I have just been hit with a bill from Optus for data roaming $1,600 for opening 1 email with some attachments, is there anyway that I can get out of paying this?

I have just been hit with a bill from Optus for data roaming $1,600 for opening 1 email with some attachments, is there anyway that I can get out of paying this?

I'd suggest you start by making your case to Optus – clearly, with any supportive documentation – and also seek advice from the relevant consumer affairs authority in your home state.

Start by asking Optus to waive the charge, or at least give you a discount (50-75%).

If you get nowhere then log a dispute with Telecommunications Ombudsmen for exorbitant roaming charges that you were not aware of.

TIO - http://www.tio.com.au/

We've run into this in the past. Usually, if its the first instance and you're a long standing customer, they will reduce it by 80% or so.

Check with carrier to see if they provided all the info before you used it or if they referred you to their website so as you were aware of terms of use and costs. Query the bill amount with carrier and if they are not able to provide a resolution then go to TIO and follow the process with them  and you should get a good outcome.