Also check exactly what the insurance covers. The standard insurance for rental cars often does not include damage to tires and windscreens (windshields), but you should be able to pay a bit more to include that coverage.
Major car rental companies:
· Avis
· Hertz
· Thrifty
· Budget
Larger towns and cities generally have several local car-rental companies. These companies may be cheaper than the international companies, but they often restrict where you can drive the car (only in the immediate area).
If you want a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, local companies are often your best bet. They may also provide camping equipment, at additional cost. Check websites or other travel information for places of interest to see which ones have local car rentals.
Campervans and motorhomes
Campervans and motorhomes are all-in-one; for more about what's in them, see the Campervan and motorhome rentals page.
New and used vehicles, including some 4-wheel-drive models, are readily available. Here are some of the major brands and dealers:
1. Swagman. One of the most expensive and luxurious lines of motorhomes, which come in a range of sizes. They will do buy-backs, so they sell used models too.
2. Winnebago motorhomes are available from many dealers, including Maconachie's in Nowra, NSW, and Robert's Leisure Vehicles in Kew, Victoria.
3. Matilda Motorhomes are based in Cairns. They provide many of the vehicles rented by NQ Rentals.
4. For smaller campervans, try John Terry Campers in Sydney.
5. Britz, Maui, NQ, and other rental companies sell used campervans and motorhomes. See the Campervan and motorhome rentals page for contact information.
A caravan (called "travel trailer" or "mobile home" in the USA) is towed by a car or truck. New and used caravans are readily available. Some are designed specifically for off-road use. Many popular designs use a pop-top to keep the caravan's profile low during towing.
Trailers with fold-out tents are very popular; some of these open into quite elaborate structures.
You can buy or hire a bicycle, or take an escorted tour.
We've met people riding bicycles around the country, but it's difficult unless you have a support vehicle carrying your supplies. Although Australia is mostly flat, compared to many countries, it's a very long way between towns in much of the country, and you have to carry a lot of water. Most roads are quite dangerous for bicyclists because they don't have much of a shoulder, and in many cases the shoulder isn't paved.
A bicycle can be a good way for getting around within a town, and we see many motorhomes with bicycles strapped on the back.
Cruise ships
In addition to the cruise ships from Singapore or other ports that visit a limited number of Australian ports, several cruises are available in the Great Barrier Reef and along the tropical coasts of Australia. Here are two. Your travel agent may have information about others.
Rent a boat
In popular holiday areas, you can rent boats ranging from dinghies to multi-berth sailing yachts to motor cruisers to houseboats. You can either sail the boat yourself or rent one with one or more people aboard as crew.
In most cases, you'll need to return the boat to the place where you picked it up, although you may be able to arrange a one-way charter, especially if the boat is crewed.
From mainland Australia, you can fly or take a ferry to the state of Tasmania. If you want to take a car with you, you'll definitely want to take the ferry. (Rental car companies don't generally allow this; you'll need to drop off one car on the mainland and pick up another one in Tasmania.) The ferry to Tasmania has sleeping compartments as well as cheaper seats (staying in your car or camper is not allowed).
Paddle steamers operate on the Murray River, or you can rent a houseboat.
The choices in Australia are limited only to your imagination. The climate in Australia allows travellers to pick from many styles of lodgings and the region and length of your stay can help determine how you choose.
Your stay in any of the luxurious and reputable hotels in Australia’s major cities will make your visit a sheer delight. While waking to the sound of the ocean and stepping out onto soft white sands makes pitching a tent someone’s idea of a real holiday.
Just arrived and need somewhere to stay? Making plans and exploring your options? We have plenty of ways for you to find your ideal accommodation in Australia. Below you can check out some of the nation-wide accommodation providers who either manage bookings in most locations or national accommodation chains or associations.
If you are looking for a place to stay in a particular region of Australia the best way to find them is to navigate your way to that state or region and check out what's available there.
As a guide, descriptions of popular styles of accommodation and providers are outlined below.
Five Star Luxury
Australia is home to many international hotel groups that provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort. They include; ANA, Hilton, Hyatt, Inter Continental, Marriott, Nikko, Parkroyal, Radisson, Ramada, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton and several others. All situated in major cities.
Hotels
A wide range of comfortable three to four star hotels can be found in both city and country areas. Some of the better known chains include: Best Western, Centra, Flag Inns, Metro Inns, and Travelodge. The country hotels or pubs are also found all over Australia and offer comfortable accommodation to travellers, however the standards vary considerably from place to place.
