I think the girls have well and truly covered all aspects of public and private but here is my two cents worth:

We chose private for the following reasons:
- our local private hospital is only 10 minutes from our house and it is LOVELY. Everyone who stays there refers to it as the 'hotel'. The rooms are really nice, the service is great and the midwives get a really good wrap
- they only have 2 shared rooms (max of two per room) and 35 private rooms so the chances of getting your own room is high. If they are busy and you do have to share, it's usually only for a night then you are moved to your own room
- DH can stay - woohoo! If you don't have a double bed in your room, they bring in a rollaway for DH.
- the rooms have bar fridges and tea and coffee facilities so it's a lot more homely. They have normal TV's with a movie channel too.
- I can take in my iPod dock and play music in my room - a big plus for someone who always has music playing
- the hospital runs various classes for mums and dads outside of visiting hours
- you have access to physios who specialise in women's health during your stay (they are actually my physios and are brilliant) who can help with laser and ultrasound treatment for tears, cracked nipples, swelling, etc.
- I can stay for up to a week if I choose. Some girls say I will get bored and maybe I will but I do like the idea of being in hossi until my milk comes in at least! I plan on making the most of the experience that is only a 'buzzer press' away too.
- my pregnancy is very low risk (so very healthy and a tad boring I guess!) but my OB is brilliant and I love seeing the same familiar face (and same midwives) at each appointment
- I have never waited any longer than 10 minutes to see my OB
- we hit the Medicare threshold a while back too so our out of pocket expenses to our OB are probably only $200 total
- they supply everything for bubs during our stay. I only need to take a couple of outfits and a blanket to take bubs home although I am taking in several wondersuits and newborn nighties cause I just love them!

So they are our reasons for going private and so far we are so happy with our decision.