RACQ releases Festive Travel Guide to save Qlders time and money

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RACQ experts analysed fuel prices across Queensland to find the cheapest stations in each major city or town and examined highway traffic trends to determine the best times to hit the road to avoid congestion.

RACQ’s Principal Economic and Affordability Specialist, Dr Ian Jefferys, said the timing could not be more critical as fuel prices climb and families prepare for festive road trips.

“Unleaded prices in Greater Brisbane have entered the expensive phase and are set to soar above 210 cents per litre (cpl) in the first week of December,” Dr Jeffreys said.

“While prices are predicted to ease slowly throughout December, motorists should expect to pay about 180cpl at the pump around Christmas Day, with the next cheap phase of the fuel cycle not likely until January.”

In Brisbane, the cheapest fuel before January is expected between Christmas and the New Year, with RACQ warning motorists to avoid refuelling between 1-7 December when prices are set to peak above $2 per litre.

To ease pain on your hip pocket, RACQ research has revealed the cheapest servos in Brisbane, which include Oom Energy Underwood on the Southside, U-Go Bracken Ridge on the Northside, Metro Petroleum Capalaba in the east and Metco Silkstone Pacific in the west - all selling unleaded for under 170cpl on average over the past few months.

If people are driving through the Gold Coast, aim to fill up at Hope Energy stations in Arundel or Biggera Waters, while the cheapest Sunshine Coast stations include Watson’s Garage Maleny and Aussie World Garage at Palmview.

“If you live in regional Queensland, or are travelling along the B

ruce Highway, we’ve also compiled a list of the cheapest sites in each major regional centre,” Dr Jeffreys said.

“The best spots to fill up include Oom Energy Central Cairns, Liberty Home Hill in Townsville, Kattabul Roadhouse in Mackay, United South Gladstone, and Mobil Bundaberg based on their recent average prices.

“By filling up at the cheapest sites, you could save as much as $30 per tank. Why give that money to fuel retailers when you could be spending it on presents or festive fun with friends and family?”

When it comes to timing your run, highway traffic is expected to peak on December 19, 20, 22 and 28 and 4 January across South East Queensland – avoid travelling on these days if possible or leave before 10am or later after 2pm.

If your holiday journey takes you north of the Sunshine Coast, the Bruce Highway is expected to be busiest on the same dates, so it is best to leave early before 9am to beat the traffic and give yourself plenty of time.

“No matter where your travels take you these holidays, RACQ’s Festive Travel Guide is here to help – created by Queensland experts for Queensland motorists,” Dr Jeffreys said.

“And remember, while saving money is important, nothing is more valuable than your life and the lives of others.

“Slow down, drive to the conditions, never drink and drive, and make sure you arrive safely to enjoy the festive season with your loved ones.”

RACQ’s Festive Travel Guide for Queensland Motorists

Cheapest Stations by location, based on recent average price:

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Sunshine Coast

Bundaberg

Gladstone

Rockhampton

Mackay

Townsville

Cairns

Best and worst travel times and dates based on location and direction:

Travel Before Christmas (Pacific and Bruce Hwys: Brisbane → Gold/Sunshine Coast)

Worst days for congestion: Friday 19 December, Saturday 20 December and Monday 22nd December

Best times to travel: Before 8:00 am or after 4:30 pm

Worst times to travel: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Tip: Travelling towards Brisbane before Christmas is generally fine.

Travel After Christmas (Pacific and Bruce Hwys: Gold/Sunshine Coast → Brisbane)

Worst days for congestion: Sunday 28 December and Sunday 4 January

Best time: Leave early, ideally before 8:00 am

Worst time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tip: Pacific Motorway typically less congested than Bruce Highway towards Brisbane

Travel Before Christmas (Bruce Hwy: Brisbane → Cairns)

Worst days for congestion: Friday 19 December and Saturday 20 December

Best time: Before 9:00 am or after 4:30 pm

Worst time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Tip: Head north early – traffic builds quickly on the Bruce Highway.

Travel After Christmas (Bruce Hwy: Cairns → Brisbane)

Worst days for congestion: Sunday 28 December and Sunday 4 January

Best time: Leave early, ideally before 8:00 am

Worst time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tip: The further north you are, the less congestion compared to Sunshine Coast.