This localised study focuses on the availability; suitability and utilization of respite care services for families caring for older relatives in southern Sydney, NSW, an issue identified by the first author in the course of her employment as a community nurse. Respite care services were examined from the perspective of family carers (N=18), referring health professionals (N=18), respite referral services and respite care providers (N=9). The data was obtained from semi-structured in-depth interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions. Apart from the respite referral services all participants identified access to and utilization of respite care were constrained by actual and perceived limitations in service availability, referral processes, service flexibility and quality of care outcomes. Recommendations for improving access include re-evaluation of the centralised referral system, establishing more effective communication processes between all three groups and other health staff, and introducing focused aged care education for respite care staff.