Every state has a selection of hotels run by well-known and established international chains. More authentic accommodation can be found outside the cities. The highways out of the state cities are lined with good quality motels offering self-contained family units, and often an in-house restaurant service. Most hotels and motels provide rooms with telephones, private shower and/or bath, toilet, small fridge and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

The principal difference between a hotel and a motel in Australia is that a hotel must, by law, provide a public bar among its facilities. For this reason, there are many motels which are hotels in all but name, offering an excellent standard of comfort and service but preferring to reserve their bar exclusively for the use of their guests, rather than for the public at large.

Grading: Hotels and motels in Australia are graded in a star rating system by the Australian Automobile Clubs. In most cases, different rooms will be offered at different rates depending on their size, aspect or facilities; this is particularly true of seafront hotels. In general, hotels in cities cost more than their rural counterparts. Grading definitions range from 5-star (highest) to 1-star (lowest). Some hotels are graded with an additional open or hollow star. This indicates a slightly higher grade of facilities than the normal facilities for its classification.

Service apartments and self-contained flats are available at main tourist resorts, especially along the east coast. Some hotels have self-catering apartments. Holiday units and apartments are classified according to a 5-star system, with criteria comparable to those for hotels and motels above.

Bed & breakfast in private homes is available throughout Australia, often at very low prices.

Many less accessible areas have accommodation on farmsteads, from guest houses on the huge sheep stations to basic staff quarters on smaller arable farms, giving an insight into an alternative aspect of Australian life.

These offer drinks, meals and simple but comfortable accommodation for travellers. Pubs tend to be easy to find and advance reservations are not always necessary. However, standards may vary according to the type of pub and its location.

University colleges and halls of residence offer inexpensive accommodation for both students and non-students during the vacation periods (May, August and late November to late February).

Camping tours cover most of the country, especially the wilder areas. Participants generally join a group under an experienced guide team and everyone helps with cooking, washing, etc. All equipment and transport is supplied; some also provide portable showers. More rugged tours with Land Rovers are available offering limited facilities, although company equipment is again provided with a driver/guide and cook. Campsite information is available from all major tourist centres. Camping is available in caravan parks, campsites, national parks and other areas. It is illegal to camp in undesignated areas.

With the constant threat of bushfire, a policy of ’no open fires’ will sometimes be in force, especially during Fire Danger Season (1 Dec-30 Apr); check with local authorities for more information.

A number of companies can arrange camper van rentals, with a range of fully-equipped vehicles. Full details can be obtained from Tourism Australia (see Contact Addresses).

Caravan parks are classified according to a 5-star system with criteria similar to those for hotels and motels above. Accommodation is also available at many of Australia’s sheep stations.

Found throughout the country, but there are greater concentrations near cities and densely populated areas. Only YHA hostels meet Hostelling International standards.

Australian Hotels Association
National Press Club Building, Level 2, 16 National Circuit, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia
Tel: (2) 6273 4007.
Website: www.aha.org.au

Australian Hotels Association
Level 5, 8 Quay Street (Prince Centre), Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: (2) 9281 6922.
Website: www.aha-nsw.asn.au

Australian Bed & Breakfast Council
Website: www.australianbedandbreakfast.com.au

Australian Youth Hostel Association
National Office, PO Box 314, Camperdown, NSW 1450, Australia
Tel: (2) 9565 1699.
Website: www.yha.com.au

VIP Backpacker Resorts of Australia
Website: www.backpackers.com

Nomads
Website: www.nomadsworld.com