Located 120 metres above sea level, The Ridge is a spectacular three-level property accommodating up to 14 guests in Port Stephens. With a dedicated table tennis area, heated floors, nine-seat Dolby Atmos cinema, a butler’s pantry, and should you wish, a concierge service, it seems every aspect of the property is designed to create the most memorable stay possible. Just two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney (or an hour north-east of Newcastle), the property is a five-minute drive from the calm waters of Dutchmans Beach and 15 minutes’ drive to the coastal trails in Tomaree National Park. Back at The Ridge, the best place to soak up the sunset is from the heated mineral pool overlooking the mountains. 

Named Cloud Nine, this beach house in Vincentia, roughly two-and-a-half hours south of Sydney, certainly lives up to its name when it comes to pure indulgence. You’ll find a whole new level of Zen while soaking away your worries in the egg-shaped stone bathtub or timber-lined jacuzzi, or while being curled up by the suspended wood-burning fireplace with a book in hand. Boasting arguably the best views of Jervis Bay out of the lounge room, the house is decorated in sophisticated black timber with white walls and accents. It accommodates up to six guests and the beach is a quick pedal away on the complimentary bikes parked on-site. 

With the capacity to accommodate up to twenty guests, the 40-hectare Micalo is the ultimate small wedding or big birthday location. An hour south of Byron Bay and just outside Yamba, this French-provincial-inspired property looks out over its own private stretch of river and includes its own golf cart for zipping around the estate. In addition to the master suite, there are five king bedrooms, each with a TV, private bathroom and deck, while the open-plan studio houses six custom bunk beds, two single beds and a super-king bed. When you’re not lounging around indoors, work up a sweat in the 10-person hot-rock sauna, or take a plunge in the mineral salt water pool before treating your muscles to a soak in the magnesium-rich spa. When you’re in the mood to party, there’s even an oversized disco ball and an integrated sound system in the games room. 

A 35-minute drive north of Ballina airport will deliver you to the idyllic Villas of Byron. Comprised of four separate homes  – a one-bedroom villa, two-bedroom villa and then a grand one-bedroom villa and grand-two bedroom villa – each stay has a mineral pool, heated spa, an entertainer’s kitchen, outdoor barbecue,  heated marble floors and exterior shower for post-ocean rinse-offs. The best part? Belongil beach is a three-minute drive away, while the buzzy restaurants and bars in Bangalow can be reached in around 15 minutes.

Just a little over two hours from Sydney by car is the sleepy seaside haven of Gerringong, wedged between the ocean and rolling green fields. This spectacular home is perched high enough on the hillside to take in views of both Werri Beach and Kiama from one window while mountain ranges rest outside the other. The two-storey beauty sleeps 12 and is especially suited to groups, with the downstairs bedroom – complete with a large TV, bunks and a sofa bed – opening up directly onto the pool deck. On the second floor, you’ll find a king-sized bed and ensuite, as well as a generous kitchen and lounge room, complete with a balcony overlooking the pool below – ideal for keeping an eye on the kids while barbecuing your way through the afternoon. Fancy a game of cricket? The backyard is big enough for it. And if you don’t build up enough of a sweat in the outfield, there’s a sauna tucked in next to the laundry.

Less than an hour and a half north of Sydney, “Copa”, as it’s known to locals on the Central Coast, has always been a summer holiday mecca. This newly renovated family home (it opened just months ago) gives summer getaway lovers another reason to head here,  delivering beach views from almost every vantage point, including from the circular infinity pool. Comfortably accommodating 12 guests, there are five bedrooms, three bathrooms and decks on both levels to lounge on, so you can really drink in those ocean vistas. There are also several outdoor entertaining zones to choose from – one even has a fire pit for toasting marshmallows over. To feel the sand between your toes, Avoca Beach is an easy five-minute stroll away.

Callala, like most beaches in the popular holiday enclave of Jervis Bay, is all about white sands and crystal blue waters and with its prime location a mere 50 metres from the surf, this luxurious stay is the ultimate beach escape. While it might look delightfully retro on the outside thanks to its Mid-century-Modern-style architecture, The Dawn’s sleek interiors have been given a decidedly contemporary twist. The house accommodates up to 12 guests, with six bedrooms and three bathrooms, and there’s even a dedicated kids' wing featuring custom-built beds, a separate bathroom, a private media room with direct access to the landscaped yard and a games room. 

Located an hour from Sydney in glamorous Whale Beach, newly-opened The Lookout draws inspiration from Grecian architecture, best embodied in its smooth, white exterior. But don’t let its sophisticated design fool you – kids are as well served as parents are. The rumpus room on the basement level houses a ping-pong table and a bunk bed, while upstairs houses a large kitchen overlooking the sea, complete with butler’s pantry and with an adjoining living and dining room that peers out to Pittwater. There’s also an outdoor kitchen complete with built-in barbecue that lines the pool, with a long outdoor table for feasting on (we presume) grilled prawns and cold wine in summer. There are six bedrooms inside and it’s large enough to accommodate 12, all of it is less than 350 metres away from the waves.

There aren’t too many Airbnbs that house an Insta-worthy record selection but Shelter goes one better – this vinyl collection used to be the property of Leonard Cohen, back when he lived on the Greek Island of Hydra. It’s almost a prerequisite to sit back on one of the Parker lounges in the dining room or stretch out on the deck overlooking the bay and soak up tunes from Muddy Waters, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Peter Gabriel, Tom Waits and Cohen himself. A four-hour drive from Sydney, the house comfortably sleeps six and features Japandi-style decor including handmade Japanese finger tiles and Akari paper lanterns. Glimpses of the ocean can be seen through almost every window, and if you can tear yourself away from the view, there are private stairs to the beach that deliver you straight to the shore.