Yeah it sux, yeah its difficult and yeah there are few other options. But unfortunately the Govt isn't gonna build a dragstrip closer to Melbourne just because a tiny minority, yes we are tiny in their eyes, wants one. Nor will insurance companies drop public liability premiums which would lower entry fees. We all know how much $$$ there is to be made. Why should they charge less when they are making a killing? Would you?
Ppl who wanna race have two options, legal or illegal. One way is expensive and involves little return for your money if there are big turnouts at the tracks. The other leads to increased negative police attention, tougher penalites for traffic infingments and higher vehicle insurance premiums.
Coming from someone who has no interest in racing his skyline this prolly sounds cheap but my advice is to get used to it.
Either pay the $$$ to do it legally or pay the price by going illegally. the choice is yours.