If you go with dial-up, pay attention to your bills. The Australian government is investigating cases of internet dumping. Internet dumping happens when your call is transferred from an ISP to another number without your consent (sometimes abroad). The best way to avoid being dumped is to block all 0011 calls placed on the telephone service connected to Internet.
If you prefer a broadband connection, you must find out which providers operate in your area and what technology they are using. For this, you can use the Broadband Service Locator from the Australian government. If you can't find a provider in your area, you can register for an Australian Broadband Guarantee subsidised service – the Broadband Service Locator will ask you a few questions before approving it.
You can set up your service over the phone or online. Providers will ask you to sign a contract that may last up to two years. Some providers may charge you installation fees.
Internet Cafes and Free Wireless Internet
In Australia you can access the Internet from many public areas: hotels, libraries, airports, and Internet Cafes. If you bring your laptop, PDA, iPod, iPhone, etc. most of these places offer free Wireless Internet, and you can find Free WiFi Hotspots almost everywhere.