Outrageous food prices in Australia!
Dec 5th, 2010, 02:44 AM
#142
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Gosh I didn't realise things were that expensive in WA - my apologies for doubting the amount quoted. Whew that is ridiculous - really - $12.99 for grapes here is expensive & I'll wait till they cone down to around the $7 / kilo.
Dec 5th, 2010, 09:19 PM
#143
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So sorry to read about Spassvogel. I never knew her, but enjoyed her posts about her enjoyment of travel in my country.
On re-reading the thread, one has to wonder about the road accident and possible after-effects.
Alan, Australia
On re-reading the thread, one has to wonder about the road accident and possible after-effects.
Alan, Australia
Dec 5th, 2010, 09:52 PM
#144
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Spassvogel had a cerebral haemorrhage and I'm not sure what from - could have been an aneurysm burst, stroke etc. but I do wonder whether she hit her head somewhere in the accident - it was the first thing I thought of.
Dec 7th, 2010, 12:41 PM
#146
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My best food experience was part of a snorkelling tour on Australia’s most magnificent Island.
Some years back I sat on the most beautiful beach imaginable under a Casuarina tree feasting on huge prawns
( big shrimps ) bugs ( small crabs )raw mackerel soaked in fresh lime juice , salads freshly picked , breads and cheeses to die for , a bucket of blueberries, lamingtons( cake rolled in chocolate and coconut ) all washed down with several glasses of cold white wine. The view from under the Casuarina tree across the reef at low tide was something dreams are made of.
The food was sensational as was the company. Albeit we did not see any one else apart from the people we were with.
What a shame many of you have been to the land of milk and honey and not experienced just how good Australian food can really be. We found if you get away from the places people visit by the thousands, and search that little bit harder you will find the special stuff.
The Lizard Island Day Tour with daintreeair.com will give you all of the above and more.
Search some of the postings from back in the late 90s and early 2000 on the internet.
Not sure if Daintree air still operate, but if they do you will enjoy the best food Australia has to offer on a beautiful beach in the middle of nowhere, swimming with a myriad of colourful creatures on amazing colourful reef with next to no other people on the Island. Yep it’s that good.
Barbs.
Some years back I sat on the most beautiful beach imaginable under a Casuarina tree feasting on huge prawns
( big shrimps ) bugs ( small crabs )raw mackerel soaked in fresh lime juice , salads freshly picked , breads and cheeses to die for , a bucket of blueberries, lamingtons( cake rolled in chocolate and coconut ) all washed down with several glasses of cold white wine. The view from under the Casuarina tree across the reef at low tide was something dreams are made of.
The food was sensational as was the company. Albeit we did not see any one else apart from the people we were with.
What a shame many of you have been to the land of milk and honey and not experienced just how good Australian food can really be. We found if you get away from the places people visit by the thousands, and search that little bit harder you will find the special stuff.
The Lizard Island Day Tour with daintreeair.com will give you all of the above and more.
Search some of the postings from back in the late 90s and early 2000 on the internet.
Not sure if Daintree air still operate, but if they do you will enjoy the best food Australia has to offer on a beautiful beach in the middle of nowhere, swimming with a myriad of colourful creatures on amazing colourful reef with next to no other people on the Island. Yep it’s that good.
Barbs.
