govt placing restrictions on unnecessary travel.
Agreed,
Absent an actual rationing preventing travel people will just pay the cost. You might eventually see small lighter rigs with smaller lighter tows starting to predominate but that is about it.
Cost of fuel is one thing, supply might be a bigger headache in more remote areas, more so if rationing is brought in. Is your time away critical? Do you have to return to go to work? Your three months might have to be extended but you can control that.
And fuel prices for diesel might be higher than $4! I live in Townsville, it is just over $3 a litre for diesel in some places, just under in others.
I did a similar trip in 1973 from Ceduna (SA) to Alice Springs via a short cut through the Gawler Ranges, up to Darwin where I saw more in a week than I had previously seen in 3 years of living there! And then down the west coast & back to Ceduna - in six weeks. I was single then as well. It was a rushed trip but it was a good overview & years later with my wife, we did a good bit of the Kimberly. We'd like to do the Pilbara but when that will be, we don't know.
I remember a workmate in Darwin who drove to Adelaide in the early 70s. He got caught with fuel rationing on the way home - being restricted to 1 jerry can + his fuel tank. He had an Austin 1800. In SA's Mid North he came by a friendly garage proprietor who asked "How far will that get you?" Ted was aiming for Alice Springs because the NT was unaffected by the crisis. He was encouraged to come back in a couple of hours - he did. A 200l drum of petrol was put in the back seat. Dangerous? Yes, heavy? Probably but weights weren't critical then - besides he ha NT plates on! Yes he made it ok - but ........!
You certainly have some homework to do.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
