You can choose where you'd like to go, and book yourself in. You can 'shop around'. There are 4 hospitals in our area, all with varying services. One has a birth centre - but you need to book in early. It depends on your vision for birth. You can visit maternity wards to ask questions (ring first, you might need to have an appointment). Some hospitals are baby friendly BFHI AUSTRALIA HOME PAGE if that is important. You don't need to wait for permission. It is your birth. You need to go where you are most comfortable.