Where to stay in Queensland
Hotels
International standard hotels are available in Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast together with a high standard of hotel/motel accommodation throughout the state. You can obtain information regarding price and location of accommodation from Tourism Queensland (tel: +61 7 3535 3535; www.queensland.com). Motels are usually in (or on) the outskirts of towns and cities and normally offer self-contained rooms at reasonable rates.
Bed and breakfast
These are growing in popularity in Australia and certainly in Queensland. Accommodation can range from simple rooms in a family house to beachside lodges, rambling country mansions or converted miners' cottages. Many offer quite luxurious facilities and include a full cooked breakfast. Eco-lodges and similar types of retreats are popular towards the far north of Queensland.
Camping
Parks are located in tourist areas around Queensland and offer facilities of varying standards. Camping is permitted in national parks and is a great way to explore some of Queensland's best wilderness areas. To camp anywhere in a national park you will need a permit from Queensland Parks and Wildlife service. A number of companies can arrange campervan hire, with a range of fully equipped vehicles. Full details are available from Tourism Queensland.
Other accomodation
Given the popularity of the state with backpackers, there is budget hostel accommodation available throughout Queensland. Standards range dramatically but the official YHA hostels are usually in good order. It's worth checking out private backpackers too though, as some offer very high standards in this category, including en-suite dorms, double and twin rooms and extensive facilities.
Staying on a farm (or 'stations' as they're known in the outback) is a great way to experience rural Australian life. Most places are very comfortable, offering bed & breakfast type accommodation. Generally, lodging is in the homestead itself or in self-contained houses on the property. Cheaper versions offer accommodation in outbuildings or shearer's quarters. To volunteer on an Australian farm, try joining WWOOF Australia (tel: +61 455 023 173; www.wwoof.com.au).
Self-contained apartments and units are available throughout most of the state, especially the more popular tourist areas and Brisbane. They offer a variety of facilities, including full kitchens.
