The Cosiest Airbnbs in Australia to Escape to This Winter
With the cold settling in across the country, many of us are looking for a cosy getaway. We’re yearning for fireplaces, hot tubs and plush blankets to snuggle into (or even a jaunt to warmer climes). Enter our round-up of the best Airbnbs across Australia to book this winter.
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For a tiny home on a sheep property: Horseshoe Hideaway, ACT
1/28An off-the-grid tiny home located 30 minutes from Yass and 40 minutes from Canberra, Horseshoe Hideaway is a modern cottage located on a sheep farm. Enjoy a rainwater-fed shower while taking in the rolling landscape through oversized windows, or pop a bottle of champagne and enjoy the serenity from the front deck. This cosy retreat is well equipped for you to enjoy the best of the great outdoors, whether from the wood-fired hot tub or while seated around the firepit.
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For an escape to the vineyard: Tussie Mussie, Victoria
2/28If you’re planning a winter getaway with the gang, Tussie Mussie estate will keep all 14 of you well looked after. A little over an hour from Melbourne, this rural retreat offers seven bedrooms across three accommodation spaces. There’s an outdoor veggie garden, pizza oven and fire pit; a sculpture garden; and multiple living spaces designed to encourage gathering with provided board games at the ready.
For a laidback Blue Mountains getaway: Three Sisters Lodge, NSW
3/28Qantas magazine content director Faith Campbell has been lucky enough to check into some of the world’s best stays. So when it came to creating her own Airbnb, there was no scrimping on style and comfort. In Katoomba, a two-hour drive from Sydney, Three Sisters Lodge has an open fireplace, two cosy bedrooms and a vintage vibe that’s made for staying in and listening to records on the turntable. Plus, it’s just across the road from the Three Sisters lookout.
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For a peaceful retreat: Storytellers Rest, Western Australia
4/28Sink into the moody charms of this renovated 100-year-old cottage – complete with heated floors, a reading room and generous kitchen with double farmhouse sink – in south-western WA. This property is filled with antiques, including an Imperial typewriter and vintage pottery, creating a cosy environment to embrace a slower pace. If you decide to leave the fruit-tree-filled garden or comfort of the wood-burning fireplace, local brewhouse and distillery The Cidery is less than a kilometre down the road.
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For coastal bliss: Wensley, Victoria
5/28It won’t take much to gather a crowd and convince them to meet you at this architecturally-designed farm stay on the Victorian coastline, an hour-and-a-half drive from Melbourne. Made from recycled Oregon and Ironbark timbers and concrete, this five-bedroom stay features expansive windows looking out over verdant farmland and the property’s resident cows. Lounge on white linen couches in front of a roaring fire; wander down to the dam to collect firewood; head to nearby Lorne Market for produce and cook up a hearty meal in the generously-sized gas kitchen; or watch the stars twinkle in the night sky from the comfort of your king bed.
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For an off-grid adventure: Earthship Ironbank, South Australia
6/28Just 45 minutes from downtown Adelaide, this self-sufficient eco-retreat is the ideal stay for solo travellers or couples. Escape the chill in the studio-style property that features a pot-belly stove in the living area or relax in the adjoining greenhouse, which offers warmth no matter the season. The property is entirely off-grid, including power for the mini fridge that contains complimentary breakfast provisions. Hop in the car and head 15 minutes up the road to the Bridgewater Inn where you’ll find Australian pub classics dished up in front of a roaring fire.
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For a riverside bolthole: River Blue, Western Australia
7/28Sweeping river views are made even better when the vista also includes the ocean; this one-bedroom guesthouse, which sits on three hectares overlooking the Margaret River, enjoys the best of both. Start your day with a strong cuppa brewed in the convenient galley kitchen, then wander around the property’s lush grounds before taking a soak in the plunge tub. The bespoke timber shelves of this straw-bale home are stocked with books and board games for when you’d rather stay indoors, but taking the short drive to nearby Cape Mentelle winery for a glass of shiraz is just as appealing.
