‘Absolutely divine: 18 bougie beachside Airbnbs in the Illawarra
The Illawarra should be at the top of every beachgoers bucket list and a beachside base can make or break a long-awaited holiday trip. Have a look at these amazing short-term stay options.
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The Illawarra features some of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the country making it the perfect destination for your next getaway.
While there are many hotels to choose from, there are also dozens of incredible Airbnbs holiday-makers can choose from that provide a more homely feel, whether it be for a family vacation, a wedding weekend or a surfing trip.
Check out this list of 18 bougie beachside Airbnbs dotted up and down the Illawarra.
All the Views – Otford
We start in the Illawarra’s north with this magnificent six-bedroom Airbnb on Lady Lakehurst Dr in Otford.
The property is located on the edge of bushland and features a stunning 25m heated infinity pool surrounded by a deck offering the perfect location to take in the region’s delightful dusks and dawns.
A review from December, 2022, said it was “perfect” for a large family and commented that the “pictures of the pool and views do not do it justice”.
This Airbnb has an rating of 4.77 stars.
Interbane House – Stanwell Park
Next on this list is Interbane House, a luxury heritage home situated near Bald Hill in Stanwell Park.
The Victorian period Airbnb is gorgeous inside and out, and features five deluxe bedrooms, an entertainment area, meditation room and outdoor spa.
The property boasts spectacular views over Stanwell Park beach, the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and further south along the coast.
This 4.84-rated Airbnb is an ideal location for special events, including weddings, birthdays and hen’s weekends, with one reviewer writing “The house was sensational and everything was even better than we expected”.
Beachfront House – Wombarra
Beachfront House is marketed as a family getaway retreat featuring entertainment space inside, a generously-sized pool outside and being a short stroll from the idyllic Wombarra Beach.
The five-bedroom home showcases gorgeous ocean and escarpment views and is located in the Illawarra’s northern suburbs, making it ideal for day trips to the surrounding suburbs of Coledale, Austinmer and Thirroul.
This Airbnb has only been active in recent months and reviewers are impressed with one commenting “amazing place and amazing host”.
The Black Chapel – Austinmer
The Black Chapel is a true marvel in the Illawarra’s northern suburbs tucked away in a peaceful and tranquil bush neighbourhood alongside a tiny creek.
A short walk is all it takes to reach the iconic Austinmer Beach and the suburb’s delightful cafes, however, guests may want to stay in and enjoy the sun-soaked veranda, the Moroccan plunge pool or Finnish sauna.
This gorgeous Airbnb has a near-perfect 4.97 rating with reviewers leaving comments like “Our stay at the Black Chapel was nothing short of magical” and “This home is absolutely divine”.
Ocean View Oasis – Austinmer
The Ocean View Oasis is a retrofitted, two-level Airbnb tucked in between two of the Illawarra’s best beaches in Thirroul Beach and Austinmer Beach.
The property includes highlights such as incredible waterfront views, an outdoor entertaining area which includes a fire pit and a swimming pool.
The Airbnb has a solid 4.87 rating with guests adoring the “eclectic vibes”, “gorgeous style” and “amazing location”.
Casa el Punto – Bulli
Casa el Punto, which translates to the house on the point, is a beautiful and airy getaway situated just off the beach at the iconic Sandon Point – making it perfect for a surfing retreat.
The Airbnb offers a unique interior with all the mod cons as well as plenty of room for entertaining and a deck looking out towards the ocean.
Casa el Punto has a perfect 5.0 rating with one reviewer saying “This is a wonderful house – beautiful location on the beach with amazing views and so much to do”.
The Cliff Road Beach House – North Wollongong
The Cliff Road Beach House is a four-bedroom cottage located on the city’s exceptional Blue Mile which stretches from Stuart Park in the north to Wollongong Golf Club in the south.
The two-storey property has a balcony overlooking the popular North Wollongong Beach and is only a few hundred metres from Belmore Basin and many of Wollongong’s top establishments for food and drink.
This Airbnb is rated 4.71, with a recent guest saying “It is against my best interests to tell you just how good this place is to stay” adding it was a “magical place” and asking to “please keep the secret”.
Seaside Getaway – Warilla
Moving south of the Lake Illawarra entrance you will find the Seaside Getaway straddled alongside the beautiful Warilla Beach.
This luxury duplex throws up breathtaking views, plenty of space for entertaining and stylish interior design to ensure a memorable holiday.
A recent guest loved their stay and commented “Stunning property and the views were amazing” and described it as “truly a home away from home”.
Waterfront Home – Shellharbour
This waterfront Airbnb offers an luxurious experience set alongside the picturesque Shellharbour Village with all it’s boutique shops and eateries.
