Best Stayz accommodation in the Southern Highlands

Whether it’s recreating grandma’s cottage in the country, the panoramic views or Milo, the dopey Labrador, there are plenty of reasons why homestays are a booming industry in the Southern Highlands.

It’s become obvious to locals in the past year that tourism in the region has bucked the downward trend. Southern Highlands homestays are booked solid. Stayz travel expert Simone Scoppa said the over 500 local homes listed on Stayz saw a 19 per cent increase in bookings this year.

Homeowners are certainly making the most of the increase in demand. According to Ms Scoppa, hosts in the Highlands are raking in over $200 per night more than the average host in NSW.

“Holiday homeowners on average are getting $560 a night in the region, which is above the national average of about $350 a night,” she said.

Homes in the Highlands generally provide more room for families and act as a gateway experience for city dwellers looking for a country experience with all of the amenities.

These are the top ten most popular homes for hire in the Southern Highlands.

Clonmel Cottage in Canyonleigh is a tranquil oasis for travellers looking for some time to unwind.

10. Clonmel Cottage, Canyonleigh

Sleeps 4

Perfect for a quiet getaway

Clonmel Cottage is a rustic cottage nestled in the quiet village of Canyonleigh. It’s the dream destination for people looking to enjoy the rural atmosphere and soak up the beautiful views. Clonmel is particularly popular with travellers who have pets and want to let them wander freely.

Twin Oaks Cottage in Fitzroy Falls allows guests acres to run around and explore the area.

9. Twin Oaks Cottage, Fitzroy Falls

Sleeps 6

Perfect for families wanting to experience farm life

Twin Oaks Cottage in Fitzroy Falls is a picturesque farmstay situated within walking distance of the Falls and only 4kms from the Information Centre. The heritage cottage dates back to the early 1900s, so it showcases the historical allure of the Southern Highlands.

Owner Kate Manka said Twin Oaks allows travellers to experience a “soft entry into farm life”. Guests can interact with the farm’s sheep, horses, and chickens and Ms Manka encourages them to gather their own wood for the fire. She said that Twin Oaks is very popular with families eager to be active.

“The rustic experience brings them together as a family in a lush green fresh air environment,” she said.

“But the real reason everyone comes is for Milo, the dopey Labrador.”

Arborea Holiday Country Apartment in Bowral is beloved by guests for the attention to detail.

8. Arborea Holiday Country Apartments, Bowral

Sleeps 6

Perfect for friends and family

Arborea Country Holiday Apartments is prized by guests for its close proximity to Bowral’s shops and amenities, as well as the cosy hospitality of owner Carole Beattie. It’s the only apartment in the top ten, but Ms Beattie said size doesn’t matter as much as comfort.

“It doesn’t have to be a big place – you just have to have an eye for detail,” she said.

“It comes down to having a place fit for a king and queen at a small price point.”

Judging by the reviews by guests, Ms Beattie has certainly succeeded. Travellers are delighted with the thoughtful touches like breakfast and wet weather supplies. Ms Beattie believes generosity is the key to a successful homestay and advises hosts to keep the guests in mind.

“Don’t be greedy, and give a little!” she said.

Woodbine Cottage is a quiet home, despite its prized location near central Bowral.

7. Woodbine Cottage, Bowral

Sleeps 4

Perfect for being right in the thick of things

Woodbine Cottage is an idyllic cottage right in the heart of Bowral with a huge backyard to enjoy. As one of the most chic Stayz homes, it’s no surprise that Woodbine is very sought after by both returning and new guests. Being only a short walk from all the restaurants and shops on offer is especially attractive to visitors who want to feel like locals for a weekend.

Bimbadgen Cottage in Woodlands is straight out of a cosy fairytale.

6. Bimbadgen Cottage, Woodlands

Sleeps 4

Perfect for children, discovering the region

Bimbadgen Cottage is a true country getaway for those who want to feel immersed in the natural beauty of the Highlands. It boasts a beautiful garden, as well as a cubby house for kids. Located just off the Hume Highway, it’s the perfect base to visit Bowral, Mittagong, and Berrima.

Laurel View Farmhouse has a spacious backyard for admiring the lush views.

5. Laurel View Farmhouse, Robertson

Sleeps 8

Perfect for animal lovers, exploring

Laurel View Farmhouse is a comfortable homestay on a working sheep and cattle farm near Roberston. The expansive garden is perfect for families who want to make the most of the panoramic view and feel like farmers for a while. It’s ideally located close to Carrington, Fitzroy, and Belmore Falls and the charm offerings of Burrawang village.

Jellore Cottage in Berrima encapsulates the historical appeal of the Berrima village.

4. Jellore Cottage, Berrima

Sleeps 4

Perfect for travelling with pets, longer stays

Jellore Cottage is a heritage home with all old world charisma and modern luxuries. Owners Paul and Lorraine Hinchey emphasise the personal touch as hosts, doing everything from gardening to cleaning themselves.

“It’s sort of like grandma’s house in the country that you used to visit as a kid,” they said.

“We’re most renowned for our wide breakfast range and our well-stocked fridge.”

Guests also love that Jellore is pet-friendly and fenced, so both pets and people can enjoy the large backyard. The Hincheys were delighted that Jellore Cottage is the fourth most popular Stayz accommodation in the Highlands.

“It makes it worthwhile when there are positive reviews,” they said.

Walnut Cottage in Burrawang is a darling cottage that gets its name from the large Walnut tree in the yard.

3. Walnut Cottage, Burrawang

Sleeps 4

Perfect for romance, relaxation

Walnut Cottage is the rustic heritage cottage of many travellers’ dreams. The cottage was built in 1861, which is perfect for guests wanting the full historical Burrawang experience. It doesn’t hurt that the cottage is close to local favourite The Burrawang Hotel pub. Guests are not short of praise for the home, with one guest calling the cottage a “hidden treasure” and another crowning it “perfect holiday accommodation.”

Sherwood Park in Bowral is a sprawling home fit for large group.

2. Sherwood Park, East Bowral

Sleeps 13

Perfect for large groups, family reunions

The second most beloved Stayz home in the Highlands is the spacious Sherwood Park. The motto of the owners is “Best value in town without compromise” and guests certainly agree the property is top tier. Sherwood Park is situated on two acres and backs onto a nature reserve, so guests can enjoy a secluded rural stay with the centre of Bowral a short drive away. It’s the ideal home for large gatherings or reunions, as there’s plenty of room for everyone and lots to do.

The Lodge in Fitzroy Falls is a farm experience for city slickers.

1. The Lodge Farmstay, Fitzroy Falls

Sleeps 4

Perfect for active families, animal lovers

The most popular Stayz home for hire in the Southern Highlands is The Lodge Farmstay in Fitzroy Falls. Located on a working farm in Fitzroy Falls, The Lodge is a welcoming farmstay for families. Owner Ciara Grace said families love to stay to be “a farmer for a morning”.

The farm has all the animals you’d expect, like sheep and cattle, plus a few more, like miniature pigs and peacocks. Visitors are taken on a morning tour of the farm where they where they feed the animals and walk the horses. Ms Grace believes it’s this personal touch that makes The Lodge so popular.

“The interaction with the animals and the tour in the morning makes The Lodge a bit different,” she said.

Ms Grace said she and her partner are delighted with the happy guests and the positive reviews and they’ve received in the five years they’ve been running.

“They get the pretty gardens, they have the place to themselves, and they get a farm,” she said.