I asked a similar question about Canada and was advised to make a separate one for Australia.

I'm planning to travel to Australia on my own for about one month - two months, I'll be in Melbourne area and Brisbane/Gold Coast area, that's what I have planned for now, I have not planned accommodation.

I'm looking for options for making my own food, or travel with health conscious travellers so we can possibly cook together.

I also want to absorb the atmosphere and get to know people and hopefully make some friends on my trip.

One way is renting an apartment, the problem here is that it will be a bit lonely if I do it by myself, but I might do it anyway.

Another possibility is going to a youth hostel where sometimes there's a kitchen and you can cook.

Are there other possibilities?