Dec 16th, 2010, 10:57 PM
#147
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Sandra_Clarke - not sure where your neice bought the grapes from, but I live in Perth and paid $13.99 a kilo for grapes at my local coles, not a ridiculous price of $39.99. Maybe she kept the change for herself lol
Dec 23rd, 2010, 06:02 PM
#148
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I really find it incredulous that so many on these threads have so much spare time to write such long answers, almost like full time writers for fodors. And so much of it on here was misleading and in some cases totally incorrect. No matter where you go it's a case of swings and roundabouts, save on one thing somewhere but sometimes pay a bit more for something you especially like somewhere else. It's a case of balancing the books. To Monica Richards, don't be put off by any of this, there are plenty of places to buy reasonably priced food, the markets, the specials at supermarkets, make up your own lunch and enjoy the many parks and waterfront areas to sit and watch the world go by. Then at night if you want you have saved enough to eat out occasionally. If you like ethnic food, the Indian, Chinese, Turkish, Thai and Italian places generally are best value for money. Certainly here in Auckland anyway. And for the cheese fanciers, aren't I lucky, I have a French cheese shop within five minutes walk from home staffed by French cheese experts and I don't pay anymore for it than the prices of NZ and Aussie cheese at my local supermarket. If you like seafood the tourists have discovered our local fish market and enjoy the best of seafood caught that morning at a fraction of restaurant prices. So the bargains are there, it's just a case of looking. The best way is to ask a local wherever you may be.
Dec 23rd, 2010, 09:16 PM
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My family also recently returned home to the US from Australia. We were quite shocked at the amount of money food cost while eating out.
We have traveled all over the world and were caught off guard how much money restaurants charged there. I had (wrongfully) assumed that because the US dollar is pretty much on par with the Australian dollar now that the food prices would equate with what we pay at home. Not so.
We ended up cooking breakfast (oatmeal, orange juice, coffee and rasher bacon) in our apartment every morning as well as eating many evening meals in as well. By the way, what is rasher bacon? It seemed more like the ham we are used to in the US. It was amazing! This is the very first vacation we've taken where we've prepared so many of our own meals.
We have traveled all over the world and were caught off guard how much money restaurants charged there. I had (wrongfully) assumed that because the US dollar is pretty much on par with the Australian dollar now that the food prices would equate with what we pay at home. Not so.
We ended up cooking breakfast (oatmeal, orange juice, coffee and rasher bacon) in our apartment every morning as well as eating many evening meals in as well. By the way, what is rasher bacon? It seemed more like the ham we are used to in the US. It was amazing! This is the very first vacation we've taken where we've prepared so many of our own meals.
Dec 26th, 2010, 02:32 AM
#152
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MonicaRichards please do not be deterred by all that has preceded on this post.
It is frankly nonsense to suggest that food costs across Australia are universally expensive and / or exorbitantly priced .
In remote / far distant locations you are a captive clientele and so, sometimes, prices are inflated but in all major capital cities you can eat wonderfully well for little money in convenient locations.
In Melbourne I regularly pay $15 for a Vietnames meal , or $35 for a Thai of superlative quality , sharing 10 or so courses between a group and it is BYO grog with a $4 corkage.We have a raft of great and top end restaurants who do a weekday two course lunch with a glass of wine and coffee for A$35
When I was last in London 4 years ago I paid A$9.50 for a cup of " caterers blend " instant coffee with a dinner mint on the side ,and A$45 for haddock and chips at the Tate Moderne and A$85 for steak with bearnaise sauce and chips at a gastro pub . Shocking but that was what I had to pay .Same in Honolulu .The cheap food was at Smorgys and the like and was universally awful and sugar laden . As for tipping !!!!!!!!!
But you grin and bear it . When in Rome ......
Early in this post the fact we do not have to tip compulsorily anywhere in Australia was flagged . So you save 15 - 20% each meal .No tips to taxi drivers , hairdressers , manicurists or porters unless you want to do so . Makes a nice change . Saves a lot of $ .
So factor in that saving and I think you might be able to afford the 5th week .
It is frankly nonsense to suggest that food costs across Australia are universally expensive and / or exorbitantly priced .
In remote / far distant locations you are a captive clientele and so, sometimes, prices are inflated but in all major capital cities you can eat wonderfully well for little money in convenient locations.
