Accommodation

Resources for finding short and long-term rental accommodation in Australia. Compare rental platforms, understand the rental process, and learn about tenant rights.

1. Short-term accommodation

You'll likely need temporary accommodation for your first few weeks. Most Australian landlords won't sign a lease with someone who doesn't yet have local ID, a local bank account or proof of employment — all things that take time to sort out after you land. A short-term stay (Airbnb, serviced apartment, or extended-stay hotel) gives you a base to get those things sorted before you start viewing long-term rentals.

Airbnb

First arrival

Short-term renting

Up to €50 off your first stay

Likely required until you find something more permanent (once you have Australian ID and a bank account).

Visit siteLast updated Oct 2025

2. Long-term accommodation

Once you have the basics in place, you'll move to a long-term rental — usually a 6-12 month lease. Competition for rentals in Australian cities is fierce, so having your paperwork ready (payslips or an offer letter, ID, rental history or references, and sometimes a bond in advance) before you start applying makes a real difference. Sharing a place with flatmates is a common and often cheaper way in, especially before you've built up an Australian rental history.

realestate.com.au

Rentals

Renting

Australia's leading site for renting real estate.

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Flatmates

Shared housing

Co-renting & subletting

Leading site to find flatmates and share housing.

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3. Photo ID

You'll need a government-issued photo ID for almost everything — renting, opening bank accounts, buying alcohol, and everyday identification. An Australian driver licence is the most common form and doubles as your everyday ID; if you don't drive, your state also issues a standalone photo ID card with the same look and function. Both require a local address, so this is usually one of the first things to arrange once you've settled into short-term accommodation. Links below are for NSW — other states have their own equivalent service.

Service NSW

First arrivalID

Driver licence

A driving licence serves as the main everyday ID in Australia.

Have an address; convertible licence or do the test

Visit siteLast updated Oct 2025

Service NSW

First arrivalID

Photo ID card

A government photo card in case you can't get a driving licence.

Have an address, 16+ years old

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