FIFO vs. Drive-In Camps: Meeting Different Workforce Needs

Get In Touch With Us!

Australia’s vast size and remote worksites create special challenges for workforce housing. Crews often need on-site camps in mining, construction, defence, and emergency operations. Two standard models are FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) and drive-in drive-out camps. FIFO workers fly to a remote site and stay in camp for their roster, while drive-in workers commute by road from nearby towns. Each model meets different needs.

What is FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out)?

Fly-in, Fly-Out (FIFO) is a crew rotation method widely used in Australia’s mining industry. Workers who live far from a site are flown in by plane for a set shift roster and then flown home on their break. FIFO became common in the 1970s as mines opened in remote WA areas, and today, it’s central to large projects in the Pilbara and beyond.

Major WA miners are now building resort-style FIFO villages with spacious ensuite rooms, gyms, pools and sports courts to improve worker wellbeing. These amenities help crews rest and recover during extended periods away from home.

What is Drive-In (Drive-Out)?

Drive-In Drive-Out (DIDO) camps are for sites reachable by road. Workers living regionally (within a few hours’ drive) commute to the camp at the start of a shift cycle. They stay in camp during their roster, then drive home for their time off. Drive-in crews might travel daily for short shifts, or weekly blocks if the site is farther away.

Drive-in camps provide on-site housing, dining, and recreational facilities like FIFO camps. The key difference is that workers commute by driving or taking buses from nearby towns instead of flying. This commuting method allows for more frequent trips home but also increases the risk of fatigue due to long road travel.

Key Differences: FIFO vs Drive-In

• Transport: FIFO crews fly by plane; Drive-In crews use vehicles or buses.

• Site Access: FIFO suits extremely remote sites with no road access, while drive-in fits sites near highways or regional towns.
• Roster & Time Off: FIFO shifts are usually 2–3 weeks on and 2–3 weeks off, so workers spend long stints away. Drive-in shifts can be shorter (e.g., eight on, six off), letting workers see family more often.

• Amenities: FIFO camps tend to be larger villages with complete services since crews stay long-term. Drive-in camps can be smaller, but both include private rooms (often ensuite) and full dining facilities.

• Industries & Use: FIFO is standard in remote mining, oil, and gas. Drive-in is common in mining and construction near towns or for exploration projects. It’s also used in agriculture and emergency response when access is by road.

• Cost: Flying involves charter costs but saves travel time. Driving uses fuel but avoids airfare. Projects are chosen based on budget and schedule.

Western Australia relies on FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) and DIDO (Drive-In, Drive-Out) models to address labour shortages on remote projects. By combining both approaches, companies can access skilled workers from across the country and employ those who live in nearby regions.

Choosing the Right Camp Model

Consider these factors:

• Location & Access: Use FIFO when sites lack road access or require long travel times. Choose drive-in access for locations within a few hours of a nearby town.

• Workforce Origin: If enough workers live nearby, project teams can deploy drive-in crews for sites near Karratha, Kalgoorlie, or Perth. If not, companies fly in crews from the city.

• Project Type & Duration: Long-term mines often use FIFO villages. Short-term works (drilling, construction) might use modular drive-in camps, or bus-in (BIBO) if roads allow.

• Budget & Schedule: FIFO requires arranging flights and accommodation; Drive-In requires vehicle logistics. Compare travel costs vs roster needs.

• Employee Preference: Some workers prefer the longer breaks of FIFO, while others prefer frequent home time from drive-in. Offering both options can help with recruiting.

Matching the camp model to the site and crew helps meet operational needs and worker satisfaction.

Industry Examples

• Mining & Resources (WA): Pilbara and Goldfields use both models. Very remote mines use FIFO camps, while sites near towns run drive-in rosters. Camp providers now deliver turnkey villages or modular camps to suit each mine’s roster.

• Exploration Camps: Teams usually set up small, temporary modular camps for exploration crews. If the field site sits near a highway, workers often drive in. If it’s deep in the bush, crews fly in a small trailer-mounted FIFO camp for the program.

• Infrastructure Projects: WA’s remote road, pipeline, or rail projects often use drive-in camps for crews who can commute. If a site is beyond driving range, project teams hire FIFO villages or charter crews.

• Defence Exercises: Military training in outback WA uses rugged, transportable camps. These are flown or trucked to field sites, including barracks, mess halls and generators.

• Emergency Response: During bushfires or floods, agencies set up rapid-deploy camps for firefighters and support crews. Crews may drive in if roads allow, or teams can be flown into a temporary camp if needed.

Designing Quality Camps (Best Practices)

A quality camp is safe, comfortable and fully equipped. Key features include:

• Sleeping Quarters: Private rooms or quiet dorms with climate control and comfortable beds. Night-shift workers need soundproofed sleeping areas.

• Sanitation: Adequate showers and toilets (preferably ensuited) so residents never queue. Good ventilation and hot water are essential.

• Dining & Catering: Full kitchens and dining halls with varied, nutritious meals. Food quality and variety directly affect morale and performance.

• Recreation & Wellness: Gyms, sports courts, and recreation rooms exist. Many FIFO camps now include pools and gaming areas to help workers unwind. Lounges and Wi-Fi let teams relax and stay connected during downtime.

• Medical & Support: On-site first aid and telehealth access. Mental health resources (counsellors, support lines) are essential, as FIFO/DIDO life can be stressful.

• Utilities & Comfort: Reliable power (generators/solar), clean water and waste treatment. Air-conditioning in key areas is a must in hot climates.

• Communication: Satellite or mobile internet and phone access so workers stay in touch with family.

• Safety & Compliance: Camps are required to meet applicable safety standards and operate as workplaces, with teams installing fire alarms, implementing emergency plans, and maintaining security.

• Modular Flexibility: You can expand or relocate the camp by adding or moving container or trailer units. This approach allows you to adjust capacity or shift the camp location as your project evolves.

A well-designed camp also requires careful operational planning. Planners must match sleeping capacity to crew size, include blackout curtains or quiet zones for night-shift workers, schedule rostered flights or buses, stock adequate linens and cleaning supplies, arrange regular housekeeping and maintenance, and inspect the site for safety hazards before occupancy.

Get the Right Camp Solution for Your Project

FIFO and drive-in camps both serve crucial roles in WA projects. Companies use FIFO camps to access workers from across the country, while drive-in camps rely on local labour. Engineers design modern camps for safety, comfort, and fast deployment.

Rapid Camps specialises in these solutions. We deliver turnkey camps across WA and Australia. Our offerings include modular housing, kitchens, utilities, and more, all set up quickly so your team can start work.

Ready to solve your accommodation needs? Contact Rapid Camps to discuss FIFO or drive-in camp solutions. Our WA-based team will advise on the best model and deliver a high-quality camp tailored to your project and workforce. Let us handle the logistics so your crew can focus on the job.

Copyright © 2025 Rapid Camps. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Rapid Camps. All Rights Reserved!

Terms & Condition