Where to stay in Australia

Which type of accommodation fits?

• Hotels: useful for short stays, straightforward arrivals and a room without household arrangements
• Serviced apartments: worth comparing for kitchens, laundry and longer stays; check which services are actually included
• Hostels: dorms or private rooms with shared facilities; check bathroom arrangements, storage and reception hours
• Motels: practical road-trip stops, especially when easy parking matters
• Cabins and holiday parks: useful for families and self-catering; check bedding, bathroom and kitchen inclusions
• Holiday homes: compare the complete price, cleaning charges, deposit, access instructions and cancellation terms

There is no universal number of nights at which an apartment or holiday home becomes cheaper than a hotel. Compare the actual total.

City stays: start with transport

For a first city visit, compare the walk to public transport and the route from the airport. Look at the locations of your planned sights rather than choosing a suburb from a photograph. A waterfront view may be attractive, but does not by itself make a base convenient.

Sydney’s harbour, central and beach districts serve different trips. Melbourne’s CBD, inner neighbourhoods and St Kilda do the same. In Perth, compare the CBD, Fremantle and a beach base according to your itinerary.

Road trips: choose the overnight stops first

Book places that keep daily driving manageable. Check fuel, food, arrival hours and the next day’s route. In small towns or near major natural attractions, limited supply can matter more than the property’s star rating.

For a campervan, confirm that the site accepts your vehicle, whether power is included and what arrival arrangements apply. A parking area or an app listing is not permission to camp.

Travelling with children

Check the exact beds and occupancy rules instead of relying on a “family room” label. Ask about cots, kitchen equipment, laundry and any extra charges. Consider whether you can prepare breakfast, store food and walk to a simple evening meal.

Compare two rooms with an apartment or cabin using the same dates and cancellation conditions. Photos cannot establish that an unfenced outdoor space or pool is suitable for your children.

Accessible accommodation

Ask about the specific features you need: step-free arrival, parking, lifts, door widths, bed height, bathroom layout, shower access and any equipment required. Request current photographs or measurements when a feature is essential.

Check the route from the property to transport and nearby meals as well as the room. “Accessible” is a starting label, not confirmation that every part of the stay will suit you.

Compare the final cost

Use the same dates, number of guests, bed type and cancellation terms. Include taxes and mandatory fees, parking, breakfast, cleaning, linen and any deposit or card hold. Distinguish an amount charged now from a refundable security deposit.

For remote or late arrivals, confirm the booking directly and save the address and access instructions offline. If no price is shown, check your dates directly with the property before making plans.

Staying for several weeks or longer

A longer visit may justify a serviced apartment, a negotiated accommodation rate or a residential rental. These are different arrangements. Residential tenancy, bond and utility rules depend on the jurisdiction and the type of agreement.

Do not assume every share-house bond is two weeks, that it can always be held by the head tenant, or that the same water-payment rule applies throughout Australia. Use the relevant state or territory tenancy authority before signing or transferring money.

Before confirming a booking

• Total price for the whole group and stay
• Exact beds, bathroom and facilities
• Cancellation deadline and payment schedule
• Parking and the route from public transport
• Check-in hours and late-arrival instructions
• Essential accessibility features confirmed in writing
• Current contact details and offline directions