These are the best Australian Airbnbs for 2025 — as voted by you

Host of the Year

Sleeps: Two guests

This chic courtyard apartment, hosted by Alix and John and designed by JAWS Architects, is tucked inside a heritage-listed former bakery in Sandy Bay, just 2km from Salamanca. Featuring a king-size bed, sunlit courtyard with a full-size outdoor bath, and a cosy living space with a gas fireplace, this stay offers all the modern comforts while still maintaining is rustic ambiance. According to Airbnb, guests love the heated bathroom floors, compact kitchen, and personal touches like local treats.

“Whether it’s a handwritten note referencing a guest’s life or welcoming descendants of original bakers, these hosts transform history into hospitality,” says judge Sarah Huang on the stay, which has a 4.99/5-star average rating . One guest wrote: “The outside bath is a highlight, though not to be outdone by a glass of wine by the cosy fireplace. We found the location fantastic, walking distance of great food and just a five minute drive to the CBD.”

The details:

• 10-minute walk from Salamanca
• Outdoor shower
• Indoor fireplace and heating
• Outdoor dining area with a fully-fenced backyard

Best New Host

Sleeps: 2 guests

Nestled within the serene Adelaide Hills, The Nook studio guesthouse takes the concept of a modern cottage to new and luxurious heights. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture the lush views while the light-filled open-plan living, private patio area and tranquil freestanding bathtub add to the private, rustic luxury-feel of the stay. According to Airbnb, it stood out for “its authentic warmth, deep personal motivation, and community-minded hosting.”

Palm Pavilion is rated 5 out of 5 stars, with guests commenting on the location as perfect for exploring the wineries. “The location was peaceful and perfect for a weekend getaway, and the extra touches, like fresh towels, coffee/tea, and local recommendations, made it feel really welcoming,” wrote one guest.

The details:

• Fenced for privacy
• Spot cows, kangaroos, foxes and bunnies in the back paddock
• Perfect location to visit the local wineries

Best Family-Friendly Stay

Sleeps: 12 guests

A serene country retreat awaits at this Southern Highlands stay, located just two hours from Sydney. This five-bedroom farmhouse, designed by award-winning architects, features a gallery-style layout, an adjoining living room with an open slow-combustion fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views. Spend the day enjoying a quaint country walk along the rainforest cedar trail, greeting your neighbourhood kangaroos and wallabies, or savouring sweet outdoor dining moments with loved ones.

Judge Sarah Huang described this stay as: “A phenomenal nature-based retreat created by a family, for families who crave an unplugged, nature-connected escape. It’s less beachy-fun and more soulful-reconnection.” With an overall five-star rating on 119 reviews, this much-loved home is an enviable escape.

The details:

• Mountain and valley views
• Indoor wood-burning fireplace and heating available
• Private outdoor patio and backyard fit with dining, a hammock and a BBQ grill
• Located near private walking trails
• Freshwater creeks and waterfalls nearby
• Two-hour drive from Sydney and 10-minutes to Kangaroo Valley

Best Design Stay

Sleeps: 4 guests

Crafted by local architect, Dragi Majstorovic of Majstorovic Architecture, this unique coastal retreat on Caloundra’s headland, designed to immerse guests in an atmosphere of serenity. Described as “Scandinavian simplicity” by judge Sarah Huang, you will be immersed in lush greenery while enjoying the luxury amenities, including a magnesium pool, bocce court, two fireplaces and outdoor baths and showers. Separate living and sleeping pavilions are linked by breezy courtyards, with raw, tactile materials and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, “creating a meditative, outdoor-centric living experience,” adds Huang.

“The thoughtfulness and considered approach to the entire design, landscaping and architecture is beyond exceptional. We felt like we were in a whole new world, relaxed and calm thoroughly enjoying the considered nature of the place,” said one guest, who rated their stay five-stars.

The details:

• A short stroll to the ocean and Shelly Beach
• Ocean and garden views
• Family-friendly
• Indoor wood-burning fireplace, heating and central AC available
• One-hour drive from Brisbane airport

Best Nature Stay

Sleeps: 2 guests

Ligo, hosted by Eddie and Ange, is an award-winning tiny-house retreat set in the heart of the Wolgan Valley, surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park and just over two hours from Sydney. This off-grid retreat offers a minimal, low-impact design to help you feel more connected to nature, whether through eco-friendly amenities, its use of rainwater, or soaking under the stars in the outdoor tub.

Ligo is rated 4.98 out of 5 stars. “The surrounding escarpment will leave you speechless,” wrote a recent guest.

The details:

• Self-catered, eco retreat
• Architectually-designed tiny home
• Kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave and portable induction stove
• Access to over 100 acres of natural bushland and riverfront
• Arrival and departure transfers are complimentary

Best Room Host

Sleeps: Two people (one Queen bed available)

Situated in the upper north shore suburb of Hornsby, this private room stay hosted by Caroline and Daniel provides a comfortable and inviting base from which to explore Sydney and beyond. The stay also features thoughtful styling and a private bathroom; however, it’s the pairs warm hospitality that guests rave about consistently.

“Caroline offers honest hospitality at its finest. There’s just exceptional thoughtfulness, deep respect for guests and a peaceful, immaculately clean space. Her ability to anticipate needs, paired with subtle generosity (like late station pickups or shared meals), creates a calm and human experience,” describes judge Sarah Huang. With a clean five-star rating over 126 reviews, this stay in in the top 1% of homes on Airbnb.

The details:

• Five-minute drive to Hornsby train station, or five-minute walk to bus
• 45-minutes to Sydney CBD by car or train
• Queen bed located on the second storey of the house
• Parking available
• Close to hiking and bushwalking trails