So what do you really need?
It's entirely up to you, but here are some guidelines:
- Get a hosting package that comes with emails. If you're running a small business you need email with your hosting. Don't keep using your.name@hotmail.com or company@bigpond.com because it just looks unprofessional. If you're going to register www.example.com.au then also get your.name@example.com.au, it's better for business.
- Get at least 200MB site hosting space. Yes you want your site to load as fast as possible and yes you will keep your file sizes small, but by the time you add a few images on each page you're going to be surprised how quickly it adds up.
- Host locally. It's going to be much better for you if you can contact someone in your own timezone with hosting queries.
- Check your data transfer allowance. If your site becomes a high traffic web destination you may need to upgrade your plan. Be aware of additional fees for exceded limits.
You may need other add-ons such as secure servers, anti-virus solutions, or if you're a web developer you may need any number of application installations, but in these instances you should contact the hosting company for details. Usually they will be happy to add whatever you need.
Here is a quick-reference to just a few of the available hosting companies in Australia, sorted by location. Their prices vary, as do their services, so check out their website for full details before making your final decision. Better still, get on the phone and see what you think of the person on the other end because chances are you will speak to the same person when you need a problem solved later on.
| Hosting Provider | Disk Space | Traffic p/month | Emails | Servers | Location | Cost |
| www.coasthost.net.au | 500Mb | 20Gb | 50 | Unknown | Gold Coast | 24.90p/month |
| www.websitehostingaustralia.com | 10Mb | 2Gb | 1 | Linux | Gold Coast | $145p/year |
| www.aussiewebhost.com.au | 200Mb | 3Gb | 20 | Linux | Melbourne | $14.95p/month |
| www.webhostingaustralia.com.au | 250Mb | 10Gb | 1000 | Windows 2000, Linux or .net | Melbourne | $299p/year |
| www.anchor.com.au | 250Mb | 10Gb | 30 | Linux, Windows | Sydney | $363p/year |
| www.netvantage.com.au | 100Mb | 2Gb | 100 | Linux | Sydney | $29p/month |
| www.redalto.com.au | 250Mb | 5Gb | 25 | Windows | Sydney | $19.95p/month |
| www.netregistry.com.au | 200Mb | 10Gb | 100 | Unknown | Sydney | $29.95p/month |
| www.digitalpacific.com.au | 10Gb | 25Gb | Unlimited | Unknown | Sydney | $249p/year |
| www.ausweb.com.au | 4Gb | 10Gb | 15 | Linux, Windows 2003 | Sydney | $29.50p/month |
| www.redrook.com | 500Mb | Unlimited | 30 | Linux | Tasmania | $33p/month |
| www.ezihosting.com | 500Mb | 20Gb | Unlimited | Linux | Tasmania | $274.45p/year |