Guests happy to stay on site will be treated to exceptional views, a refreshing swimming pool, a pool table, a table tennis table and even an in-home gym.
The property has a positive 4.77 rating with one reviewer commenting “The house and views were immaculate” and lauding how it was “such a beautiful place to stay” which “had everything”.
Tranquil Retreat – Minnamurra
Tranquil Retreat is a perfect name for this Airbnb as it is tucked away from the ocean near the mouth of the Minnamurra River.
The space is modern and inviting with the newly-built getaway providing an excellent location for a place to entertain, escape and relax among family and friends.
The four-bedroom Airbnb offers full glass water frontage with incredible views of the river and the iconic Killalea State Park, with guests also able to lounge around on the timber deck and listen to the waves of the nearby Mystics Beach.
Vitamin Sea – Kiama
The host has called Vitamin Sea “just what the doctor ordered” with this spacious Airbnb in Kiama’s north featuring stunning views of Bombo Beach.
The property has plenty of room for family and friends who may choose to play a game of pool, swim in the watery basin of the same name or wander into the heart of Kiama.
Vitamin Sea has the perfect vantage point for the south coast’s exceptional sunrises with one reviewer saying “The view of the beach from the living room certainly made our morning coffees extra special”.
Amaroo – Kiama
Amaroo translates to “beautiful place” which is spot on when describing this luxurious waterfront five-bedroom Airbnb.
The property is a short walk from the centre of the boutique Kiama CBD and offers up spectacular ocean views, a lavish alfresco entertainment area and a spacious heated pool.
The Airbnb has a 4.91 rating with one reviewer commenting “Amaroo is such a beautiful home with the most amazing views and location” while others say it is “perfect” for family vacations.
Bask at Loves Bay – Kiama Heights
This unique Airbnb is perched overlooking the appropriately-named Loves Bay which is the starting point of the main leg of the iconic Kiama Coastal Walk.
Bask is filled with character from the large raked-timber ceilings, the hardwood flooring and the extensive white interior shiplap – this is a place designed to be a relaxing base for a south coast getaway.
Guests have fallen in love (there’s a theme here) with this Airbnb with it achieving a 4.93 rating after more than 110 reviews.
Saltwater – Werri Beach
Werri Beach is one of the south coast’s less trodden on treasures with Saltwater offering up a beautiful abode to take it all in.
The three-bedroom holiday home has amazing views of Werri Lagoon and Saddleback Mountain, is only 100m from Werri Beach and features a private jetty.
A recent reviewer said “What an incredible house with an amazing view” and “We wish we could have stayed for even longer.”
Sundara Beach House – Werri Beach
Here is another stunning setting to take in the surrounds of Werri Beach with Sundara offering itself up as a perfect location for families, couples and even golfing or surfing getaways.
This luxurious seven-bedroom Airbnb has an incredible outdoor space with a heated pool, a spa and barbecue while the dining area looks out over Golden Beach.
It’s not hard to see why it has a 4.91 rating with one reviewer saying it was “built for lazy BBQ days near the pool” and “perfect for groups as its big enough that everyone can have their own space”.
Ataahua – Gerringong
Ataahua is Maori for “beautiful and pleasant” and there is little doubt this luxury beachside retreat lives up to the moniker with it located directly opposite Boat Harbour Reserve with stunning, uninterrupted views of ocean, Werri Beach in the north and Rose Valley and Saddleback Mountain to the east.
The split-level home features contemporary styling, plenty of outdoor space and a refreshing pool to plunge into after a day at the beach.
The property has a 4.95 rating with one reviewer describing it as a “stunning home” with “flawless styling and spectacular views”.
The Shed – Gerroa
The Shed is one of the more unique locations on this list with it offering up an ideal blend of ocean and farm views.
This property overlooks 100 acres of lush rolling farmland and is a short walk from the secluded Walker’s Beach – one of the region’s lesser known, but no less picturesque, sandy sanctuaries.
The 4.97-rated Airbnb features an industrial aesthetic with magnificent high ceilings, polished concrete floors, expansive glass while outside there is an refreshing plunge pool to while away the sunny afternoons.
Headland House – Gerroa
Headland House, as the name suggests, is on the headland at Gerroa and offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the Crooked River entrance.
The property is set up for a comfortable and relaxing group getaway with four bedrooms, inside and outside entertaining areas and a stunning plunge pool overlooking Seven Mile Beach.
The property has only been on Airbnb for a few months, but it has a perfect 5.0 rating with one reviewer describing it as “heaven in a home”.
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