In Melbourne I regularly pay $15 for a Vietnames meal , or $35 for a Thai of superlative quality , sharing 10 or so courses between a group and it is BYO grog with a $4 corkage.We have a raft of great and top end restaurants who do a weekday two course lunch with a glass of wine and coffee for A$35
When I was last in London 4 years ago I paid A$9.50 for a cup of " caterers blend " instant coffee with a dinner mint on the side ,and A$45 for haddock and chips at the Tate Moderne and A$85 for steak with bearnaise sauce and chips at a gastro pub . Shocking but that was what I had to pay .Same in Honolulu .The cheap food was at Smorgys and the like and was universally awful and sugar laden . As for tipping !!!!!!!!!
But you grin and bear it . When in Rome ......
Early in this post the fact we do not have to tip compulsorily anywhere in Australia was flagged . So you save 15 - 20% each meal .No tips to taxi drivers , hairdressers , manicurists or porters unless you want to do so . Makes a nice change . Saves a lot of $ .
So factor in that saving and I think you might be able to afford the 5th week .
Dec 29th, 2010, 06:24 AM
#153
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I am considering going to the Australian Open Tennis tournament when I retire in 6-7 years (I hope). The comments have been very beneficial. I wonder if anyone can give advice on lodging and dining in Melbourne during the 1st week of the tournament to allow for bargains. I really look forward to going to Oz. Every Australian I have encountered in the US has been outgoing and a lot of fun.
Dec 29th, 2010, 11:12 AM
#154
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Jesse a lot can change in 6 or 7 years ( exchange rates )but thankfully Melbourne and what it offers will get even better I hope .
Best to look at a self service apartment in or near central city area or nearby. Depends how long you intend to be here - e.g. last few days or from start prelim matches to the end .
The tennis centre is all within easy walking from the city especially if staying on Flinders ,Spring ,Russel or Exhibition streets . Likewise if at Southbank. South Yarra is nice e.g. The Olsen or Como Hotels . Tram services are plentiful from all around town .
Checkout options currently on wotif and last minute to get a sense of price. You would need to book well ahead as it is a very busy time .
Look at www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for all sorts of information
Closer to the time ask us again to advise and all will be happy to do so .
Best to look at a self service apartment in or near central city area or nearby. Depends how long you intend to be here - e.g. last few days or from start prelim matches to the end .
The tennis centre is all within easy walking from the city especially if staying on Flinders ,Spring ,Russel or Exhibition streets . Likewise if at Southbank. South Yarra is nice e.g. The Olsen or Como Hotels . Tram services are plentiful from all around town .
Checkout options currently on wotif and last minute to get a sense of price. You would need to book well ahead as it is a very busy time .
Look at www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for all sorts of information
Closer to the time ask us again to advise and all will be happy to do so .
Dec 29th, 2010, 12:03 PM
#155
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Thanks John. I am looking at coming during the first 4-5 days of the tournament when there is a lot of tennis and the venues arent sold out. This maybe a once in a lifetime trip so Ill try to save money but will do what i have to. I am a teacher on vacation right now so I have time to over plan an event along time from now. thanks again, jesse
Dec 29th, 2010, 03:11 PM
#156
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Jesse, I have stayed several times at apartments ranging from ordinary but cheap to excellent but not cheap in the city, East Melbourne, South Yarra and Carlton at that time of year.
Once you have made your plans, book as early as you can. It is a peak time, so don't expect discounts but do expect them to fill up early.
Any of those locations will suit the Tennis Centre. East Melbourne and South Yarra, depending on location, may be a short walk and the city has frequent trams to the Tennis Centre.
A little further out of town, but still very close by tram, is Carlton. If you like fine but inexpensive dining (noting the title of this thread) Carlton's Lygon Street district has a superb range of restaurants ranging from incredibly cheap to overpriced
Here are some links to check. The list is not exhaustive; the asterisk means I've stayed there:
South Yarra:
Darling Towers*
http://www.darlingtowers.net.au/Sout...uth-Yarra.html
This is actually a booking agency for several different apartment buildings in South Yarra. We have used them twice; one excellent, one average, both inexpensive. Check the actual location on a map to see the distance to the Tennis Centre; I was there for the cricket and usually strolled to the MCG in about 20 minutes.
