When was this post last updated?

Good Question - Good information but without date not much use

check www.smh.com.au and then click domain section, here you can check "today" prices
good luck

This list would be correct for people on the poverty line living in the poorest of the suburbs. It looks way out date.

The website realestate.com.au gives you up to date information for the country.

I only have experience of Queensland (Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns). In Queensland there is a rental bond system of 4 weeks rent which is lodged with a Qld government agency. The latest information on leases etc can be found at the REIQ site at www.reiq.com.au

References are essential for most estate agencies but if you contact them in advance from overseas you should be ready to move in when you arrive and have a found a place. There are many private landlords as well as real estate agencies who may dispense with the legalities but I would check out the regulated ones first.

The market is regulated in favour of the landlord but it does give you what it says in the REIQ rental contract. There have been some recent changes to the law including the outlawing of 'auctioning' the rental contract to the highest bidder and an increase in the notice for not renewing the lease.

Queensland towns are relatively small (except Brisbane which is vast) so the rural areas and trailer parks start quite close in to the city centre so have a drive around the areas before you start looking seriously and certainly before you sign a lease. Make a point of calling in at the local school at mid morning break for one source of information admin staff are nearly always ready to share their POV.

There are certainly properties in Townsville and Cairns at less than $400 A$300-350 would get you an older 3 bed room high-set, small pool, and close to shops and transport.

Generally the finish quality is not as high as the newer properties which will be more expensive.

There has been an 'easing' lately so you can always ask for a reduction in the rent. You may not get it but if you have done your research you may be pleasantly surprised.

Good Luck it is a lovely part of the world