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For a weekend of disconnection: Barlow Tiny House, New South Wales
8/28Would you rather watch the sun slip across the horizon from an outdoor bathtub with only friendly cattle for company or from the comfort of a plush window-side bed? At this one-bedroom tiny house on a working farm just over an hour north of Canberra, you can do both. Disconnect from the world (there’s no Wi-Fi out here) and reconnect with nature, whether that’s with a stroll to the property’s Barlow Creek or while exploring the onsite farm garden for dinner’s finishing touches. The kitchen’s stocked with the handiwork of local providores, too, but scones with jam and cream are not far away at the pioneer-style Rollonin Cafe in nearby Bowning.
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For heritage charm amid the vineyards: The Coach House, South Australia
9/28You’ll be able to tick all the boxes of an immersive Barossa Valley getaway with this heritage property, which is within walking distance of the town of Gawler and fringed by 40 kilometres of bike trails that take you through the region’s best wineries. The restored historic coach house (with raw-toned original timber flooring, a bath-side brick fireplace and three rustic-style bedrooms) is great for families or groups. The property comes stocked with breakfast supplies in the well-appointed kitchen and is located directly opposite the site of Saturday’s farmers’ market.
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For a family-friendly adventure: Modern Kangaroo Valley Farmhouse, New South Wales
10/28Enjoy an immersive farmhouse experience just two hours from Sydney at this Kangaroo Valley escape centred on 40 hectares of pristine land. This modern five-bedroom property is ideal for families, with child-friendly bunks and single beds, as well as a king and queen bedroom. Settle into couches alongside picture windows overlooking rolling hills and deciduous foliage as chilly afternoons set in, or toast marshmallows while perched atop a tree stump beside a roaring outdoor fire. There’s a washing machine and dryer, plus cupboards stocked with children’s toys and books, so you can stay for a week – or five: the property welcomes long-term bookings.
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For immersion in the majestic wilderness: The Lair, New South Wales
11/28Welcome the warm winter sun through the glass walls and doors of this Kangaroo Valley bushland retreat, located a two-hour drive from Sydney. Designed with a Scandinavian sensibility – from the birch ply walls and minimalist decor to the wood-burning fireplace anchoring the living space and six-metre ceilings – this glasshouse-style home offers 180-degree valley views. The living and sleeping wings are separated by an atrium with citrus trees and herb plants, and the property is a 10-minute drive from the local township. Head in for cooking classes at Hampden Deli or peruse antiques at Valley Vintage.
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For an adults-only glamping-style oasis: Yurt Farmstay, Victoria
12/28Go back to basics (in the most sumptuous way) with this yurt-style glamping getaway in the village of Emerald, home of the famous Puffing Billy steam-powered train. This unique accommodation experience (expect a sleeping yurt; a stocked outdoor kitchen with continental breakfast, tea and coffee supplies; and separate bathroom and rain shower) is located on a hobby farm that’s populated with alpacas, miniature horses and bright galahs. A seven-minute drive away, The Patch Store serves locally roasted coffee and egg-and-bacon toasties on rye bread, which is the perfect fuel for tackling the popular walking trail that ends at John’s Hill Reserve Lookout. If you’d prefer to stay on site, consider pre-booking a massage experience to level up the tranquillity.
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For a taste of history with a side of romance: The Stable, Twamley Farm, Tasmania
13/28Under an hour’s drive from Hobart in what was once a busy Tasmanian timber town, The Stable is an 1840s-era two-storey sandstone stablehouse that’s been converted into a blissful country escape. This neat property sits just five kilometres off the Tasman Highway on the larger Twamley Farm estate, an agribusiness that has belonged to the same family since the 1870s. Soak in the cedar soaking tub outside on a cool winter’s evening, or enjoy a glass of Tasmanian sparkling while you warm up next to the potbelly fire inside.
