I don't think aircraft hire rates are too expensive for fun or for business flying and it is still a source of amazement to me that private owners put aircraft worth $$$$ on the line for the likes of me to hire.
If you think its expensive, try estimating the cost of travelling to Birdsville or Broken Hill by road (without busting a gut) and compare it doing the same trip by air, there is not that much difference.
Furthermore, the larger RAA aircraft are approaching the performance of the C172 class and are considerably cheaper because their compliance costs are lower. They are also approaching the fuel consumption figures of a car, and they travel in straight lines taking much less time. (eg YMMB - Mansfield is about 45 minutes C172 vs. Three hours by Car).