Types of Accommodation Available in Australia
Below are explanations of the different types of accommodation available in Australia. This will hopefully give you an indication of what to expect. Remember we can mix and match any style of accommodations for you. For example, if you are out and about all day, a simple motel may be all you need. Whereas if you are in a beautiful location or want a little downtime, a luxury lodge may provide a memorable experience.
Luxury Lodges & Hotels
The high-end accommodation in Australia ranges from five-star hotels to purpose-built lodges. Both offer the finest standards of accommodation. Australian lodges are often located in unforgettable settings (overlooking Uluru or in the beautiful Kimberly), offering an exclusive experience to a small number of guests, so why not mark a special occasion or just indulge yourself in one of Australia’s luxury lodges or hotels. Accommodation packages will often include breakfast and dinner. Lodges will also organise activities such as guided fishing, hunting, hiking, helicopter tours, spa treatments and much more.
A Luxury Self Drive Tour of Tasmania
Boutique Lodges & Hotels
Our guests often describe Australia’s boutique lodges and hotels as some of the best they have experienced. Boutique lodges and hotels are usually privately owned and can be found in desirable locations, in and around Australia's cities and towns. You might find yourself in a unique purpose-built property or a historic home that has been renovated to accommodate discerning guests in quality surroundings. These premier small hotels and lodges provide an intimate experience including handcrafted breakfasts. All the properties we recommend have private bathroom facilities and comfortable bedrooms. Boutique lodges are usually hosted by enthusiastic owners who want to share their knowledge of the region and provide their guests with an excellent experience.
Apartments
Like motels, apartments are self-contained accommodation with full kitchen facilities, larger living areas and access to laundry facilities. These are perfect for people wanting to prepare their own meals and have a level of independence. The apartments vary in size from one to three bedrooms making them ideal for families and large groups.
Luxury Apartments
Luxury apartments offer the same range of facilities as apartments, but with an extra level of luxury and often in premier locations. Extra facilities might also include a swimming pool, restaurant or even a golf course.
Bed & Breakfast
Bed & breakfast properties in Australia are often quoted by our guests as some of the best experiences they have had. They are typically a far cry from a simple room in some one’s house. Your hosts are likely to be enthusiastic Aussie ambassadors, making a dedicated effort to share their little piece of Australia with you, while providing modern hospitality and comfort. All the properties we recommend have a comfortable, private bedroom and bathrooms facilities.
Impress your B&B hosts: learn some Australian slang!
Premium Bed & Breakfast
Premium bed & breakfast properties offer an extra level of luxury. Properties can be purpose-built, historic buildings and unique homes, converted to accommodate guests in premium quality surroundings.
Hotel 4-star
The range of 4-star hotels is immense, with hotels selected and recommended for their location and facilities. Many of the hotels in this category have a range of rooms from standard to deluxe, superior, lake view, or mountain view depending on their location. They may also offer two and three-bedroom suites, great value for larger families or group travelling together. Generally, 4-star hotels have a swimming pool, gyms and a choice of restaurants. In most instances, they are closer to town centres or in premium locations.
A 4-star Australian city break with central accommodation, right at the heart of the action.
Hotel 3-star
Australia has some fantastic 3-star hotels. Sometimes the room type can vary, but we ensure your room meets your specific requirements. The star rating for these hotels refers to the facilities and services they offer. All our 3-star hotels have restaurant facilities and we can include pre-booked meals in your tour cost if preferred.
Some destinations in Australia such as the Red Centre may not offer hotel-style accommodation. However, an appropriate alternative style of accommodation will be recommended.
Remember: all tours can be customised to include the accommodation of your choice.
Camping in Australia
Free Camping: Free camping is possible in most places in Australia. However, watch out for signposted areas where camping is not permitted.
- Serviced campgrounds Access is available for all vehicles with powered sites. They have ablution buildings with flushing toilets, running water and showers. Many have barbeques or fireplaces, picnic tables, shared kitchen, rubbish and laundry facilities, a shop and caravan waste disposal point.
- Standard campsites: Access is available for all vehicles. Facilities include flushing toilets and running water. Barbecues or fireplaces, picnic tables, and rubbish collection may also be provided.
- Informal campsites: These campsites offer limited facilities. In many cases, these sites will only include campsites, a toilet, and running water.
Private Campgrounds: There many privately owned camping grounds across the country. They offer a range of amenities including a full kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities. Many of these campgrounds also have a BBQ area, TV lounge, boat hire, a spa pool, a shop, restaurant, and adventure playgrounds.
Glamping: Glamping has become very popular in Australia in recent years and many of the glamping sites are in areas of stunning natural beauty. Glamping is an upmarket form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. Perfect for those seeking refuge in nature but without foregoing any of life's luxuries.
First Light Travel's Accommodation Standards
The criteria for choosing which accommodation providers we use are simple. We want to put you in the best accommodation available to suit your budget, whether Luxury Lodges, ‘Boutique’ styled Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Motor Lodges or Backpacker Hostels. We have compiled our preferences with the help of invaluable client feedback and from personal experience. They may have been selected for their historic & cultural significance, unique scenery and location, outstanding facilities, or simply because they have a host of true ‘Aussie’ character. At the least, they will be of a high standard, clean, friendly and comfortable.
If you have an idea of what you would like to spend per night let us know and we will find the best accommodation around that price. An idea of accommodation prices is as follows:
- 1-2 Star Hostels (AU$25 multi-share - AU$65 single with ensuite per night)
- 2-3 Star Motels, B&B’s & Hotels (AU$70-AU$110.00 per night)
- 3-4 Star Hotels & B&B’s (AU$120 – AU$190 per night)
- 4-5 Star Hotels, B&B’s & Luxury Lodges (AU$200- AU$550 and up to and above AU$900 per night).
The accommodation prices vary depending on the location so this is simply a rough guide.
Location: We work very hard at finding accommodation in great locations, right in the heart of cities you are wanting to experience. We understand the importance of staying close to the attractions you want to see. We will not have you staying in the suburbs, even those within the city boundaries.
Value for money: Value for money is also a key consideration. The room rate of accommodation typically varies depending on the size of the town and on the amount of accommodation in that town or city. Again we shop around looking for the best deals to meet your requirements within budget.
More articles to help you plan your trip to Australia
Getting to Australia
What is the Best Time to Visit Australia
How Long Should I Visit Australia For
Australian Passport and Visa Requirements
Smooth as possible on arrival to Australia
Travel Insurance for Australia
Driving in Australia
Safety in Australia's Great Outdoors
What to Pack for an Australian Holiday
Australia's Need to Know Facts
What do things cost in Australia
Since 2001 we’ve been helping visitors plan their dream Australian holiday. We aim to make visiting our beautiful land effortless. Let our expert holiday planners put together an itinerary for you, no obligation FREE of charge, or get some friendly advice on what small group tour would suit - Just follow the link and answer a few brief questions If you are heading to New Zealand and are looking for some great accommodation in Te Anau, take a look at Parklands Motel and Apartments Te Anau