Resorts
Recreational and leisure activities dominate the Australian resorts. Coupled with high quality service and facilities they represent the most popular mid-priced accommodation. Some of the chains include: All Seasons Resorts and Australian Frontier Resorts.
Guesthouses & Lodges
For a home away from home, guesthouses and lodges provide private rooms and communical facilities.
Cottages & Retreats
For short term stays in self contained cottages and retreat style accommodation.
Holiday Houses
For homestyle accommodation, holiday houses and beach houses are a cozy choice.
Accommodation Directories
Organised listings and contact details of accommodation providers.
Houseboats
For a holiday with a difference and the ultimate way to relax, stay in a houseboat.
Apartments
More like a home away from home, apartments offer complete privacy and self-contained facilities. In most cases the serviced apartments have cooking and laundry facilities provided. Most have swiming pools, saunas and recreational facilities.
Motels
Located all around Australia, motel accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms, television, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. Many have swimming pools and spas. Motel chains include: Best Western, Budget, Country Comfort, Flag and Metro Inns.
Motor Inns
The perfect stopover when you are on the road, with facilities similar to most motels, motor inns are designed for the traveller and they can be found all over the country. In general, reservations are optional just pull in if you see a vacancy sign.
Hostels
Youth hostels and backpacker venues provide budget priced accommodation with 24-hour access and shared facilities. Generally these facilities cater for the younger age groups although there are no age restrictions. Hostels offer budget-style accommodation and are a great way to meet people.
Caravan Parks
Nearly every small town has at least one caravan park. If you are on a self-drive holiday, either in a campervan or towing a caravan, you will find them a convenient and affordable place to stopover. Toilet and shower facilities are usually in a central location in the parks, and powered sites are available. Most van parks have on-site vans or cabins available and can comfortably accommodate family groups.
Camping
Camp grounds are plentiful and usually located in areas close to natural attractions such as national parks, beaches, lakes etc. Most have toilet facilities and running water. If joined to a caravan park, electricity and share-kitchen facilities or barbeques are available. Many national park camping areas allow free camping, only a permit is required from the park ranger's office.
Use the dropdown box below to go to the Australian state or Territory where you want to stay.
Australians love entertaining. As a caterer you can take advantage of this by offering everything from breakfast for two, intimate gourmet dinners for 20 or traditional wedding buffets for 200.
Caterers have always been and will continue to be in demand for functions like weddings, receptions, graduations, anniversaries, christenings, birthday parties, anniversaries and so on.
Increasingly, businesses are also turning to catering services to arrange food and beverages at home or at their premises for luncheons, staff parties and receptions where clients or business associates are entertained.
Unlike most other food businesses, catering can be started with a small investment. Emphasis is on service and much of this service is performed on the client's premises. There is no rent involved, no "slow" nights, no hostile clients waiting impatiently for a table by the window.
Industrial, factory or warehouse areas are all good areas to set up your business. All you need is sufficient space to establish your store room and a small commercial kitchen - ideally between 70 and 150 square metres. Your clients will never see your office because you will be meeting them in their homes or places of business to plan their functions.
When starting your business you will need to pay careful attention to your pricing structure. It is essential to make enough money to make sure your business is successful. Our guide explains how to assess your business operations, how much you should charge for your services and how to make sure you are charging the right amount to cover your operating costs as well as generate a profit.
All this and much more is outlined in this guide. It investigates market potential, what to consider when choosing business premises and location, what equipment you will need, what to consider when it comes to costs and stock, how to effectively operate your business and the tax and legal issues you should be aware of.
Remember, not only is starting a business a major life-changing decision, it is also a major financial investment. As a result, you will need to make sure you are fully aware of the commitment you are about to make and what is involved.
This guide will help you to arm yourself with the appropriate information. Information that is accurate, up-to-date and applicable to your individual circumstances and show you how you can earn a decent living helping others have a great time.
Start planning early if you're going to prepare the food yourself. Be sure to test out new recipes ahead of time as you don't want to experiment on your guests!
Whether you're serving a six-course dinner or just entrees, try to plan lots of dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then just pulled from the refrigerator, or heated and served. You don't want to spend the entire evening in the kitchen.
Whatever you prepare, be sure to have lots of it and keep platters refreshed so the food always looks abundant and appetizing, even to guests who arrive halfway through the party.
