Hacienda-style, immaculate and wonderfully friendly, these self-contained one- and two-bedroom units are a steal. Hang out by the pool or walk a block to the beach.

Fronting Hervey Bay's exquisitely long sandy beach, all of Beachfront's three shady parks live up to their name, with fantastic ocean views. This Torquay site is in the heart of the action. Other branches are at Pialba ( GOOGLE MAP ; %07-4128 1399; www.beachfronttouristparks.com.au; The Esplanade, Pialba; unpowered/powered sites from $26/31; W) and Scarness ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %07-4128 1274; www.beachfronttouristparks.com.au; The Esplanade, Scarness; unpowered/powered sites from $26/31; W).

This excellent YHA is set on eight hectares of tranquil bushland, close to the marina and only 50m from the beach. It’s a lovely spot, thick with ambience, possums and parrots. Facilities include a pool, tennis and basketball courts, and a sociable bar-restaurant.

Comfortable, spacious dorm and en suite rooms, with reading lights, numerous power sockets, walk-in communal fridge, spotless communal areas and showers with power. Set a street back from the beach.

This great-value B&B is run by a friendly, well-travelled Frenchman, his wife and their dog… Guest rooms are in a comfy annexe out the back, and the Bay's famous breakfast is served in a tropical garden. Families can take over the separate, fully self-contained unit.

These excellent villas are stylishly furnished with a private courtyard, all the mod cons and little luxuries such as fluffy bathrobes. Backing onto a nature reserve, it’s quiet apart from the wonderful bird life, and is only a cooee from the beach. The accommodation and tour packages are great value.

This warm and friendly B&B offers lakeside indulgence, where turtles come a-visiting in the morning. There’s a heated lakeside spa, two spacious rooms with en suites, and two luxury self-contained suites.

With only 12 rooms, this small, relaxed hostel is the place to catch your breath between outdoor pursuits. Free breakfast, wi-fi and body boards, and lots of organised group activities, sweeten the stay.

This party hostel with bar has live music, karaoke and face-painting nights, a chill-out gazebo, free pancake breakfasts and cheap meals nightly.

Perfectly pleasing low-rise, palm-fronted complex with standard motel rooms. There are also self-contained units with full laundries for comfortable longer stays.

Popular but pricey beachfront park.

Inside this beautiful timber Queenslander dripping with pot plants, the charming rooms are fully self-contained, with private entrances and verandahs. The effervescent Debbie is a mine of information and makes this a cosy home away from home.

You won’t want to leave this lovely converted Queenslander with comfy lounge, full kitchen, laundry and a cast-iron bathtub. Sustainable features include solar power, rainwater tanks, energy-efficient lighting and bikes for you to use. Minimum two-night stay.

A cheery, bright and friendly cafe that encourages lingering. On offer are great coffee, fresh juices, and home-made goodies from stuffed mushrooms to salads, full breakfasts and sandwiches.

Comfortable and friendly central hostel that also runs fabulous turtle tours to Mon Repos. Fresh paint, happy staff and a relaxed vibe raise Bigfoot above its competitors. There are ample fruit-picking opportunities available.

For old-world English charm in a glorious Queenslander, this delightful B&B is just the ticket. Polished timber and stained glass seep from the entrance into the rooms, which come with high beds and small antiques.

Locals congregate en masse at this cute little spot, which isn't shy with its portions of gourmet sandwiches, salads, veggie-friendly options and hot lunches dished up at lightning speed.

Delicious pastries and a fancy menu built around local produce.