FIFO guide
FIFO vs DIDO — what's the difference?
By FIFO Planner · Published · Last updated
FIFO (fly-in fly-out) and DIDO (drive-in drive-out) both describe remote work arrangements where Australian workers travel to a site for a swing and return home for R&R. The key difference is simple: FIFO workers fly; DIDO workers drive. But that single difference has significant implications for pay, working conditions, and lifestyle.
Side-by-side comparison
| FIFO | DIDO | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel method | Charter or commercial flight | Own vehicle or company transport |
| Typical site distance | 500+ km from home city | 100–400 km from regional centre |
| Travel time | 1–4 hours (flight) | 1–4 hours (drive) |
| Roster patterns | 2/1, 4/2, 8/6, 7/7, 3/1 | Same patterns — also 5/2 in some cases |
| Travel paid by employer? | Yes — flights provided | Sometimes — mileage or transport allowance |
| Accommodation | Camp on site (donga/village) | Camp on site or local motel/caravan |
| Common industries | Mining, oil & gas, offshore | Mining, civil construction, agriculture |
| Common regions | WA Pilbara, QLD Bowen Basin, NT | Regional QLD, WA Goldfields, NSW outback |
When is FIFO used vs DIDO?
The choice between FIFO and DIDO is driven almost entirely by geography:
- FIFO is used when the site is too far to drive in a reasonable time — typically more than 400–500 km from a major population centre, or when road access is impractical. Charter flights from Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, or Adelaide are the norm.
- DIDO is used when the site is within practical driving distance of a regional town or city — typically 1–4 hours. The employer saves significantly on charter flight costs, though workers bear more of the travel burden.
Some larger operations use both: skilled tradespeople may fly in from capital cities (FIFO) while local workers drive from regional towns (DIDO) to the same site.
Does pay differ between FIFO and DIDO?
Base rates are generally the same for equivalent roles regardless of travel method — both types of worker are covered by the same awards or enterprise agreements. However, differences can arise in:
- Travel allowances — FIFO workers receive flights as a benefit in kind; DIDO workers may receive a mileage allowance or travel payment, or may be responsible for their own travel costs.
- Site allowances — These are typically the same for both, as they reflect remoteness and conditions rather than travel method.
- Total package — FIFO roles often advertise higher all-in packages because the flight cost is counted as part of the employer's total expenditure, not necessarily reflected in the worker's take-home pay.
Roster patterns: the same for FIFO and DIDO
Both FIFO and DIDO workers use the same roster patterns. The swing length and R&R period are determined by the operation, not the travel method. Common patterns include:
FIFO Planner works equally well for FIFO and DIDO workers — the app plans your swing and R&R schedule regardless of how you travel to site.
Common questions about FIFO and DIDO
Can I claim a tax deduction for DIDO travel costs?
Possibly. If your employer doesn't reimburse travel costs and you are required to travel for work, you may be able to claim vehicle expenses or accommodation under ATO rules. FIFO workers are generally not eligible because the employer covers flight costs. Always consult a registered tax agent for advice specific to your situation.
Is FIFO or DIDO better for work-life balance?
Neither is inherently better — it depends on the specific roster pattern and the individual. FIFO workers lose less personal time to travel (flights are faster than long drives), but the work is typically in more remote locations with less access to outside services. DIDO workers have more flexibility to leave site in an emergency.
Do DIDO workers live in camp?
Usually yes, especially on longer rotations. Many DIDO sites have the same camp accommodation (dongas, wet messes, recreation facilities) as FIFO sites. On shorter rotations or day-drive distances, some DIDO workers return home each night rather than staying on site.
What does swing mean for DIDO workers?
The same as for FIFO: the swing is the consecutive period a worker spends on site before returning home for R&R. DIDO workers on a 2/1 roster still spend 14 consecutive days at site before driving home for 7 days.
Sources and further reading
- ATO: Deductions you can claim — which work-related travel costs can be deductible
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Pay and wages — how pay and allowances work
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Awards — what your award says about allowances
General information, not tax or financial advice. Speak to a registered tax agent about your own situation.
Plan your roster — FIFO or DIDO
FIFO Planner works for any remote work rotation. Set your pattern, see every swing and R&R period automatically, overlay Australian public holidays for your home state, and export to your calendar. Free to use, works offline at camp.