How to Safely Transport Gas Bottles – Rules, Risks & State Regulations

If you travel with LPG gas bottles for camping, caravanning, or 4WD adventures, it’s important to understand the regulations and safety concerns before you hit the road.
While some states allow you to transport gas bottles inside your vehicle, safety experts strongly recommend against it. The risks are real and preventable.

State & Territory Guidelines for Transporting Gas Bottles

New South Wales (NSW)

Gas bottles must be transported upright, secured, and with a current test date stamp. Avoid carrying more than two small cylinders inside an enclosed vehicle.
Read NSW Government guidelines → 

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s Petroleum and Gas (Safety) Regulation 2018 limits enclosed transport to two cylinders, each 9 kg or less, upright, secured, and fitted with a safety plug.
Read Queensland Government guidelines → 

Victoria (VIC)

WorkSafe Victoria advises avoiding enclosed transport where possible and ensuring bottles are upright, secure, and ventilated.
Read WorkSafe Victoria safety alert →

South Australia (SA)

Loose cylinders should never be inside the cabin. Use ventilated, sealed compartments or secure external mounts.
Read SA Government guidelines → 

Western Australia (WA)

Avoid transporting LPG cylinders in enclosed areas. Keep them upright, ventilated, and remove promptly after travel.
Read WA WorkSafe guidance → 

Tasmania (TAS)

Cylinders must be upright, plugged, and within their 10-year inspection period. Store in a cool, well-ventilated place away from ignition sources.
Read WorkSafe Tasmania guidelines → 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) & Northern Territory (NT)

Follow the national standard AS 4332: store and transport cylinders upright, secure, and ventilated — ideally outside the passenger compartment.

The Risks of Transporting Gas Bottles Inside Your Vehicle

Even if it’s legal where you are, there are serious dangers:

•  Gas leaks – LPG can pool in low areas of the car, creating an explosive environment.

•  Ignition hazards – Sparks from static, electrical switches, or the engine can ignite leaked gas.

•  Heat build-up – Car interiors can exceed 50 °C, raising pressure and the risk of venting.

•  Crash projectiles – A loose bottle can become a dangerous missile in a collision.

A Safer Alternative — External Mounting

Safety authorities recommend mounting gas bottles outside the vehicle whenever possible. External gas bottle holders:

• Keep bottles ventilated.

• Reduce the risk of gas build-up.

• Prevent bottles from becoming dangerous projectiles.

• Free up valuable interior space.

See our Top End Campgear Gas Bottle Holder Range for secure mounting options for 2 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg, and 9 kg cylinders.

Travel safe. Follow the rules. And when in doubt, keep your gas bottles outside.