7 Easy Ways to Save on Fuel During Your Motorhome Holiday in Australia

Hiring a motorhome is the BEST way to explore Australia—freedom, flexibility, and all your essentials in one place. But like any road trip, fuel costs can add up fast. The good news? With a few smart travel habits, you can save money at the pump and spend more on unforgettable experiences.

🚐 Here are 7 easy and effective fuel-saving tips for your next Cruisin’ Motorhomes adventure:

1.  Plan Your Route Before You Go

Australia is incredibly vast—and it's easy to underestimate just how far apart towns and attractions can be. What looks like a short drive on the map might actually take several hours. That’s why it’s so important to plan your journey in advance using tools like Google Maps or Waze.

Mapping out your route helps you:

• Avoid unnecessary detours or backtracking
• Reduce time stuck in traffic
• Spot fuel stops before you’re running low
• Find great places to rest, eat, and stay overnight

With smart planning, you'll spend less on fuel and more time enjoying the incredible landscapes Australia has to offer.

Read this article to learn when the Cheapest Time to Hire a Motorhome is!

Planning a motorhome trip for a month or more? Our Comprehensive Guide covers everything you need to know to plan, budget, and make the most of your holiday. 

Image: Cruisin’ Sandpiper, living area

2.  Drive Smoothly And Gently

Your motorhome might be bigger than what you’re used to—but don’t worry! Cruisin vehicles are designed to be incredibly easy to drive, with automatic transmission, great visibility, and smooth handling. That said, it's important to adjust your driving style a little.

Take it slow and steady:

• Accelerate gradually
• Brake gently and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front
• Take corners a little wider
• Avoid unnecessary idling (when the engine is running while the vehicle is stationary)
• Limit aircon use when possible to save fuel

These simple habits not only help with fuel economy, but they also make your trip safer and more comfortable. After a short time behind the wheel, you'll feel right at home.

What better way to truly soak it all in than by embracing Slow Travel in a Motorhome?

Image: Cruisin’ along the Australian East Coast

3.  Make The Most Of Fuel Discounts

Aussie road trips are all about freedom, fun—and a little bit of savvy budgeting. One easy win? Fuel discounts from your supermarket shop.

Major chains like Woolworths and Coles often offer fuel vouchers when you spend a certain amount in-store. That means while you're grabbing snacks, dinner ingredients, or stocking the motorhome fridge, you're also unlocking savings at the pump.

Many service stations accept these vouchers, and depending on how far you're travelling, those 4c to 10c per litre discounts can really stack up!

💡 Pro tip: Keep your receipts handy and check which stations near you participate—some apps will even tell you!

It’s just another way to make your journey more affordable, leaving you with more to spend on memorable experiences along the way.

Image: Shell and Coles Express provide ‘4c off per litre’, Point Hack

4.  Use Cruise Control On The Highway

Long, open highways are what Australian road trips are made of—and if your motorhome is equipped with cruise control (most of ours are!), it’s your new best friend. Cruise control helps your vehicle maintain a consistent speed, which means less fuel is used and a much smoother ride.

It also gives your foot a rest, especially during those scenic coastal drives or stretches of open Outback roads. Just flick it on, settle in, and enjoy the views.

🚫 Just remember: Cruise control isn’t ideal for hilly or winding terrain, where manual control is safer and more efficient.

Image: Some roads in Australia are long and straight…

5.  Download a Fuel Price App

Why pay more at the bowser if you don’t have to? Fuel prices can vary a lot between towns and suburbs—sometimes by 20 to 30 cents per litre! That’s where handy apps like FuelMap Australia, PetrolSpy, or MotorMouth come in.

With a quick glance at your phone, you can:

• Find the cheapest fuel nearby
• Plan cheaper stops along your route
• Avoid those overpriced out-of-the-way stations

These apps are free, easy to use, and a game-changer for budget-conscious travellers. A few taps could save you heaps throughout your trip.

Image: Cruisin’ 6-berth Deluxe in the tropical rainforest of Cairns

6.  Travel Light

It’s tempting to bring everything but the kitchen sink, but when you’re travelling in a motorhome, every extra kilo adds up. Heavier loads make the engine work harder, and that means burning more fuel.

The good news? Our Cruisin’ Motorhomes come fully equipped with the essentials—comfy beds with linen, a kitchen, a bathroom, storage, and even outdoor chairs in most vehicles. So there’s no need to overpack.

✔️ Stick to the basics, pack smart, and leave room for souvenirs. Your motorhome will drive more efficiently, and you’ll feel more organised, too!

Check out our Ultimate Checklist for First-Time Renters!

Image: Cruisin’ 6-berth Deluxe, plenty of storage

7.  Choose A Cruisin’ Motorhome

Poorly maintained vehicles are not just a headache—they’re gas guzzlers. Things like low tyre pressure, dirty filters, or engine issues can cause your fuel consumption to skyrocket. Luckily, when you hire with Cruisin, you’re driving a well-serviced, modern motorhome that’s ready for the road.

Our team performs regular maintenance checks and thorough inspections before every rental. From tyres to brakes to engine performance, we make sure everything is running smoothly—so you can focus on the fun part: exploring Australia.

And because our fleet is built on trusted, fuel-efficient chassis like the Fiat Ducato, you can enjoy your trip knowing you're driving one of the most economical motorhomes on the road.

Of course, we know that even on the best adventures, the unexpected can happen. If you ever need help along the way, don’t stress—we’re just one phone call away, ready to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

With us, you’re never driving alone.

Image: Cruisin’ Brisbane Branch

Let’s Hit The Road!

With these tips, you’ll save on fuel without compromising on fun. Whether you're cruising the coast, exploring the Outback, or adventuring around Tasmania, it’s easy to travel smarter in a Cruisin Motorhome.

Ready to explore the best places to visit in a motorhome in Australia? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

Check out our itineraries page for more travel inspiration!

Don’t hesitate to share your Cruisin’ Motorhomes adventure with us with the #cruisinmoments!