Where to Stay in Your First Weeks in Australia

Short-term accommodation options

Your main options for the first few weeks are serviced apartments, short-stay rental platforms, extended-stay hotels, hostels, and staying with friends or family if available.

Serviced apartments are furnished flats with basic kitchens and laundry facilities, often aimed at temporary residents. They range from budget to upmarket and are available in all major cities. Weekly rates are typically lower than nightly hotel rates, and most provide internet, utilities included, and flexible lease lengths (days to months).

Short-stay rental platforms advertise furnished properties (studios, apartments, entire houses) for weeks or months. These operate across Australia and let you browse by location, price range, and amenities. Most require a booking deposit upfront.

Extended-stay hotels cater to temporary residents with weekly discounts and kitchenettes or full kitchens. They're less flexible than apartments but offer hotel services (reception, cleaning, sometimes meals).

Hostels are the most budget-friendly option, common in city centres and popular with backpackers and new arrivals. You get a shared or private room and communal facilities. They're short-term only but help you meet other people quickly.

Friends or family remain the ideal if available. Even a friend's spare room for a few weeks buys you time to explore the rental market without time pressure.

Why temporary first?

Three key reasons drive this pattern. First, you need a local address and telephone number to apply for a bank account, job, or rental—having a temporary address counts. Second, rental agents assess you partly on your ability to provide local references and income proof; arriving with a job offer and a bank account open for a few weeks strengthens your next application. Third, inspecting and committing to a property requires being present in that suburb at specific times (open houses, inspections, bond lodgement)—almost impossible if you're in transition.

Temporary accommodation also lets you make an informed decision about where to live. Inner suburbs tend to be dearer but closer to jobs and public transport. Outer suburbs and regional areas are cheaper but require longer commutes. Visiting suburbs during the day and evening, checking transport links, and talking to locals in cafes and shops inform your next move far better than a desktop search from overseas.

Budgeting for temporary housing

Serviced apartments and short-stay rentals typically cost more per week than a long-term lease for the same property—the flexibility premium. Budget generously if you're unsure of your timeline. Many people spend 3–6 weeks in temporary accommodation; some stay 2–3 months while house-hunting. Building a cost buffer into your migration budget helps you avoid pressure to accept the first long-term rental you see.

Rules differ by state—check your state's tenancy authority for any regulations on short-stay rentals. Some states distinguish between short-term holiday rentals and residential lettings, with different consumer protections.

Moving into long-term rental after temporary housing

Once you're settled and ready for a long-term lease, your temporary address becomes an asset. When applying for a property, you can show:

- Proof of income: A few weeks of payslips or a signed job contract.
- Local references: A supervisor, landlord (if you rented a serviced apartment), or friends.
- Proof of funds: Bank statements showing your savings and deposits.
- Rental résumé: A summary of your rental history overseas, even from years earlier.
- Bond and rent: Having cash ready to pay the bond (typically 4 weeks' rent) and rent in advance.

None of these guarantees acceptance—landlords assess applications on income, employment, and references—but they form a stronger application than applying from overseas. Your timing also matters: avoid applying on weekends or outside business hours, and apply early in the advertising cycle when competition is lower.

Getting bond assistance if you're eligible

Some state governments offer bond loans or rent-assistance schemes to help new arrivals or those on low incomes. These typically have eligibility rules (residency, visa type, income thresholds). Check with your state's housing or social security authority—many temporary visa holders don't qualify, but it's worth verifying.

Do I need to pay a bond on temporary accommodation?

Serviced apartments and short-stay rentals typically don't use the formal rental bond system. You usually pay a refundable booking deposit upfront (much smaller than a rental bond). Clarify the refund conditions when you book.

Can I get a long-term lease straight away, or should I do temporary first?

You can apply for a long-term lease immediately if you have proof of employment, references, and funds. However, most agents assess you more favourably if you have a local address, phone number, and local references—all easier to arrange after your first few weeks in Australia.

What if I don't have friends or family in Australia?

Hostels, serviced apartments, and short-stay rentals are designed for solo travellers and migrants. They're social spaces where you'll meet other people, and they bridge the gap until you secure long-term housing.

Are temporary accommodation costs tax-deductible?

If you're moving for work, some temporary accommodation costs may be deductible under Australian tax law. Consult a tax professional about your situation.

How do I know which suburb to choose for long-term rental?

Visit during different times of day (morning commute, lunchtime, evening). Check public transport links to your workplace. Research schools, shops, and parks if relevant. Online suburb guides help, but local experience beats any website.