Expensive excursion ... a day at Bondi Beach.  Expensive
excursion ... a day at Bondi Beach. Photo: Tamara Dean  If
paying $14 to leave your car near the ocean while you take a dip
sounds steep, you're better off avoiding Balmoral Beach this
summer.  The picturesque strip of sand in Sydney's north claims
the title for the city's most expensive beach parking spot.
Mosman Council increased its rates for Balmoral from last week,
courtesy of a special seasonal fee surge. Those opting to feed
the meter by credit card must pay a minimum $14 for two hours'
parking - or $7 an hour for those otherwise paying cash - as
part of a raft of fee increases that were expected to discourage
some visitors from using the family-friendly beach.  Manly
Council also charges $7 an hour to park along the beachfront on
weekends, up by $1 since last July 1.  Beachgoers would find it
cheaper driving to Sydney's east. At Bondi and Bronte summer
visitors pay up to $5.80 an hour for metered street parking.  Or
even better, they should hea