A fun dish making a comeback is the FONDUE! The 70's trend proved to be ideal for self-serve food that caters to just about everyone. If you don't have a fondue (and there isn't many that haven't got one in the cupboard) knick down to the local Op Shop and pick one up for a bargain that will entertain your guests and prove to be a valuable and entertaining talking point bringing back a flood of memories.
If all this seems like too much work then consider hiring a caterer. Australian Catering companies offer a wide range of food and services for any occasion.
If your guests are expected to bring their own drinks, let them know in the invitation. Don't forget the ice, you can never have too much ice at a party. Don't forget to add fresh fruit to your shopping list. Also consider making a punch or two; one alcoholic and one without.
All Seasons Catering - Perth's most flexible, competitive and reliable caterer. All Seasons Catering Established in 1986, All Seasons Catering has always had the aim of providing quality functions at an affordable price. Initially, All Seasons Catering operated primarily in the home party/function market, however in 1992 management took the decision to broaden the company's operations.
Their clients
Since that time All Seasons Catering has undergone a significant expansion in terms of its operational capability. The results have certainly vindicated the decision, to the extent that business and corporate functions now comprise approximately half of our day to day operations. Our corporate client list includes organisations such as Bankwest, Telstra, National Mutual, the University of Western Australia, Alinta Gas, the Commonwealth Bank, 6PR, MMM and McDonalds (yes, that McDonalds!) to name a few.
Their functions
All Seasons Catering's breadth of experience means we can take on any assignment with confidence, be it a cocktail party or a wedding with two hundred guests in a paddock somewhere beyond Burracoppin. We've done them all, business breakfasts and lunches. Private functions continue to be an important part of our business. Each year All Seasons Catering caters for many private functions, including weddings and engagements, anniversary parties and birthday parties.Whatever your occasion, be it a romantic dinner for two, or the World Triathlon Championship with over two thousand guests, with All Seasons Catering you can be confident of its success - we will make your special day a very special occasion.
Their service
As part of our personalised service, All Seasons Catering can provide individualised menus and if requested will come to discuss your requirements. All Seasons Catering prides itself on its flexibility and its commitment to providing a complete service. All Seasons Catering have the experience and capability to handle every aspect of your function, including:
- Arranging marquee or tent hire,
- Providing a comprehensive, first class decoration service,
- Provision of Perth's finest patisserie chefs.
With All Seasons Catering you can be assured of brilliant service and complete attention to detail, whatever the occasion.
is operated by Benjamin Bramble, a qualified Chef de Cuisine, who has trained and worked in Canada and Bermuda before coming to Australia with the Hilton chain of hotels. In 1983, Benjamin began operating as a caterer to well-known multinational companies in Australia. In 1988, Benjamin further expanded his expertise to become a qualified patisserie chef.
Customer satisfaction through practicing quality principles has long been a passion for Benjamin and in 1997 he undertook additional training through the Australian Quality Council.
All food is prepared in a 5 star commercial kitchen licensed by the City of Whitehorse.
All employees hold current food handlers certificates.
All food delivered in refrigerated food transport vehicle.
Greg’s Mobile Catering: provides mobile catering services including spit roasts, finger foods, buffets and formal dinners.
Greg's Mobile Catering Pty Ltd has been in operation throughout the Melbourne and Outer Melbourne Regions and also catering in Geelong for the past 10 years. Greg himself has been in the catering industry for over 27 years and is a fully qualified Chef. Operating from our fully designed commercial kitchen and premises which are licensed by the Health Department of Victoria (not just a van and a spit sitting outside your backyard). We operate our business with good old fashioned principles offering - quality and reliability to our customer's at all times. Our catering ranges from budget to gourmet and corporate catering is a speciality. Able to meet your individual needs, we will endeavour to assist you in making your function a complete success. Remember if you want the best then look no further, Greg's Mobile Catering looks forward to being of service to you on any occasion and can assure you of a superb function that your guests will thoroughly enjoy. We cater for all types of events - Fully licensed off site catering at any venue around Melbourne Parks and Gardens, Marquee Wedding Reception's, Corporate catering, 21st's, Birthday Parties, Engagements, Christening's, Wakes, Special event catering.
Grinner’s Buffet Catering: Australia's largest mobile catering company.
I Cook Catering Service: Choose one of our fabulous menus & we'll arrive with it beautifully prepared & presented.