Where to find accommodation under $100 around Australia

Affordable Australia – AT‘s best ten hotels, motels and backpackers under $100

1. Hotel Northbridge, WA

The inner city Perth suburb of Northbridge is a pocket of pure urbanity in the wild west, its streets paved with bronzed beauties leaving lipstick marks on latte glasses outside trendy restaurants. Surely any half-decent hotel will come with a hefty price tag.

Not true. The Hotel Northbridge has a budget wing, known as the Travel Lodge, where you can grab a double room for just $60. Okay, so they’re a little Spartan and you share facilities with your fellow budget-smugglers, but as obsequious real estate types will insist on chanting, it’s all about location, location, location.

If you’re feeling flash, midweek Luxury Spa Packages go for $149 per night (for two in a standard queen spa room on the ground-floor).

WHERE: 210 Lake St, Northbridge.
PHONE: (08) 9328 5254

Alfresco area at Travellodge Northbridge

2. Bunk. Brisbane

One of the new breed of hostels where the high falutin’ style is emphasised (and advertised) as much as the low tariffs, Bunk is sharp-edged and eye-achingly cool. It sets out to be all things to all people, and within its futuristic walls you’ll find everything the modern traveller craves (from high speed internet to an on-site travel advisory service), all set to an ambient soundtrack.

Outside the door is funky Fortitude Valley buzzing with cafes, bars and nightspots, while inside the rooms are similarly dressed to impress. Doubles start at $75 per night (or for a real treat, take a New York-style loft apartment for $120 per night).

All the rooms (even dorms) are en suite and mercifully air-conditioned. The attached bar, Birdee Num Num, isn’t your standard hotel boozer. It features a swimming pool and is the scene of all sorts of backpacker-style promotions and high jinx.

WHERE: 11–21 Gipps St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
PHONE: 1800 682 865

3. The Dolphin Resort, Shark Bay

Ever dreamed of being joined for breakfast by wild dolphins or accompanied throughout the grounds of your resort by an inquisitive six-foot emu? If so, perhaps you should eat less cheese before bed.

Or you could try shacking up at the Dolphin Resort in Shark Bay’s famous beach resort, Monkey Mia. There’s a big choice of sleeping arrangements here, but for our porpoises the shared en suite rooms offer the best quality for your dollar.

For $74 per night, couples get their own double room, and will share bathroom facilities with just one other neighbouring room (and only if that’s occupied). Not bad. And where else can you climb out of bed, wander to the beach and hand-feed the local sea life.

WHERE: Monkey Mia, Shark Bay
PHONE: 1800 653 611 or (08) 9948 1320

6. Blue Mountains YHA, Katoomba

In the ephemeral haze of Sydney’s World Heritage back garden is a hostel with a difference . For starters it has its very own ballroom, complete with a roaring open fire. The art deco building (a former cabaret hall) is listed by the National Trust, and the set-up has bagged numerous awards.

To feel like a king, while trying to hide your innate nerdy tendencies, give the giant chess set in the garden a run. The positioning is its crowning glory though: it’s perfectly poised to project you into the hilly blue yonder, where you can arrange such adventures as abseiling, canyoning, mountain biking and Jenolan cave tours.

Doubles and twins start at a very tasty $72 per room (family en suites are $116), and you can save more by taking advantage of communal cooking facilities.

WHERE:207 Katoomba St, Katoomba
PHONE: (02) 4782 1416

7. Glenferrie Lodge, Sydney

If you believe the sunny sentiments of this country’s biggest cultural export, Neighbours, everybody needs good ones. Well, how about having the PM as your cobber from across the street? Sure, getting an eyeful of Johnny on his ritual morning strut mightn’t be everyone’s complimentary cup of English breakfast tea, but you can’t deny the allure of Sydney’s sexy north shore.

Recently renovated, Glenferrie offers 3-star budget lodgings in a variety of rooms, with good doubles starting at $99 a night. Shared bathrooms, but there are loads and the place is spotless. The free hot breakfast will provide you with a great foundation for a day of Sydney exploration.

WHERE: 12 Carabella St, Kirribilli, Sydney
PHONE: 1800 121 011 or (02) 9955 1685

8. Nomad, Byron Bay

In Byron, it’s hardly surprising to find a place that’s both hip and hippy-friendly. Formerly a pig slaughterhouse, these days Nomad treats visiting babes far more gently. In between saunas and sipping drinks at the Buddha Bar you can join yoga classes and learn to play the didgeridoo.

Dorms can be loud, but there are better sleeping alternatives – alternative being the operative word. You could discover your inner Pocahontas by sharing a teepee with up to nine other braves, or enjoy a self-contained poolside “Cube" ($249 for three nights), a canvas hut “Island Retreat" on a tea tree lake ($219 for three nights) or cuddle up in the en suite “Love Shack" ($279 for three nights).

WHERE: Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay
PHONE: (02) 6685 7709

9. The Nunnery, Fitzroy

Teasingly positioned between the bright lights of the Melbourne CBD and the dim sultry glow of too-cool-for-school Fitzroy and Brunswick, the Nunnery is a genuine backpackers’ but without the trappings of hectic hedonism that can test people’s patience.

Back in 1888, the Daughters of Charity (an order of nuns) were the wimple-wearing bunk-warmers in this gorgeous Georgian building, which retains its stained-glass windows and rich furnishings. Couples can take a deluxe double room here for $95 a night, or a standard room for $85. Just across the road there’s a lovely little boozer called the Pumphouse.

WHERE: 116 Nicholson St, Fitzroy
PHONE: 1800 032 635 or (03) 9419 8637

10. Base, St Kilda

When the St Kilda branch of Base opened they modestly labelled themselves “the most modern, state-of-the-art hostel ever built." Big claim, but cynics were silenced with one glance at the floor of the RedEye Bar, where live goldfish swam around beneath the feet of people dancing to DJs and live music.

Those fish have been removed, but the place retains its über-trendy feel. Wedged between the Acland and Fitzroy St hotspots, double en suite rooms cost from $95 per night. Girl-only lodgings are available in “the Sanctuary", which boasts such cunning get-them-in extras as hairdryers.

WHERE: 17 Carlisle St, St Kilda
PHONE: (03) 8598 6200

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.