Stay guide
Hostels, share houses and staying longer
When to move out of the dorm, where to find a room, and how to avoid rental scams.
Updated 1 October 2026
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Hostels
Great for your first weeks and meeting people. Many hostels do weekly rates, and some offer work-for-accommodation.
Share houses
Staying a month or more in one city? A room in a share house is usually cheaper and quieter. Expect to pay 2–4 weeks’ rent as bond, which should be lodged with the state bond authority.
- Never pay before you’ve seen the room in person or on a live video call.
- Be wary of “landlords” who are overseas and want money wired.
- Get a written agreement, even for a room.