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For nautical vibes on the edge of the world: Captain’s Rest, Tasmania
14/28Transport yourself into the past at this beautifully renovated fisherman’s shack that’s a little under three hour’s drive from Devonport. Located in Strahan, on Tasmania’s west coast, this heritage property monitors the comings and goings of Macquarie Harbour through massive antique windows. Take up a spot in the window seat, nursing a pottery mug of hot coffee while the fire crackles in time with the coastal breeze. The town’s boating history is echoed in the home’s decor, which features maritime antiques and linen detailing. If you can bear to peel yourself away, head to Ocean Beach (Tasmania’s longest) or pick up a timber keepsake at The Huon Pine Shop and Gallery.
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For relaxed luxury by the beach: Ocean Farm, New South Wales
15/28Less than two hour’s south of Sydney by car, this four-bedroom luxury villa in Gerringong is the ultimate retreat for family or a group of friends. Situated near Werri Beach (which is accessible by a grass track), this property is perfect for winter-weather surfers. Those who love a crisp oceanside stroll will bask in the sea breeze, while those who prefer to stay indoors are spoiled with panoramic ocean views. A ping-pong table and projector screen mean the whole crew can enjoy fun-packed evenings, while an espresso machine in the gas kitchen ensures a blissful start to the day.
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For a secluded getaway: Bruny Island Hideaway, Tasmania
16/28Minimalist and tucked away, this sustainable tiny home is the epitome of simplicity. Situated on 40 hectares of conservation land on Bruny Island, just off the Tasmanian mainland (drive 30 minutes south of Hobart to Kettering, then catch the 20-minute ferry), this property enjoys unspoiled views of the surrounding wilderness (wallabies are known to bounce by) and skies that glimmer with stars at night. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Aurora Australis – the Southern Lights. Ideal for solo travellers or couples, it’s the perfect base for exploring Bruny’s dense forests, seaside spots and thriving community of providores (The Bruny Baker is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser).
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For a luxe farmstay in the hills: Rhyanna Park, New South Wales
17/28You’d be forgiven for thinking this magnificent nine-bedroom sandstone chateau was in the French countryside, such is its level of grandeur. Instead, it’s located on a farm just over 200 kilometres from Sydney in the south-west NSW town of Chatsbury, overlooking 283 hectares of paddocks housing Black Angus cattle. The estate features three properties – the homestead, a private one-bedroom cottage and a fully self-contained apartment – so the whole crew can make use of the manicured gardens, croquet lawn, internal fireplaces, sunrooms and full-sized tennis court.
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For a tiny home amid big-ticket wineries: Badger’s Retreat, ACT
18/28Located on a private eight hectares only 20 minutes from Canberra, this Australian-designed off-grid tiny house offers seclusion and privacy – with no Wi-Fi. Two lofts – one a dedicated reading nook and the other a bed-only sleeping space – sit above the main living area of this compact stay, which also features a large timber deck (ideal for watching the sun filter through gums and wildflowers). Lark Hill Winery and Sapling Yard Wines are a short drive away, so stock up and then return to base for a star-kissed night by the outdoor fire.
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For a wild escape: Aerie Retreat, Tasmania
19/28Located on the Tinderbox Peninsula, 20 kilometres south of Hobart, this private retreat in the Tasmanian wilderness is the epitome of cosy accommodation done right. Soak in the timber hot tub overlooking Bruny Island or relax in the woodfired sauna. The self-contained, one-bedroom apartment is equipped with a full kitchen, coffee maker and oversized indoor bath and has direct access to the waterfront.
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For a cosy rural stay in wine country: The Studio in the Vines, South Australia
20/28This rammed-earth property is situated on the top of a hill surrounded by prime McLaren Vale wineries, resulting in lofty views across the surrounding bushland. A fully self-contained studio that can sleep two, this Airbnb includes both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a piano (for those memorable winter evenings of music-making and red wine), and a collection of children’s toys to occupy little ones. From here, McLaren Vale township is a 10-minute walk away while Maslin Beach and the region’s topnotch wineries are all within a short drive from the property.
