On track,
The Duchess I hired was $300 AUD and was charged on an air switch (activated above 60kts) so it was great for circuits or visiting big airports where lots of taxiing is required, also meant runups were not rushed - I hate paying for planes the second the master switch goes on. It was $360 (~£130) dual. I know you can get cheaper at Sydney, but I was in Brisbane, besides it was an impeccable plane, plus there was P68B Partenavia for the same price.
Some interesting responses. Obviously clubs are expensive, but not everyone wants to or can commit to a syndicate. I personally could not get into most syndiactes because I dont have a lump sum for a share, and I wouldnt want to be periodically charged for maintenace fees. I know some groups don't split maintenance like that (ie monthly fees), but some do, and I know I prefer to have a simple and consistant charge for flying!
D