East Melbourne:
George Powlett*.
http://www.georgepowlett.com.au/
Very cheap, very basic but adequate, very close to the MCG and Tennis centre. But you get what you pay for, don’t expect frills. Probably the roughest of the apartments I’ve stayed at in Melbourne.
There are several others in that area that were more expensive and looked a bit nicer, but money was important at that time:
http://www.questeastmelbourne.com.au/
http://www.knightsbridgeapartments.com.au/
Google “East Melbourne serviced” to find more.
City: Medina*
http://www.medina.com.au/melbourne-a...FQTUbgod0m9NSg
Superb quality. Occasionally they have internet specials, either on that web-site or on their corporate toga site: http://www.togahotels.com.au/home/
The one-bedroom apartments are spacious but the studio apartments are effectively a cramped hotel room with a kitchenette. Quality and fittings are excellent in both.
I have stayed only in their Queen Street apartments but they have other locations as you will see on the web-site.
Carlton:
Swanston Street*
http://www.dinglepartners.com.au/ind...6&origin=gbase
That district of Carlton has a lot of apartments used as student accommodation for the Melbourne University and RMIT. January is part of their long break. Do some googling for “student accommodation” in Carlton and you may get some surprising discounts at that time of year. The quality will be as you would expect for student accommodation. Clean, basic, not brand new but very good for the price.
Cheers, Alan
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
Once you have made your plans, book as early as you can. It is a peak time, so don't expect discounts but do expect them to fill up early.
Any of those locations will suit the Tennis Centre. East Melbourne and South Yarra, depending on location, may be a short walk and the city has frequent trams to the Tennis Centre.
A little further out of town, but still very close by tram, is Carlton. If you like fine but inexpensive dining (noting the title of this thread) Carlton's Lygon Street district has a superb range of restaurants ranging from incredibly cheap to overpriced
Here are some links to check. The list is not exhaustive; the asterisk means I've stayed there:
South Yarra:
Darling Towers*
http://www.darlingtowers.net.au/Sout...uth-Yarra.html
This is actually a booking agency for several different apartment buildings in South Yarra. We have used them twice; one excellent, one average, both inexpensive. Check the actual location on a map to see the distance to the Tennis Centre; I was there for the cricket and usually strolled to the MCG in about 20 minutes.
East Melbourne:
George Powlett*.
http://www.georgepowlett.com.au/
Very cheap, very basic but adequate, very close to the MCG and Tennis centre. But you get what you pay for, don’t expect frills. Probably the roughest of the apartments I’ve stayed at in Melbourne.
There are several others in that area that were more expensive and looked a bit nicer, but money was important at that time:
http://www.questeastmelbourne.com.au/
http://www.knightsbridgeapartments.com.au/
Google “East Melbourne serviced” to find more.
City: Medina*
http://www.medina.com.au/melbourne-a...FQTUbgod0m9NSg
Superb quality. Occasionally they have internet specials, either on that web-site or on their corporate toga site: http://www.togahotels.com.au/home/
The one-bedroom apartments are spacious but the studio apartments are effectively a cramped hotel room with a kitchenette. Quality and fittings are excellent in both.
I have stayed only in their Queen Street apartments but they have other locations as you will see on the web-site.
Carlton:
Swanston Street*
http://www.dinglepartners.com.au/ind...6&origin=gbase
That district of Carlton has a lot of apartments used as student accommodation for the Melbourne University and RMIT. January is part of their long break. Do some googling for “student accommodation” in Carlton and you may get some surprising discounts at that time of year. The quality will be as you would expect for student accommodation. Clean, basic, not brand new but very good for the price.
Cheers, Alan
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
Jan 10th, 2011, 05:56 PM
#159
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Wow, I feel so popular called out by name twice! So here's the scoop with us, we are postponing our Australian trip until next summer, mostly because we figured out there was no way we could save enough money in one year for the trip we want to have. So it's New York/Boston/Washington DC on frequent flyer miles this year, with all the money saved going to the Australia fund for next year.
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