Hutch

Thought this would make a nice idea for a thread. Like everywhere else on earth, there are things to do here in Oz which are bargains and things to do which are a monumental rip-off. So - please add yours - one from column A and one from column B.

Mine are:

Rip off: The Sydney Harbour bridge climb. Nearly 300 bucks at the best times - and you can't even take your bloody camera with you. Unreal.
Tip off: Don't go on a crappy harbour cruise on one of those huge boats, instead do the harbour tour on a little yellow water taxi. Costs about a quarter of the price, lasts longer, is more entertaining and they'll take you to other spots if you ask.

Sandra

Tip off - don't do the bridge climb do the Pylon on the bridge (the stone bits) great views a fraction of the price.
Rip Off - Buying any stuff from airport or grand tourist shops for example at the rocks in sydney, all the crapola you want is available from cheapo shops just off the main drags at a fraction of the price or head to paddys markets buy in bulk.

spartacus

Tip off: Botanical Gardens in Brisbane, lovely and free.

bridie

Tip off: Kings Park in Perth is free and has the best views of the city

Bernieboy

They made me look good in my wedding photos

kiwinow

Tip off - Am I allowed two? Mt Cootha in Brisbane, preferably at sunrise or sunset. There's a cafe at the top, amusing bird life and bush walks as well as an awesome view of the city.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane - You could spend a lot of money here if you get your photo taken with everything, but we thought it was worth every minute. Very hands on experience of wildlife - hug a koala, feed a kangaroo, handle snakes and crocs, watch a stunning bird show. If you like you can travel from the centre of town on a ferry and the price includes admission.

Rip off - Not really money wise, but we were disappointed because twice we turned up to go through the submarine at the Maritime Museum in Fremantle and twice we were turned away. Even though the second time it was the last tour of the day they wouldn't budge to take two extra people. You need to book, or turn up early.

spartacus

The trees?

spartacus

Cheaper still if you just stowaway! Ahar!

Bernieboy

Yep, i've always looked good next to tree's

jad n rich

Tip Rainforests - free, amazing, educational, peaceful, some absolute stunner's around SEqld.

rip offs - most restaurants and quite a few taverns. $35 for a piece of exotically named cod, or a tiny steak 6 chips and a garnish sized salad.

SNH

I will NEVER understand why everyone who visits Australia wants to climb the stupid bridge!!

It always amazes me when guests come from overseas and they happily spend half their budget on such an uncomfortable activity.

Plus it's so often rainy, windy and cold in Sydney that whenever I see people up there they are about to drown or be blown away.

bcworld

Rip Off - I'm going to nominate Movie World (Dream world not much better).

Last time I went after 2 hours we were bored stiff. For what they charge, they really provide very little compared to their US equivalents. Having paid $65 to get in they still sting you for a few minutes locker rental when going on a ride.

russmcp

I can't agree rip off to the harbour bridge climb, yes I agree it's a lot of money however I've done it a few times now at different times of the days, and I have to say I have loved it. Also walked up the pylons which is good, but something about standing on an amazing piece of engineering, I really appreciate it.

Tip, Manly Ferry or ferry to Watsons Bay. Another tip for a great view of Sydney, bus to Vaclaus stop at the park and look down on Sydney

russmcp

I have never blown half my budget on the bridge climb. As a tourist, last time dollar to pound was 2:20 bucks to a pound, so I guess £120 pounds spent on 3 hours, it is a lot but it's not ball breaking.

In my opinion I have never found it uncomfortable just good fun, I have always been in awe of the coathanger.

jad n rich

Would second that. Movie world 2 hours tops, total rip off. I quite like wet and wild if you can get a day its hot but not too busy.

Bridge climb, we won passes to climb the brisbane bridge which has similar history to the sydney one, but if you have to pay about half the price. Kids loved it, quite educational too, was surprised at how much they enjoyed it. Mind you it was a spectacular brisbane winters day, bris looked pretty amazing, plus we really did see a dolphin