JustBee

Affordable and just outside of town is the Vibe Hotel, pay a little extra and you can get an amazing river view.

Wotif have specials there all the time. I've stayed there a few times. It's nothing flash. They have 'studio' rooms which are self catering style with a king bed and kitchenette and a sofa bed. not great with parking though.

It's on the edge of town, but not in the centre of it all, walking distance to Cavill ave, bus stop right there for themeparks etc.

Or Broadbeach is great too. There's loads of hotels, and there are a whole bunch of nice restaurants, near malls and also on bus route to sufers and themeparks.

Yes you can apply after February. I applied online in September and recieved a letter in December asking me to sit the test in February. Which I think is a short timeline? Processing after that takes a few months - as far as I am aware.

Although online application isnt very straight forward, they will email/contact you if you're missing anything, and the site allows you to add any documentation you may have missed at a later stage.

All the best.