Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Facilities
Most hostels have kitchens with fridges, stoves, microwaves and cooking
utensils, communal areas with TV, a laundry, internet access (including wi-fi), travellers'
noticeboards and tour-booking services.
HOSTEL ORGANISATIONS
There are several Australia-wide backpacker organisations that run hostels around the
country (Base, Nomads etc), but in central Australia, your best bet is the ever- reliable
YHA
( 08-8981 6344;
www.yha.com.au
)
chain, which runs 11 hostels in SA and the
NT. A Hostelling International membership costs $42/80 for one/two years, slightly less if
you're younger than 26.
INDEPENDENT HOSTELS
Central Australia (particularly SA) has numerous independent hostels, competition for the
backpacker dollar prompting fairly high standards and enticements such as free break-
fasts and courtesy buses. Places range from rundown pubs trying to fill empty rooms, to
converted motels where dorm units have a fridge, TV and bathroom. Prices mimic those
in the larger hostel organisations.
BOOK YOUR STAY ONLINE
For more accommodation reviews by Lonely Planet authors, check out
ht-
tp://hotels.lonelyplanet.com
. You'll find independent reviews, as well as recom-
mendations on the best places to stay. Best of all, you can book online.
Motels
For comfortable midrange accommodation, motels are the way to go. They proliferate in
cities and smaller towns, and many outback roadhouses also have motel rooms out the
back.
Costs
Expect to pay at least $90 for a double and up to $150 for more upmarket places.
Facilities
The average motel is a modern (but anonymous) low-rise affair with parking
and tidy rooms that have a bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, TV, telephone, air-con,
a fridge humming in the corner and, if the gods are smiling, a swimming pool.
Hotels
Fancy hotels and resorts are all around SA but are limited to Darwin, Alice Springs, Yu-
lara, Kings Canyon and Kakadu in the NT. Most have fabulous facilities and locations, but
more than a few five-star places are clinical and corporate in atmosphere. Although rack
rates are high, discounts and deals mean you'll rarely pay full price except in peak sea-
son.
