Average gas price here is about $A1.20 per litre. Hasn't been below $A1 in a decade. A US gallon is about 3.8 litres, while a UK gallon (which was used here prior to metrification in 1974) is about 4.5 litres. By my calculation gas prices, in cities here, are close to double what you pay in the states, and in the bush, will easily be more than double.
And as mentioned, E10 is cheaper, but you have to use more of it. Here's a real world test done in Australia which concludes "E10 is cheaper but the 2 cents a litre difference in price is simply not enough to warrant using E10 which costs $15.93 per 100km, compared to $15.08 for standard unleaded."
http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/unleaded-vs-e10-the-comparison-test-29451
The mandating of E10 is a rort designed to drive up wheat prices (most ethanol in Australia is produced from wheat, unlike in the US where corn is used). It does not make fuel cheaper for motorists. Using E10 is a bit like buying a pack of 10 bread rolls because they're cheaper than buying a dozen.
5 hours a day is fine, and will cover you for just about anywhere between Adelaide and Cairns and most points inland. Only up the centre, and the north west, will you probably need to drive more than this.
You'll get a huge shock with coffee here. Starbucks went broke because it couldn't compete, if that's a guide. Every town and every suburb is now overrun with coffee places.
harry - thanks for info and link on E10 - i'm a lot wiser now although don't use E10 cause no good for the bike but still good to know the facts
Average gas price here is about $A1.20 per litre. Hasn't been below $A1 in a decade. A US gallon is about 3.8 litres, while a UK gallon (which was used here prior to metrification in 1974) is about 4.5 litres. By my calculation gas prices, in cities here, are close to double what you pay in the states, and in the bush, will easily be more than double.
And as mentioned, E10 is cheaper, but you have to use more of it. Here's a real world test done in Australia which concludes "E10 is cheaper but the 2 cents a litre difference in price is simply not enough to warrant using E10 which costs $15.93 per 100km, compared to $15.08 for standard unleaded."
http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/unleaded-vs-e10-the-comparison-test-29451
I think Choice and NRMA also did tests showing you burnt more E10 per km than unleaded so there was no point. They also pointed out that while premium unleaded did give a better fuel economy, it wasn't cheaper overall than unleaded.
You'll get a huge shock with coffee here. Starbucks went broke because it couldn't compete, if that's a guide. Every town and every suburb is now overrun with coffee places.
Yes, they underestimated the coffee culture here. Its probably up there with the best coffee in the world in general. Although we grow very little beans here.
Hi
Have you thought about house-sitting? We just completed a year in Australia and found it was a great way to save money. There are a few different websites available which can be found through google search. You simply create a profile pay a registration fee (less than the cost of a nights accommodation)then you can respond to adverts. Most people want you to look after their pets as well as their homes but it is a great way of saving money. We found house sits in most of the big cities which meant we could splash out on enjoying ourselves. As a more mature couple you will find it really easy to get selected to house sit for people (we were turned down a few times for being too youthful at 28 and 32). We probably saved over 3 months worth of accommodation by house sitting. We usually stayed between one and three weeks but there are adverts for shorted stays too.
Yes, they underestimated the coffee culture here. Its probably up there with the best coffee in the world in general. Although we grow very little beans here.
The beans grown around Mareeba (near Cairns) were normal sized beans.
In terms of coffee-making on the road that can be a burden. Even a small stove top coffee pot is heavy enough and any beans you take are not going to be freshly ground unless you take a grinder with you so there is a fall in quality there and depending on your travel arrangements most of the coffee making is going to be first thing and last thing in the day. Now I love me coffee but I can't see inconvenience being less than the reward but that is of course my opinion.
On the coffee question, my recommendation would be to get a metal plunger style coffee maker so you are not reliant on electricity. This is an example of what I mean: http://www.victoriasbasement.com.au/Product/Details/92071?category=TCPLN You can get cheaper ones in glass but then you have the worry of them breaking. We use one at home and think they make nice coffee.
For coffee itself, we have a couple that we like and buy depending what is on special. One is this Lavazza one and the other is this Vittoria one. Both are readily available in the main supermarkets and reasonably good quality without breaking the bank (recognise that everyone has different taste in coffee though).
For accommodation savings, have you heard of a new sharing concept called Camp in My Garden. It is fairly new but there are a few places dotted around Australia. Another option for Sydney is the facebook page Grand Pair Rents which was originally set up by expat Sydneysiders looking to accommodate visiting grandparents. They often have short term rentals, house swaps and house sitting arrangements on there.
State Forests are another option for camping in NSW. Generally not quite as nice as national parks but camping in them is free. Also seem to recall that the camp sites come with a drop toilet, running water (eg, from a tank) and pre-chopped wood for making a fire. Here is some information. Often you will have the whole campground to yourself - especially midweek.
For eating out, clubs can be a good, occasional option in NSW (ie, when you can't be bothered cooking yourself and just want something plain). Often they will have special deals like 2 for the price of 1 steaks on a particular night of the week. Just walk on past the poker machine addicts who are subsidising the cost of your meal!
For entertainment deals, check out Lasttix for Sydney (and other cities, I think). I have gone to some great shows at the Opera House for under $50. You can also get good deals (including for popular tourist attractions like the Australian Reptile Park on sites like Scoopon, Groupon etc. You can also get deals on things like movie tickets, zoo entrance etc through your telephone company sometimes (assuming you will be getting a phone account in Australia).
A lot of people swear by Aldi for cheap grocery shopping. You can also get fruit, veg and eggs at farm gates once you get out of the city. This is obviously not a reliable way to shop but worth keeping an eye out for. Here are some options in and around Sydney (best to avoid weekends as they can get very crowded). A lot of places have weekend farmers markets which are another good option for local, fresh fruit and veg.
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