Serviced apartments are best value, says Aussie specialist

Tailor-made operator Freedom Australia says choosing a serviced apartment – with all the benefits of hotel services such as leisure facilities and restaurants - can save up to 35% compared to staying in hotels.

And as the pound still buys two Australian dollars, eating out - or in - and shopping represent better value than European destinations.

Freedom Australia has added 18 additional apartment complexes to its 2009-10 programme, bringing the total to over 120. For example, at the City Grand close to Sydney's Darling Harbour, guests in the studios and apartments can enjoy the complex's swimming pool, sauna and gym, restaurant and bar, laundry and grocery services - as well as room service.

A three-week holiday in May including international flights from Heathrow, 21 nights' room only accommodation and three internal flights (such as Sydney to Melbourne, to Cairns and thence to Brisbane) starts at £1389 per person based on two sharing.

Freedom Australia can book apartments like this in every city from Port Douglas to Perth and from Ayers Rock to the Barossa Valley. Apartments can be booked for as few as three nights.

For more information, log on to Freedomaustralia.co.uk.