Navigating Your Australian Adventure: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Accommodation
Australia Travel Planning - Part 3: Where to Stay
Planning a trip to Australia can be both thrilling and overwhelming with the choice of destinations, activities, and travel routes but, one of the most important aspects is to nail down is your accommodation. The place where you lay your head each night can profoundly influence your overall experience, affecting your comfort, convenience, and even the success of your adventure.
From the vibrant pulse of Sydney and Melbourne to the peaceful stretches of the Outback and stunning coastal spots, Australia offers a kaleidoscope of lodging options to fit every style and budget. Understanding your accommodation options is key to enhancing your journey.
As I have mentioned in my previous articles on Australia Travel Planning, Part 1 and Part 2, I’ll be embarking on an extended ten-week journey in 2025. This trip, marking my retirement, will blend various types of accommodation, including hotels, resorts, private and shared hostel rooms, and stays with friends. I’m excited to share my plans with you to help demystify the process and provide useful tips for your own travel.
Need a reason to go to Australia?
Why Hotels Are Your Jet Lag's Best Friend
Let’s start with hotels. These are the perfect choice for easing into your Australian adventure after that long flight from North America or Europe. There’s nothing quite like collapsing into a plush hotel bed to help you bounce back from jet lag and adjust to Australia’s summer heat. A room with blackout curtains, a super comfy bed, and perhaps a delightful breakfast awaiting you in the morning is the perfect way to kickstart your journey and set the stage for an incredible trip!
Since I will start my adventure in Perth, I have selected the Rendezvous Hotel Perth Central as my first hotel. It provides all the amenities mentioned above plus it is centrally located.
Hostels: More Than Just a Budget Option
Now, let’s explore into the world of hostels. Before you picture cramped dorms and questionable showers, let me offer a new perspective. Modern hostels have shed their old, dingy image and now offer much more. They’re budget-friendly, provide chances to mingle with fellow travelers, and often feature appealing amenities like fully-equipped kitchens, tour desks, and cozy communal spaces. Many hostels also offer a range of accommodations, including private rooms that are perfect for couples, families, and even seasoned travelers.
For my Australia trip, I will be utilizing both dorm-style accommodation and private rooms.
These are my selected hostel stays:
Kangaroo Inn - Perth
Fremantle Prison - Perth
Space Hotel - Melbourne
YHA Sydney Harbour - Sydney
Stoke Beach House - Manly
Airlie Beach Magnums - Airlie Beach
Brisbane YHA - Brisbane
Byron Bay YHA - Bryon Bay
All of these are centrally located and accessible by public transit. Some have incredible views, beaches nearby, or offer a unique experience.
The Joy of Mixing It Up
For longer journeys, mixing up your accommodation is key. Imagine this: every 30 days or so, you take a little break at a luxurious resort. It’s like pressing the refresh button on your mental health! Spending some time at a resort not only gives you a chance to unwind in style but also lets you recharge before diving back into your adventure. After all, a little luxury never hurt anyone—especially when it involves sea views, spa treatments, and a cocktail or two.
I have elected to stay at the Fitzroy Island Resort off Cairns for some beachside luxury, snorkeling, and an immersive experience with sea turtles.
As my Australian adventure nears its end, I'll be staying at the Breakfree Imperial Surf in Surfers Paradise. This spot perfectly combines the charm of local connections with the irresistible appeal of coastal living.
Pre-Flight Comfort - The Ideal Airport Stay
To wrap up my Australia adventure, I’ll be staying at the IBIS Brisbane Airport Hotel the night before my flight back to Canada, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure. Having flown through Brisbane before, I can confidently say that this hotel stands out as one of the best airport accommodations. Its convenience, comfort, and proximity to the terminal make it the perfect choice for a restful pre-flight stay, setting the stage for a seamless journey home.
Conclusion
In summary, my upcoming Australian adventure promises a wealth of diverse experiences, ranging from the vibrant urban energy of cities like Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to the serene landscapes and tranquil coastlines of Cairns and the Whitsundays. By mixing hotels, hostels, and the occasional luxury resort, I’m aiming for both comfort and exploration.
By sharing these budget-friendly lodging selections, I hope to offer valuable insights and inspiration for your own Australian escapades.
Stay tuned as I document my journey—who knows, your own adventure Down Under might just be around the corner!
In case you missed these articles:
A trip like this is the perfect way to celebrate retirement. Congrats on this pending adventure. I look forward to reading all about it!
In looking at Breakfree hotel you recommend at surfers paradise… what do levels mean? Are there no rooms with two double or queen beds??? Two adults use twin beds? I’ll check a few other booking sites. Prefer to be on beach/low floor/not high rise!