The choices of where to stay in Australia are endless and can be daunting at first.  These include:

Hostels, budget hotels, shared accommodation, bed and breakfasts and private or small hotels.  To find the best or cheapest budget accommodation you can either

1/ use the beds search tab to the left of screen,

2/ click on a features listing and book direct or

3/ click on a Hostelbookers ad or hotlink and book any hostel in Australia with them.

Accommodation choices in Australia - more detail

Anything from 5-room converted homes to massive 500-bed hostels and serviced apartments. Many places have a self-catering kitchen and BBQ (an Australian tradition), laundry facilities, a common area with TV and DVDs, luggage storage and safe lock-up.  In the northern half of the country most places also have a swimming pool and air-conditioned rooms. Some hostels provide other freebies like breakfast, tea, coffee, weekly BBQs, linen and drink vouchers at local pubs.

How much should I expect to pay?

Prices can range from as little as $20 in a dorm to as much as $130 for a single room, depending on where you are and what type of accommodation you're looking for. Prices are generally higher in cities and remote regions ($25 - $40 for a dorm bed) and are cheaper in smaller towns and resorts ($20 - $35 for a dorm bed).

Do hostels offer long-stay rates?

Many hostels in Australia will offer weekly or monthly rates for long-term guests.

Are hostels in Australia safe?

Local councils, the state governments and Backpacker associations in Australia work to ensure hostels maintain a strict standard of safety and cleanliness. If you're not happy with the place you're staying, or think it's unsafe, speak to the manager or hostel owner first, your comments should be welcome. If you have booked via this site, feel free to leave a review.

What are caravan parks? or holiday parks

Caravan parks are usually a combination of camping areas, caravan sites and semi-permanent accommodation. Almost every small town has at least one caravan park (many have surprisingly more than you would expect) with designated areas for tenting. Most have a camper's kitchen (stove and fridge), laundry, hot showers and are usually in a convenient location near town. How Much Should I Expect to Pay?

Prices for tenting in caravan parks can range from $10 per person to about $40 per site (usually for up to 6 people).

Are there caravan park chains?

Caravan Park chains such as Big4 Holiday Parks and Top Tourist Parks or state-based auto associations have a 5-star rating system to help you find what you're looking for. Higher-rated caravan parks generally have a number of additional facilities (swimming pool, common room) and usually charge a bit more. 

Are caravan parks in Australia safe?

Most caravan parks have a “residents only” policy, ensuring people aren't just wandering around your tent. They also usually provide a free lock up service for valuables such as passports, credit cards and plane tickets.

Is bush camping allowed in Australia?

Bush camping is, without a doubt, cheap accommodation, but not always that easy to find. Many National Parks have bush camping sites with prices from free to $15. These usually have pit toilets and little or no running water. True bush camping is most popular along the West Coast of Australia, where huge distances separate small towns. Finding a spot, off the road and away from the beach usually isn't too hard.

Are there any rules about bush camping?

When bush camping, always set up camp at least 50 metres from any water source, clear away all evidence of camp fires and don't leave anything behind when you leave. Some towns have regulations about bush camping within a certain distance of a local caravan park. Most areas where camping isn’t allowed are clearly marked with signs.