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

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.