How much $$$$

Some info on what you are driving and towing may help to get a sensible answer.

As an indication when towing we get about 5.9kpl so having just turned 10,000k we have used nearly 1700 litres of diesel and we are only about halfway round. At an average of $1.40 that is $2380 so far.
Prices have varied between town price and $1.75 at roadhouses on the Stuart highway.
Also depends if you stay in caravan parks or free camp some of it.
We have stayed in parks which have varied from $22 to $40 a night. So since Feb 2nd to now work out and average of say $26 x 130 days = $3380.

GIve us your thoughts of how you are going to travel and where you will stay and what sort of food you eat as there is a big difference between Pasta and Sausages and T bone steaks.
Also even a newspaper in the outback can cost $4 or more

Ps I dont like pasta



Cheers

V. good response from Graham above.

It will also depend on other things/tours you may want to do on your way around (these can add up very quickly).

* If you intend to include Tassie in your 'lap of Oz', you'll need to factor in the cost of the ferry which will vary hugely depending on the number of people, your overall vehicle size, and of course, the time of year you make that part of the trip.
* If you are going past Airlie Beach, etc. will you want to jump on a day cruise out to the reef for some snorkelling?
* If you go to the Bungle Bungles, will you take a helicopter flight (would recommend you do!)
* If you go to Broome, would you want the Sunset Camel ride (we didn't bother)
* etc. etc.

Will you want to bring souveneirs home for your friends/family?

Unfortunately, you will also need a bit in the way of "contingency funds" in case something goes wrong and you need repairs (which we all hope doesn't happen). It would be prudent to take out the maximum level of roadside assistance cover from the NRMA/RAC_ before you head off - if you get stranded miles from the nearest town, towing costs can be a real killer, as can all the associated costs.

If your trip is really long, you may also have costs back at home: rates, insurance renewals, car rego... etc.

Hi Mel,
Some time ago the same question was asked here on this forum. It may have been hiding under another name but the advice seemed to be sound from all who responded. It may be worth a search.

Basically, and from memory, the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM suggested was about $1.00 per km of planned travel. This provided all the essentials, food, fuel and accomodation but nothing much else. Sightseeing trips and helicopter rides etc will add considerably to that $1.00/km.

From my own experience, I would expect that any trip will do about 50% or more extra km's than originally planned, sightseeing and general running around at each stop will soon add up to quite a few extra km.

Don't let this scare you off, if you don't go now you may never get the opportunity again.

Disco.

You have to work it out your self.

What type of food are you going to eat (steak at up $40.00 per Kilo or cheese sandwiches)?

How many times do you want to eat out?

Where are you going to buy your food and cloths etc. from?

How far are you going to travel?

How much sight seeing are you going to do?

What other forms of entertainment?

Where are you going to stay?

How much fuel will you use (are you traveling into the wind or not)?

What maintenance are you going to have done whilst on the road?

Are you going to break something (engine) or destroy a tyre or two?

Do you want Internet access and what type of access?

Whats the likelihood of someone becoming sick?

What type of work are you going to try and get ($6.00 or $30.00 per hour and how many hours)?

What other debts do you have (loans and insurance still have to be paid)?




Seriously budget between $5000 and$200000.

How long is a piece of string?

The only people to answer your question are yourselves, get a budget workout and stick to it.

If only I had a crystal ball!

Dead right Richard We have done as I said 10,000km and would think we are running at over $1.50 a km.

So far only had two punctures but one destroyed a van tyre.

Service costs on the Cruiser are a bit exxy.

Had an old leak in the van which ruined a panel in the loo $200 to fix in Darwin where everything is expensive.

Thought we had a gas problem in Kununurra Cost $90 to find out I didnt.

These sort of things all add up and this is in a fairly new well maintained rig
(well except for the leak) Bad silicone seal!!!!

Have to pay private health costs evey month.

All adds up over a period.

Incidentally T bone is only $19 a kilo in bulk packs at Woolworths even up here and has been some of the best Ive eaten L&LOL




Cheers

Mel S
What a stupid question.
How long is a piece of string.
The wife and myself have been on the road for the last 10 years and i could not answer your question.
If you can not answer the question your self after a bit of research on this site and others my answer would be stay home.
If you are serious with your question be more specific and you may get a more accurate answer to your question. I could suggest you dont leave home with no less than $100,000.00 in your kitty and you could still be a few dollars short of what you want to do or you may come home with $70000.00 change.
Only you can answer your question but my answer would be get out there and do it with the right positive attitude and you won,t look back.
All the best,
Duke

Basically, there's 2 different methods of doing 'lap'... the "I've only got X weeks and need to put pedal to the metal to do it or stay home" and the "I've got as long as I need" version. Version 1 needs $$$ upfront to accomplish, you haven't got time to stop and find work along the way. My trips costs (posted elsewhere) are from that sort of trip. If you've sold up, rented out or not renewed your lease, then stopping in one place to work for a month or few is feasable and I'd hazard to say, a great way to see the country (get to know people rather than just 'meet'). I spent a year living in the UK and although the sight-seeing aspect was great, the people I worked with are my greatest memories.

Often in these discussions no one takes into account what you don't spend while not at home. In our case (1/2 lap) we spent (in rough terms, not counting buying camper which I didn't include as it could be sold for not much less than we bought it) $18K but didn't spend $12K which we would have if we'd been at home. Our 3mth trip effectively cost us $6k. Not to bad really!

So I guess there's people that are travelling around sustaining themselves either with government benefits, working, or retirement funds and others that pay the costs from savings/put it on the credit card to get out and see this great country. Everyones circumstances are different.

Cheers, Nige