Local News

Why Is Domestic Travel in Australia So Expensive?

Published

2 weeks ago

5 September 2024

Liam

Why Is Domestic Travel in Australia So Expensive?

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Why Is Domestic Travel in Australia So Expensive?

In recent years, the cost of domestic travel within Australia has risen to the point where many Australians find it more affordable to vacation abroad than to explore their own backyard. The reasons behind this price surge are multifaceted, involving a combination of factors from the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the realities of Australia’s unique geography and market dynamics. Understanding these contributing factors is crucial to grasping why domestic travel remains so expensive and what can be done to make it more accessible to the average Australian.

One of the most significant drivers of the current high costs of domestic travel is the lingering impact of the pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, international borders were closed, and Australians were encouraged to travel domestically. This surge in demand led to a significant increase in prices as airlines, hotels, and other travel-related businesses sought to recoup their losses from the extended lockdowns.

Even as international travel has resumed, many of these businesses have maintained higher prices, partly due to the ongoing costs associated with pandemic-related safety measures and partly due to a continued demand for domestic travel. The domestic travel industry, in many cases, had to scale down operations during the pandemic, leading to reduced capacity that has not yet fully recovered. This imbalance between supply and demand has kept prices elevated.

Australia’s vast size and relatively low population density also pose unique challenges for domestic travel. The country’s major cities are spread across vast distances, requiring long flights or extended drives to move between them. This geographic reality makes travel more expensive, particularly when compared to countries with more compact urban layouts.

For airlines, operating flights between these distant locations is costly, with fuel expenses, crew costs, and aircraft maintenance contributing to higher ticket prices. Moreover, there is often less competition on domestic routes, especially to regional or less popular destinations, allowing existing carriers to charge higher prices. In contrast, international routes often benefit from intense competition, driving prices down.

Another significant factor contributing to the high cost of domestic travel is the limited competition in Australia’s airline industry. The Australian domestic market is dominated by a few major airlines, notably Qantas and Virgin Australia. This limited competition means that these airlines face less pressure to lower prices, especially on popular routes.

While there are budget carriers, their offerings are often restricted to a small number of routes, and they frequently charge additional fees for services that are standard on full-service airlines, such as checked baggage or seat selection. This can erode the apparent savings and result in a total cost that is still relatively high.

The lack of competition extends beyond airlines to other aspects of domestic travel, such as car rentals and accommodation. In many parts of Australia, particularly in regional areas, there are only a handful of accommodation options, allowing operators to charge premium prices. Similarly, the car rental market is dominated by a few major companies, leading to higher prices, especially during peak travel periods.

Australia’s domestic travel costs are also influenced by seasonal and peak-time pricing. Prices can fluctuate dramatically depending on the time of year, with school holidays, long weekends, and major events often seeing sharp increases in costs. This is a common practice in the travel industry globally, but in Australia, the relatively small number of key destinations exacerbates the issue.

During peak periods, demand can far outstrip supply, leading to inflated prices. For families and individuals tied to traveling during these times due to work or school commitments, this can make domestic holidays prohibitively expensive. Additionally, natural events such as bushfires, floods, and even cyclones, which can occur during the peak travel seasons, often lead to sudden changes in travel plans and can further drive up costs as demand shifts to unaffected areas.

Another less visible factor driving up the cost of domestic travel in Australia is government taxes and charges. These include airport fees, security charges, and taxes levied on fuel. Australia’s aviation sector is subject to a variety of regulatory and operational costs that are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher ticket prices.

Moreover, Australia’s domestic airports charge some of the highest fees in the world. For example, landing fees, terminal fees, and passenger service charges are all significant components of the price of an airline ticket. These fees are often higher for domestic flights than for international ones, further driving up the cost of travel within Australia.

Addressing the high cost of domestic travel in Australia will require a multifaceted approach. Increasing competition in the airline industry, perhaps through incentives for new entrants, could help drive prices down. Investments in regional infrastructure could also make travel to less populated areas more affordable. Additionally, government intervention, such as subsidies or tax relief for domestic travellers, might provide some relief to consumers.

Ultimately, while the high cost of domestic travel in Australia is driven by a complex mix of factors, there is hope that with targeted efforts from both the government and the private sector, more Australians will be able to afford to explore their own country.

For more travel news, click here.

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Local News

2024 Australian Longboard Titles officially begin on the Tweed Coast

Published

13 mins ago

19 September 2024

Liam

The Australian Longboard Titles feature athletes representing all six surfing states. Image: Lighthouse Sports Photography / Surfing Australia

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2024 Australian Longboard Titles officially begin on the Tweed Coast

The Australian Longboard Titles have officially begun with an Opening Ceremony at the Hyundai Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC), marking the start of a six-day event on the Tweed Coast in northern New South Wales. Held on Bundjalung Country, the competition is part of the 2024 Australian Surf Championships and is the longest-running event on the Australian surfing calendar.

Athletes from all six surfing states are competing in various longboard divisions at some of the region’s most famous surf spots, including Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff Beach, Fingal Beach, and Duranbah Beach. With nearly 120 competitors in the Masters divisions, this year’s event is one of the largest in recent memory.

Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott is optimistic about the weather, predicting a strong swell that will provide excellent surf conditions, especially for the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions. “The forecast looks great,” he said, “with a solid 3-5 foot swell expected for the first few days of competition.”

