Opposition Leader Tony Abbott had to repay $9400 in travel expenses accrued while he promoted his book Battlelines in 2009, it has been revealed.

Freedom of Information documents show Mr Abbott repaid the expenses in 2010, despite initially describing the allegations through a spokesman as ''a blatant attempt by Labor to smear and mislead''.

Tony Abbott. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Mr Abbott made the trips in July and August 2009 - before he became Opposition Leader in December 2009 - to promote his book.

The trips included promotions at a Melbourne bookshop and Canberra's National Press Club.