Where to Stay in Australia
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Australia
Compare prices from hotels across all regions
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Regions of Australia
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
Australia's most populous state offers the country's greatest accommodation diversity, from Sydney's international luxury hotels and harbor-view properties to Blue Mountains heritage guesthouses and pristine beach towns along 2,000 kilometers of coastline. The region commands Australia's highest accommodation prices in Sydney's CBD and eastern beaches, but offers excellent value in regional centers and wine country.
Victoria concentrates sophisticated urban accommodation in Melbourne's laneways and suburbs, complemented by heritage properties in goldfield towns, alpine lodges in the High Country, and coastal resorts along the Great Ocean Road. The state's compact size makes Melbourne an excellent base for day trips, though regional stays offer immersion in wine regions and mountain retreats.
From Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest, this region specializes in resort-style accommodation serving Great Barrier Reef access and tropical rainforest experiences. Properties range from backpacker hubs in Cairns and Mission Beach to exclusive island resorts and eco-lodges where treehouse-style rooms overlook ancient forests meeting the sea.
Brisbane's urban sophistication combines with the Gold Coast's high-rise beach resort strip and the Sunshine Coast's laid-back coastal villages. This region offers Australia's highest concentration of apartment-style accommodation, with thousands of holiday units catering to domestic family holidays and international visitors seeking beach access and theme park proximity.
South Australia's accommodation centers on Adelaide's affordable city hotels and the premium wine region properties of Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley. The state offers exceptional value compared to eastern capitals, with luxury vineyard retreats, heritage B&Bs in German-settled towns, and unique stays on Kangaroo Island's wildlife-rich landscapes.
Western Australia's vast distances create distinct accommodation clusters: Perth's modern city hotels and beach suburbs, Margaret River's wine estate lodges, Broome's resort hotels serving Cable Beach, and remote wilderness camps in the Kimberley. The state's isolation means fewer international chains but strong local operators offering unique outback and coastal experiences.
Tasmania's accommodation emphasizes wilderness lodges, heritage properties in colonial Hobart and Launceston, and unique stays in converted industrial buildings. The island state leads Australia in boutique, locally-owned properties, with exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences often included. Limited accommodation in remote areas like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet requires advance booking year-round.
The Northern Territory's accommodation concentrates around two hubs: Darwin's tropical waterfront hotels and the Red Centre's Uluru-focused properties. Options range from Darwin's business hotels and backpacker lodges to the iconic luxury tented camps near Uluru and working cattle station stays in the outback. Limited supply in remote areas means higher prices and essential advance booking.
Canberra's accommodation serves government business travelers and museum visitors, creating a market dominated by mid-range chain hotels and serviced apartments. The compact capital offers excellent value compared to Sydney and Melbourne, with consistent quality across properties and easy access to all attractions. Nearby Snowy Mountains provide seasonal ski accommodation.
The Whitsunday Islands create Australia's premier island resort destination, with accommodation ranging from Airlie Beach's backpacker lodges to exclusive private island resorts accessible only by helicopter or boat. This region specializes in sailing-focused stays, with many visitors choosing liveaboard vessels as their accommodation while exploring the 74 islands and fringing reefs.
Australia's ski region transforms seasonally, with winter (June-September) bringing premium-priced ski lodges, chalets, and resort hotels to Perisher, Thredbo, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham. Summer sees dramatic price drops as properties cater to hikers and mountain bikers. Limited accommodation in alpine villages means booking six months ahead for peak ski weeks is standard practice.
Australia's vast interior offers unique accommodation experiences including working cattle stations accepting guests, remote roadhouses providing basic rooms, and luxury wilderness camps in locations like the Flinders Ranges and Kimberley region. These properties often include meals and activities in rates due to isolation from services, with self-sufficiency and advance provisioning standard practice.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Australia
International chains including Accor (Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis), IHG (InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn), Marriott (Sheraton, Westin, W), and Hilton maintain strong presences in capital cities and major tourist centers. Australian chains Quest (serviced apartments), Mantra Group (resorts and apartments), and Art Series Hotels (boutique) offer consistent quality across multiple cities. Budget chains include Ibis Budget, Travelodge, and Best Western, providing reliable standards in regional centers.
