Photo: Airbnb
As much as we love a bougie hotel stay, the best Australian Airbnbs offer a unique and authentic way to experience a new place. From inner-city apartments to country cabins, the options are seemingly endless, but with so much choice it can be hard to know which stays are worth your coin.
Fortunately, Airbnb has spotlighted some of Australia’s most thoughtful, creative and welcoming hosts as part of its Airbnb Host Awards. We all know that a good host makes all the difference, and without them Airbnb would cease to exist.
“Local hosts are the backbone of the Airbnb community and it’s an honour to recognise those who go the extra mile,” Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager, stated in a press release.
“With group bookings accounting for over 80 percent of trips on Airbnb, there are great options amongst the winning listings for families and friends to plan the perfect stay for the upcoming school holidays.”
To inspire your next solo, couple or family adventure, we’ve shared the best Australian Airbnbs from this year’s annual Host Awards.
The best Australian Airbnbs in 2024
01
Lakeside Studio, Sunshine Coast
Host of the Year
Sleeps: Two guests
This lakeside stay hosted by Tracey and Adrian has earned top spot at this year’s Airbnb Host Awards thanks to the hosts’ personalised welcome message, complimentary goodies and guests’ ability to use kayaks to explore local waterways. The cosy studio is also within strolling distance of Currimundi Beach and is perfect for a relaxing nature retreat with a side of adventuring.
Lakeside Studio is rated 4.99 out of 5 stars, and guests praise the hosts for their communication and the quiet, private nature of the home. “Only negative is we weren’t staying there long enough,” wrote one.
The details:
- Located a short walk from the lake, local shops and takeaways
- Features a full kitchen, private entry and air-con
- Easy self check-in
02
Palm Pavilion, Church Point
Best Design Stay
Sleeps: Eight guests (six adults and two children)
Nestled within gorgeous rainforest, Palm Pavilion takes the concept of a tree house to new and luxurious heights. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture the lush views while a full-size kitchen, large outdoor entertainment area and gorgeous concrete plunge pool add to the resort-style feel of the stay. According to Airbnb, guests love the serene ambience, thoughtful design and responsive hosting that comes with booking Palm Pavilion.
Palm Pavilion is rated 4.98 out of 5 stars, with guests commenting on the views and beautiful furnishing. “All the extra things like olive oil, salt and pepper taken care of as well as appliances,” wrote one guest.
The details:
- Located only 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD
- Located on the edge of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Features floor-to-ceiling rainforest views and a concrete plunge pool
03
Serendip “Shack” Glamping, Wallaga Lake
Best Nature Stay
Sleeps: Two guests
If you prefer to enjoy the beauty of nature with all your creature comforts, you’ll want to book Serendip “Shack” on the South Coast. Perched on the glittering shores of Wallaga Lake, this glamping stay offers an outdoor tub, a fire pit and a cosy bedroom with linen bedding and gorgeous lake views.
Serendip “Shack” Glamping is rated 4.99 out of 5 stars, and guests have called out its peaceful location, the local wildlife, and the outdoor wood-fired hot tub.
The details:
- Beachfront access
- Located on the shores of Wallaga Lake and Batemans Marine Reserve
- Features a camp kitchen, private outdoor shower/hot tub and fire pit
04
Yo Caba Caba, Bogangar
Best Family Friendly Stay
Sleeps: 10 guests
Bursting with colour, this Palm Springs-inspired home instantly uplifts with its bold colours and playful styling. Perfect for a family getaway, Yo Caba Caba features a resort-style pool, barbecue area, large living space and convenient location where the beach, cafes and shops are all within walking distance.
Yo Caba Caba is rated 5 out of 5 stars, with guests complimenting the host’s proactive and responsive nature as well as the home’s fun design. “What a great beach house for a family in a beautiful part of the world,” wrote one recent guest.
The details:
- Washing machine and dryer available for guests
- Located within walking distance of Cabarita Beach
- Features a resort-style swimming pool and colourful styling
05
Redhens, Blewitt Springs
Best New Host
Sleeps: Two guests
If you’re looking for a unique stay in the stunning McLaren Vale, look no further than this quaint and cosy retired Redhen railcar. Set overlooking the surrounding vineyards, Redhens is located within easy reach of wineries, breweries and restaurants. And if you need any recommendations, award-winning hosts Carly and Andrew are sure to help.
Redhens is rated 4.99 out of 5 stars. “From the moment we arrived we were just so impressed,” wrote a recent guest.
The details:
- Close to cellar doors, breweries and restaurants
- Located within the McLaren Vale wine region
- Features cosy interiors, vineyard views and a fire pit
06
Private Room, Lower Plenty
Best Room Host
Sleeps: Two people
Situated in the outer Melbourne suburb of Lower Plenty, this private room stay with award-winning host Shiyanti provides a comfortable and inviting base from which to explore Melbourne or nearby nature reserves. The stay also features tasteful styling and a large ensuite bathroom with a bathtub; however, it’s Shiyanti’s warm hospitality that guests rave about consistently.
This private room in Lower Plenty is rated 4.99 out of 5, and guests are very complimentary of the hosts, who are described as “friendly and warm”.
The details:
- Serves as a good base to explore
- Located within easy reach of shops and public transport
- Features a large ensuite bathroom with bathtub
