Find Accommodation in Australia & New Zealand
How do you decide what sort of accommodation to stay in when you're backpacking around Australia or New Zealand? There's a good selection to choose between, from the low-end cheaper options of youth hostels or campsites, to more expensive accommodation such as hotels or short-term rents.Good advice in general is to book your first few nights backpacker accommodation at your initial destination before you step on the plane. That way you are guaranteed a comfortable first few nights rest to recover from jet lag and the stress of long haul flights.
Take a look at the specialist gap year accommodation organisations listed below. They can help you book your gap year accommodation in the country you are heading to, easily and quickly.
Accommodation
Hostel Bookers
Hostels & cheap rooms worldwide for students, backpackers or travellers. No booking fee.
Find out more Visit their website
Backpacker Hostels in Australia and New Zealand - Where to Stay
As you would expect from such large and diverse countries, backpacker and gap year traveller hostels in Australia and New Zealand range from rural ones in the middle of nowhere, with basic facilities, to some really upmarket hostels in city centres with bars, job centres and even pools! The cost of hostels in Oz and New Zealand ranges from the equivalent of about £10 GBP per night in a dorm, up to around £30 GBP per night in a private room. This may seem like a bargain, which it is, but remember that the costs do add up over longer stays. Prices will also vary according to season and location. Peak travel season in Australia and New Zealand tends to be September through to April, but they are great all year round destinations.
One of the main advantages of staying in a hostel is that you get to meet other travellers and socialise. Many hostels have great social activities, including barbecues, bars, cafes and sporting facilities. Hostels are also good places to find work in Oz and New Zealand, many have backpacker noticeboards or even job centres which can help you find a job on your gap year if you have a working holiday visa.
We have done our share of youth hostelling here at Gapwork, and here are some of our top tips for anyone thinking of staying in a hostel in Australia or New Zealand:
- Check the hostel location, and read online reviews. Some hostels, due to their location (ie in the city centre near pubs and clubs) will have a reputation as being party central. If this isn't for you, find one further out in the suburbs. Safety is also an issue, make sure you are not going to be walking through a dodgy area wearing your rucksack trying to find the hostel after dark.
- When booking a hostel, book accommodation online and in advance to get the best price and the best rooms.
- Bring earplugs, eye mask, your own sleeping bag or liner and an open mind. Sharing a dorm might feel like you are trapped in an episode of Big Brother, but these things will all help. (The sleeping bag liner is for when the beds don't look too pristine).
- Don't take valuables, or if you do, use the lockers which are available in most good hostels. A good insurance policy for your belongings is vital if you are travelling and sharing accommodation.
- Make the most of the experience, and ultimately, if you don't like the hostel where you are, you can always change or try a different room.
Whether you are looking for hostels in Perth, Sydney, Cairns, Auckland or Wellington, the companies on this page can help you book the perfect accommodation for your year out. If you are looking for tours, trips or adventure, see our Australia and New Zealand destinations page.
