If you’re anything like us, you’ll be planning to #HolidayHereThisYear in a bid to not only support our bushfire impacted communities and towns that rely on tourism to thrive, but to experience the true beauty on our very own doorstep.
While we’re in the midst of social distancing — and for some, self-isolation — what better way to spend your free time dreaming, planning and booking weekend escape.
We’ve curated a list of the country’s most beautiful Airbnb’s so you can relish in a Pinterest-worthy home while immersing yourself in a new Aussie town as if it were your own. There’s never been a better time to start ticking off your local travel bucket list.
Grounds of Cabarita, Byron Bay, NSW
It’s very likely you’ve already swooned over the Grounds of Cabarita on your Instagram or Pinterest feeds, but if you haven’t, allow us to introduce you to your new favourite Aussie beach shack. Located in the heart of Cabarita Beach on the NSW North Coast, this idyllic 1960's beach house is the quintessential Australia beachside getaway. The Grounds of Cabarita is the place toslow down, lose track of time and relish in the simple things. It’s here you can start your day by taking out the longboard for a morning surf, fill it with hours of reading underneath the pandanus trees by the pool, and finish it by firing up the pizza oven while enjoying a fine drop of wine. If you’re ready to switch off and fill your camera roll with dreamy interior images, it’s time to book yourself into the Grounds of Cabarita.
Vintage House, Daylesford, VIC
Fact: Vintage House is as picture-perfect as the town it resides in. Set on almost an acre of land in the picturesque town of Daylesford in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in country Victoria, Vintage House is everything you dream of in a country cottage. The 1860’s miner’s cottage-turned-boutique accommodation boasts a white weatherboard exterior complete with intricate lacework and timber shutters, and is enveloped with a forest of established trees overlooking the scenic Wombat State Forest and Doctors Gully. And inside is just as impressive. The property has been restored and re-designed with the heritage of the cottage in mind and features three-meter high ceilings, an open fireplace and has been carefully decorated with antique furniture and vintage décor.
Bunya House, Bowral, NSW
When you imagine an idyllic cottage in the quaint Southern Highlands village of Bowral, it’s likely you’d envisage something that looks a lot like Bunya House. Built in circa 1890, this magnificent historic home has everything you dream of in a country cottage — a large wraparound veranda, high ornate ceilings, open wood fireplaces and a charming interior that pays homage to its past. Located just a short walk to the heart of town, this property is guaranteed to make your Bowral stay one of your most to date.
The Potting Shed at Bunya House, Bowral, NSW
As its name suggests, The Potting Shed is the guest house at the above beautiful Bunya House. The studio-style accommodation makes up in style what it lacks in space. Positioned overlooking a lush vegetable garden designed by renowned Australian garden designer Paul Bangay, The Potting Shed features a fresh all-white interior, polished concrete floors, weatherboard walls, antique décor, a kitchenette and a free-standing bathtub behind a barn door that is seriously booking-worthy. The Potting Shed is best summed up in three words — cute, cosy and chic.
Alinghi Beach House, Agnes Water, QLD
Designed by award-winning Australian architect, James Grose, Alinghi Beach House floats against the cliffs of North Queensland’s Capricorn Coast at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef in arguably one of the most picturesque locations in the country. As passionate nature lovers, the owners of the property envisioned the sprawling, eco-friendly home to be a tranquil escape for sun-seekers and design lovers alike. Home to four bedrooms, private beach access, outdoor shower and a view overlooking Honeymoon Bay that is so spectacular it’s near impossible not to gasp as you step through the front door. In short, Alinghi Beach Houseis the ultimate luxury beach house — and you will never, ever want to leave.
Thalia Haven, Little Swanport, TAS
The first thing you need to know about Thalia Haven in Tasmania is that it has its own beach — that’s how fabulous it is. Located just an hour from Hobart airport in Little Swanpost on the magnificent East Coast, Thalia Haven is what vacation dreams are made of. The property — which is made up of four ancient-stone bedrooms clustered around olive-tree courtyards — is set on a private 130-acre wooded peninsula surrounded by the crystal-blue waters of renowned Great Oyster Bay. If that’s not enough to entice you to book the next flight to Tassie, than the free-standing bathtub overlooking the ocean on the front deck might just sway you…
The House at Eagle View Park, Gerringong, NSW
Calling all entertainers, nature lovers, bush walkers, surfers, cyclists and book worms, The House at Eagle View Park is one for the little black travel book. Set between the quaint villages of Berry and Gerringong on the NSW South Coast, the property’s setting is equally as breath-taking as its vast modern structure. Boasting contemporary charm from the outside and country charm from the inside, this luxury home has a little something for everyone. Top tip: Don’t forget to pack your swimmers so you can enjoy the view over the lush hinterland from the infinity pool.
