Occupying a continent all by itself in the southeast corner of the world map, Australia calls out to world travelers via its remoteness relative to the rest of the globe.
While there are numerous attractions of which many are aware, some people draw a blank when it comes to sussing out where to stay during their time Down Under.
By using the guide outlined below, you’ll be coordinating your travels around the Red Continent like a pro in no time flat…
Hotels: the best that Oz has to offer
If money is no object to you, then you will be pleased with the high quality of the hotels that you can find in Australia.
Whether you are on the Gold Coast (Xanadu Holiday Resort), in the Blue Mountains (Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa), on Hamilton Island to see the Whitsundays (Qualia Resort) or anywhere else in the country, the place where you are resting your head will prove to be almost as big of a highlight as the attractions you’ve come to see.
If you are looking forward to staying at these classy joints, or if you’re looking for something a bit more modest, sites like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, or Agoda will help you find a hotel that fits your budget and needs.
Airbnb: stay well Down Under without going broke
Without a doubt, the most expensive accommodation option in Australia are hotels, as the cheapest prices for a two star place in Sydney usually hangs around $100 at its lowest. A better alternative has emerged with the rise of the sharing economy though, as Airbnb has allowed your average citizen to make their spare rooms, flats and homes available to travelers looking to save money and experience a space that is far more soulful than your typical hotel room.
Starting from ₤25 ($39 USD), you can sleep in a spot that boasts all the comforts of home, and with many locations being situated in local neighborhoods far away from tourist districts, you can get a better sense of your destination.
Hostels: ease the pain of Aussie prices by sleeping on a budget
If you are traveling on a shoestring, don’t be spooked by Australia’s sky high prices, as this nation has developed an extensive network of hostels that allow budget travelers to experience it without setting their bank account on fire.
Starting from ₤13 in Sydney for a dorm bed, coming with kitchens to help you save on meals, and by offering long-stay packages for job seekers, seeking out a hostel via a booking engine like Hostelbookers or Hostelworld is the best thing you can do upon arrival in Oz. This will extend the amount of time you’ll have to explore before having to seek a job, which will happen sooner than you think, especially if you love to partake in the local nightlife.
Flat/house shares: get into a proper home during your year working abroad
Once you’ve secured a job in Australia, you will likely be very busy, making it tough to graduate from a dorm bed to a home that will allow you to save more of your paycheque while giving you a sane space in which to live your life.
These days, Australians are turning away from classified ads in newspapers like much of the rest of the world, but where they go online to find places to rent is different than nations like the United Kingdom or the USA.
Once you are ready to start hunting for your own pad, head onto the web and look for real estate on Gumtree, where you can peruse a wide variety of listings posted by people that are looking for dependable flat or housemates. Bear in mind that many ads quote prices by the week, as it is the standard in this part of the world … with that in mind, happy hunting and good luck!