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For a lakeside experience: Peppermint Ponds, Western Australia
21/28Located on a hobby farm a short drive from downtown Albany, the off-grid Peppermint Ponds cabin offers time out from the rat race. It can host up to four guests, with a full kitchen, indoor fireplace, laundry, and lakeside patio, plus goats and croaking frogs for company. When you’re ready for a bit more action, the buzzing town of Albany offers boutique restaurants – don’t skip the award-winning fish and chips at Ocean & Paddock – water-centric activities and walks. Or fill up your basket with local goodies from the weekly farmers’ market and bring them back to prepare and enjoy as the sun sets over the lake.
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For a warm-weather departure from winter: Hale Douglas Tiny House, Queensland
22/28For a real cold-weather escape, a trip to the tropical rainforests of Queensland might be just the ticket. This tiny house is made from reclaimed and recycled materials, with louvred windows and an outside deck in a tropical garden giving nods to Hawaii and surf culture. The suburban backyard property sleeps two and is within easy walking distance to Sunshine Beach and nearby shops, or a hop (read: short bus ride) to Noosa Junction.
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For a rustic home away from home: The Little Black Shack, New South Wales
23/28The Little Black Shack – located on Mackerel Beach in Pittwater, accessible via ferry, barge or water taxi from Palm Beach wharf or by private boat or seaplane from Rose Bay – is an eco-friendly retreat for two. There’s no air-conditioning or heating here – just a clever design that circulates the sea breeze during summer, and a central fireplace to keep you warm during winter. Help yourself to fresh garden herbs before cooking in the chef’s kitchen; borrow a book from the floor-to-ceiling bookcase and read it in the box window seat overlooking Mackerel Beach and the Barrenjoey Headland; or snuggle down next to the outdoor fire.
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For an architecturally minded space: Slow Beam, Tasmania
24/28Rugged, moody and uniquely Tasmanian, Slow Beam is the ideal spot to soak up the crisp, cool southern winter. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Hobart, you’ll find bushland and ocean vistas, artist-designed furnishings and thoughtful amenities and inclusions (Taylor & Smith cocktails, Market Lane Coffee, Le Labo toiletries). The two-storey, one-bedroom home features floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can take in the soothing natural scenery while curled up on a plush sofa by the wood fire.
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For winter sunsets overlooking the water: Chic Surfers Paradise Apartment, Queensland
25/28A swish two-bedroom apartment with upscale amenities (pool, gym, sauna) and birdseye views across downtown Surfers Paradise? Look no further than this trendy apartment, which has a balcony designed for sipping coffee in the sun and a spa bath for relaxation on cooler nights. By day, make the most of the fine Queensland weather and visit local restaurants, take a riverboat tour or stroll along the three-kilometre stretch of white sand at Surfers Paradise Beach.
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For a cabin in national bushland: Wondernest, New South Wales
26/28Blackheath’s Wondernest is firmly ensconced in nature, so your wilderness detox begins the moment you enter the two-bedroom Scandi-cool black cabin. Sharp, fuss-free interiors throw the spotlight on the outside world, best viewed from the cosy window seat or via skylights above the beds in both bedrooms. Fall asleep under the stars before embarking on a winter hike through World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park the next day. Or if you’re lucky enough to wake up to find the house cloaked in a pristine blanket of snow, slipping back under fluffy covers is recommended.
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For a family-friendly lakeside adventure: Blue Waters Lake House, Victoria
27/28Overlooking Blue Waters Lake, within Creswick Regional Park and with direct access to the lakeside walking track, this three-bedroom family-friendly resort-style home is a coastal retreat within easy reach of suburban amenities. Watch pelicans come in to land from the lawn with a steaming mug of tea in hand, or lounge on oversized couches in the large living room for games night. High ceilings invite an abundance of natural light in and the fireplace burns bright, ensuring the winter chill feels that little bit further away.