There is a lot of talk out there about how expensive Australia is to visit and do anything in. I no way, shape or form am I disagreeing with you. In so many areas this is an expensive country to enjoy. Surely there must be ways to make memories and not break the bank?
So with today being Australia Day we trekked down to Torquay to participate in the Havianas Thong Challenge along with another 1300 or so people. A yearly event around Australia where you float on giant inflated thongs (flip flops), hold arms and try and break a record. In continuing with our Beating the Travel Budget Blues theme I’ve kept a record of how much we have spent for a local day out.
So what did we spend for a great day out with friends?
-Breakfast coffee x2 and a muffin $11.80
-Entry to ‘challenge’ $60 ($30/head including giant inflated thongs)
-Juice and pancakes $15.10
-Fish & chips for lunch $10.70 ($32.10 for 6 people)
-Ice cream for 2 $10.40
Total-$107.70 not including transport. Driving our little car would’ve set us back another $30.
James getting into the thong side of life
By now you’re probably laughing at me. $107 for two people. Yeah ok I laughed a little too. That’s a huge amount of cash. We could’ve saved a little had James not had pancakes and if we had packed our own snacks and drinks. It would be a brave person who tries to convince me to not get ice cream at Norfendines though. Just to put it in perspective say we spent the $137 for 9 hours of entertainment our hourly cost is roughly $15.20 for us both. That’s not too bad folks.
Early morning thong session
Things we didn’t buy- Alcohol. We had a few quiet drinks at home over dinner listening to Triple J Hottest 100. A huge congrats to Vance Joy with Riptide coming in at number 1!
By avoiding the big city crowds, bars and BBQs we saved money and our self respect. For anyone wanting to celebrate Australia Day in Australia we’d strongly suggest getting out of the big cities and avoid the drunken hooligans and potential douche bags. Though in all honesty they do seem to think that Australia Day is there day of entitlement to leave the nut house and interact with the real world. Any ways….
Did I mention the great freebies we got? Two drink bottles, a tote bag, a pair of Havianas thongs and a group photo. Overly bringing our entertainment value up quite nicely against our financial outgoings.
James won 1st place in a thong throwing contest.
So how did you spend this January 26? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to see more photos of our 20-14 Havianas Thong Challenge? Pop over to Instagram @honeybirdtravel
