I remember flying Canberra to Perth every year back in the 80's during the Christmas Holidays.
The cost of an Apex fare around $1200. Compassionate fares were not much cheaper. I remember flying Darwin to Perth on a compassionate fare for $1500 in the mid 90's!
I flew Ryanair Stansted to Rome, Rome to Glasgow and finally Glasgow to Stansted. These were the 3 worst flights of my life.. The first sector cost £19, the second £25 and the last £27. I would pay £200 for each to never have to fly Ryanair ever again.
The arrival of Virgin and now jetstar/tiger has ensured current airfares have never been cheaper..
$500 return sounds like a bargain..