The Australian Longboard Titles feature athletes representing all six surfing states. Image: Lighthouse Sports Photography / Surfing Australia

Competitor Nathan Rivalland, from Jan Juc, Victoria, expressed his excitement to be part of the event. “This is my third time competing, and it’s epic to be up here. I made the semis last year and I’m hoping to go even better this year.”

Winners of the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions will secure spots on the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for the 2025 ISA World Longboard Championship. All division winners will also receive a longboard-specific coaching session at the Hyundai Surfing Australia HPC.

Key Divisions:

Under 18 Junior Men & Women
Open Men & Women
Masters & Grand Masters (40+ and beyond)

Competition Schedule:

Window 1: Friday, Sept 13 – Saturday, Sept 14 (Open Men & Women, U18 Junior Men & Women)
Window 2: Saturday, Sept 14 – Tuesday, Sept 17 (Masters, Grand Masters, and older divisions)

For more information, visit here. This year’s event is supported by Hyundai, Jim Beam, and Surfers for Climate.

For more sports news, click here.

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Local News

DJI Neo Drone

Published

27 mins ago

19 September 2024

Liam

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DJI Neo Drone

Pocket-Sized Innovation for Everyday Users

By Liam Jennings

DJI has once again pushed the boundaries of portable drone technology with the release of its latest model, the DJI Neo. Weighing in at just 135 grams — less than the average smartphone — this featherweight drone is designed with beginners in mind, offering a powerful blend of simplicity, versatility, and affordability. Priced at $299, the Neo positions itself as an entry-level option for vlogers, hobbyists, and anyone wanting to capture high-quality footage on the go.

One of the standout features of the DJI Neo is its ease of use. Palm takeoff and landing eliminate the need for bulky controllers, allowing the drone to launch directly from your hand. This, combined with AI-powered subject tracking, makes it perfect for users seeking hands-free video capture. Whether you’re skateboarding through a park or hiking a scenic trail, the Neo stays focused on you, making it an ideal tool for capturing dynamic content.

Despite its small size, the DJI Neo doesn’t skimp on camera quality. It records 4K video at 30 frames per second and captures 12MP still photos, ensuring high-quality footage even in challenging conditions. Stabilisation features like RockSteady and HorizonBalancing provide smooth videos, even in windy environments with gusts up to 30 kmph. However, unlike some of DJI’s more advanced drones, the Neo lacks obstacle avoidance. This limitation means users will need to fly cautiously to avoid crashes.

The drone’s QuickShots feature allows for cinematic, automated flight paths with just a tap. Additionally, the Neo supports voice control in both English and Mandarin, further simplifying the user experience. This functionality is especially beneficial for vloggers and social media content creators looking to film themselves while performing various activities.

DJI Neo Drone

In terms of battery life, the Neo offers a modest 18 minutes of flight time per charge, which is relatively short compared to higher-end models like the DJI Mini 3 that provide up to 38 minutes. However, given the Neo’s price point, this flight duration is more than adequate for quick shoots. The drone charges via USB-C and can be fully recharged in just 50 minutes, making it convenient for users on the go.

DJI has also introduced a Two-Way Charging Hub, allowing users to charge three batteries simultaneously, which can be purchased separately. This accessory is especially useful for those who plan to use the drone extensively without access to a power source.

Durability is another area where DJI has made notable strides with the Neo. The drone features a flexible frame and full-coverage propeller guards, which help protect it during crashes—an essential feature for novices. Its lightweight design not only enhances portability but also ensures that it can be easily packed into a small bag or even a pocket.

The DJI Neo is squarely aimed at casual users and content creators looking for an affordable yet capable drone. Its simplified controls, intelligent features, and compact design make it an attractive option for those new to drones. DJI’s decision to price the Neo at $299 makes it one of the most accessible camera drones on the market. Pre-orders are already available, with shipping expected to begin in early October.

Overall, the DJI Neo represents a perfect balance of performance and convenience for everyday users. While it may not offer the advanced capabilities of its higher-end counterparts, it more than makes up for it with ease of use, portability, and affordability—making aerial photography and videography accessible to a wider audience than ever before.

For more tech news, click here.

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Local News

Apple AirPods 4

Published

34 mins ago

19 September 2024

Liam

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Apple AirPods 4
The newest sound from Apple

By Liam Jennings

Apple recently introduced the AirPods 4, offering two distinct models with enhanced features. The base model is priced at $129, while the version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) comes in at $219. Both models feature an updated design, moving away from the silicone ear tips to a universal fit, which many users will find more comfortable.

The AirPods 4 come with a USB-C charging case that provides up to 30 hours of battery life, a solid offering for wireless earbuds. The ANC version offers an upgraded listening experience, especially for those looking to block out external noise without bulky ear tips. Personalised Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking further enhance sound quality, providing an immersive experience when watching movies or listening to music.

One of the key highlights of the AirPods 4 is the H2 chip, which drives improved sound quality, better connection stability, and more efficient power usage. This chip also powers features like Adaptive Transparency and better noise-cancellation algorithms, making the ANC model stand out even further.

For those looking for alternatives, the AirPods Max also received a minor update, with a switch to USB-C and new colour options. The AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 are being discontinued to make way for this refreshed lineup, marking a shift in Apple’s earbud offerings.

Pre-orders are available now, and the new AirPods will be shipping on September 20, 2024.

For more tech news, click here.

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