Locally-owned boutique hotels dominate Tasmania and wine regions, offering personalized service and regional character. Pub accommodation remains common in country towns, providing basic rooms above historic hotels at budget prices ($70-120). Bed and breakfasts flourish in heritage areas, Blue Mountains, and Adelaide Hills, typically $150-250 including breakfast. Caravan parks offer cabin accommodation ($80-150) alongside camping sites, particularly popular with domestic travelers. Farm stays and station properties provide authentic rural experiences, especially in New South Wales and Queensland.
Uniquely Australian accommodation includes working cattle and sheep stations where guests participate in rural life, particularly in outback Queensland and Northern Territory. Underground hotels in Coober Pedy's opal mining region provide natural climate control in desert heat. Lighthouse keeper's cottages managed by national parks offer isolated coastal stays. Houseboats on Murray River and Hawkesbury River function as mobile accommodation. Luxury tented camps near Uluru and in Kimberley combine wilderness immersion with resort amenities. Converted woolsheds, shearers' quarters, and historic homesteads throughout rural areas offer heritage stays. Eco-lodges in rainforest canopies and beachfront wilderness areas emphasize minimal environmental impact.
Booking Tips for Australia
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Australian school holidays (mid-December to late January, two weeks at Easter, two weeks in late June-July, two weeks in late September-early October) create nationwide accommodation pressure and price increases of 30-50% in family-friendly destinations. Avoid these periods for better availability and pricing, or book 3-6 months ahead if travel during holidays is unavoidable.
Book tropical north Queensland (Cairns, Port Douglas) for May-October dry season at least 3-4 months ahead, while southern beach destinations require 6-month advance booking for December-February summer. Ski accommodation books out 6-12 months ahead for peak winter weeks. Outback destinations like Uluru need 4-6 month advance booking for April-September peak season.
Serviced apartments offer superior value for stays over three nights, particularly in Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Melbourne, with weekly rates often 20-30% cheaper than hotels. Full kitchens enable grocery shopping savings, and laundry facilities benefit longer stays. Book directly with apartment operators like Quest, Mantra, or Meriton for best rates and loyalty benefits.
Accommodation in Kimberley, Cape York, and other remote regions operates seasonally (typically April-October) and requires booking 6-12 months ahead as properties have limited rooms and high demand. Many remote lodges include meals, tours, and transfers in rates due to isolation. Confirm what's included before booking to avoid surprise costs in areas with no alternative dining or services.
Booking directly with Australian properties often yields better rates than international booking platforms, plus flexible cancellation and room upgrade possibilities. Many boutique properties and B&Bs don't list full inventory on booking sites, reserving best rooms for direct bookers. Email properties directly for multi-night stays to negotiate rates, particularly in shoulder and low seasons.
Caravan parks throughout Australia offer excellent-value self-contained cabins ($80-150) providing kitchens, bathrooms, and bedding in coastal and regional areas. These suit budget travelers and families, with facilities including pools, playgrounds, and BBQ areas. Book through Top Parks or Big4 networks for consistent quality standards and member discounts.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Australia
Book 4-6 months ahead for summer beach destinations (December-February), tropical north dry season (May-October), and major events. Ski accommodation requires 6-12 months advance booking for peak weeks in July-August. School holiday periods need 3-6 months advance reservation across all regions. Premium properties and remote lodges with limited rooms book out 6-12 months ahead year-round.
Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November in southern states, November-April in tropical north) allow booking 6-8 weeks ahead with good availability and rates 20-30% below peak. This provides optimal balance of weather, fewer crowds, and value. Boutique properties and wine region accommodation still warrant 2-3 month advance booking during shoulder periods.
Low season varies by region but generally allows last-minute booking with significant discounts (30-50% off peak rates). Southern beach towns in winter (June-August), tropical north in wet season (December-March), and non-event periods in cities offer excellent walk-in rates and upgrade opportunities. Exception: ski regions in summer still need 2-4 weeks advance booking despite lower prices.
Book 2-3 months ahead for most Australian travel to secure preferred properties at reasonable rates. Extend to 4-6 months for peak seasons, school holidays, and remote areas with limited options. Flexibility with dates and locations enables last-minute deals, particularly mid-week in cities and during shoulder seasons. Join hotel loyalty programs and subscribe to property newsletters for advance notice of sales and promotions.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Australia