Azadi Far Ride: Budget vs. Actual Costs Breakdown
Planning a journey like the Azadi Far Ride to the Murray takes both careful budgeting and a flexible approach to unexpected costs. We’ve finally had a chance to address the monster pile of receipts and invoices from our trek. Below, we break down the initial budget we set versus the actual expenses, so you can get a clearer picture of what it takes to undertake a similar trek.
Initial Budget Breakdown
- Fuel inc. Return: $2,000
- Two Car Services: $1,800
- Horse Feed: $1,000
- People Food: $1,300
- New Car Tyres: $1,000
- Horse Float Service: $300
- Miscellaneous (tools, permits, etc.): $0 (unbudgeted, added as needed)
Total Budget: $7,400
Actual Costs Breakdown
As the journey progressed, things didn’t go exactly as planned (they never do). Here’s a breakdown of the actual costs incurred:
- Fuel: $1,888.71
Despite fuel price fluctuations, we stayed just under budget. The support vehicle was a 3.3L V6 Petrol 4×4 towing a 2 horse straight load float. There was also a drive to Sydney to collect another fellow trekker. - Car Service + Gearbox Repair: $1,509
An unexpected gearbox issue before we departed led to additional repairs beyond the usual service. While we had budgeted for regular maintenance, this repair added a significant amount to the final cost. - Horse Feed: $781.45
Starting with two horses but ending with one made a big difference in feed costs. Likely it would have been double this otherwise. Sourcing feed along rural routes was tricky and there was significant variations in pricing, often double. Having the support vehicle meant if we found a good price we could buy in bulk. - People Food: $1,448.33
Having the support vehicle meant food could be bought in bulk, reducing costs of non-perishable items. Our food expenses increased due to the addition of a third person halfway through the journey, naturally, but there was significant fluctuations in pricing, especially fresh produce. - New Car Tyres: $920
Came in slightly under budget. - Horse Float Service: $180
Less than expected, the float service came in well under budget. A benefit of ensuring everything is well-maintained in general. - Accommodation: $385
Though we mostly camped, a few stays in showgrounds was necessary in the larger towns for re-supply and rest days. There was also an overnight stay in a Sydney hotel where we collected a fellow trekker that flew in. - Tick Treatment for Horses: $60
A necessary cost ensuring good biosecurity as the horses exited tick-prone areas and crossed the NSW border. - Travelling Stock Reserve Permit: $75
Securing this permit was essential for using the stock routes from the QLD/NSW border to Tocumwal. - Miscellaneous (tools, repairs, replacements): $485.27
Unexpected items like tools, repairs and replacements. Things will break or wear out, and having funds set aside will keep things moving smoothly.
Total Actual Costs: $7,732.76
THEN there is the consideration of your costs back at home. Your bills don’t stop when you go away and if you don’t have paid leave accrued you’ll have to budget for having these costs covered as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about taking on a similar trek, our biggest piece of advice is to budget for the unknown. Prices for fuel, food, and services can fluctuate, and unexpected mechanical issues or additions to your team (human or animal) can quickly shift your expenses.
This experience has shown us the importance of flexibility and preparedness. With good planning and a little cushion in your budget, you can take on even the longest rides with confidence.
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