Need a holiday? We’ve got you covered with 15 top Airbnb stays
Fancy a stay in a restored, historic train carriage? You can do that. What about a quirky Yurt, farmhouse or city pad? Here are 15 of Victoria’s top Airbnbs — from beach to bush.
Victoria
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From a rambling farmhouse in the King Valley’s heart of great food and wine, to a luxe studio with a view in Lorne, charming old schoolhouse in the Macedon Ranges and Japanese-inspired apartment in Melbourne’s bustling CBD — there’s an Airbnb on offer to suit all tastes and most bank balances.
Fancy a stay in a restored, historic train carriage? You can do that in Buninyong or Forrest.
Head to Emerald and you can sleep in a luxury Yurt, or take a trip to Chewton and unwind in an eco retreat surrounded by bush.
Here are some of the best Airbnbs Victoria has to offer — recognised in the National 2023 Airbnb Host Awards.
Airbnb’s Australian manager Susan Wheeldon said the short stay rental model was not only hugely popular with Victorians, but also a proven and effective way to grow tourism and create jobs in the state.
Airbnb contributed $3.7bn to Victoria’s Gross Domestic Product last year, while guests on Airbnb spent $3.1 billion in the community and supported 26,000 jobs.
“The contribution to both GDP and jobs driven by travel on Airbnb in Australia has created powerful economic ripple effects that support businesses such as retailers, restaurants, bars and cafes — which are often the foundation for life in local communities — and has generated jobs that went far beyond where travellers stayed and with whom,” she said.
“Travel is now more dispersed, and so the economic benefits are being shared across more destinations, enabling a valuable economic contribution to rural and regional areas. This dispersal is being driven by hosts on Airbnb and in turn creating economic opportunities for small communities where there are no hotels.
“As destinations across Australia continue to recover, we are committed to partnering with governments and communities to rebuild their tourism economies in a way that is equitable, inclusive and sustainable.”
Airbnb last week called for the Victorian government’s controversial tax on short stay properties to be expanded to all accommodation providers, including city hotels.
Airbnb’s Australia and New Zealand head of public policy Michael Crosby also said the tax should be scaled, based on the cost of a nightly stay.
Former premier Daniel Andrews last month unveiled a wide-ranging housing statement, which included a 7.5 per cent tax on short-stay properties on host platforms like Airbnb and Stayz.
Revenue from the tax will be used to fund social and affordable housing builds in an attempt to curb the housing crisis.
The state government’s housing and planning reform will also see major changes to the building of granny flats and studio apartments, that could lead to an explosion in the number of Victorians offering Airbnb accommodation on their properties.
Under the Victorian Housing Statement’s revisions a small second residence under 60 sqm in size will not require a town planning permit, so long as the parent property is more than 300sq m in size.
And the Planning Department has confirmed these units will be able to be rented out — the first time this has been allowed in Victoria.
However, it has also said a building permit will still be required and some planning controls such as overlays may apply in some cases.
The sweeping housing reforms will also end the requirement to remove a granny flat, or convert it to a studio space without a kitchen, after dependants have moved out.
“Initially, through our reforms, small second homes that meet conditions such as being 60sq m or less will not require a planning permit, making it easier to build a second home on your property,” a government spokeswoman said.
“Further details on changes will be released later in 2023.”
Ten top Victorian Airbnbs
The Kingsley, King Valley, VIC
Totally surrounded by vineyards and farmland and close to some of the best food and wine Victoria has to offer, this is a newly renovated farmhouse with all new appliances. With accommodation for eight it is ideally suited for two families, multigeneration groups or just girls weekend away.
Great Ocean Road Sunrises, Lorne, VIC
Architect designed, beach living space for a couple. The living room boasts a kingsize bed surrounded by opulence. There’s also a sun deck — and did we mention the pillow views?
Rochford Schoolhouse, Rochford, VIC
An elegant boutique retreat situated in the heart of the Macedon Ranges. Built in 1857 and now a historical landmark, the old schoolhouse has been lovingly restored and tastefully decorated to be a peaceful and private escape for two.
Flinders Lane Heritage Apartment, Melbourne, VIC
Located in arguably Melbourne’s most beautiful heritage listed residential building, constructed in 1929 in a classic European style featuring columns and arches and with a marble and bronze-lined foyer, this fully renovated apartment features custom made leather sofas, four metre high ceilings and triple glazed windows.
Murray’s Place, Little River, VIC
Unwind at this cute custom built tiny home. Located 50 minutes from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Geelong, you’ll find yourself relaxing on a 17 acre farm in Little River watching the sheep grazing. If you’re a hiker, it’s just a 10 minute drive to the You Yangs.
Carmen Cottage, Albury, VIC
Carmen Cottage is a charming, beautifully renovated 1950s cottage set within leafy surroundings, fully equipped to host up to four guests. It’s within walking distance to many of Albury’s offerings, including cafes, restaurants, the botanic gardens and picturesque Monument Hill. Better yet, it’s pet friendly.
Modern Japandi Luxury Apartment, Melbourne, VIC
This Japanese-inspired “condo” offers the sort of luxury some international visitors expect, with private access to amenities like a sauna, virtual golf, pool room, cinema and more
It’s located directly opposite Southern Cross train station.
Liptrap Loft, Walkerville, VIC
Liptrap Loft is more of a cabin than a house. A charming, open plan loft with everything you need for an idyllic weekend away, it features a very special outdoor Japanese bath house, for a romantic evening under the stars. Set on five acres of beautiful bushland, hidden among the lush farmland of South Gippsland between Tarwin Lower and Walkerville, it’s a private, secluded escape not far from Wilsons Promontory.
Mansfield House, Mansfield, VIC
Nestled into a rocky outcrop in Victoria’s High Country this off-grid family home offers panoramic view across the rugged and expansive landscape, from an exposed hilltop. Mansfield House is a home of two halves.
The north-facing half of the house features double-glazed, floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, framing the exquisite views. To the east is Mount Buller and the west are awe-inspiring sunsets, and when the lake’s full you see Lake Eildon. The house has a master bedroom and ensuite, with stunning Mt Buller views. Down the long hallway are two small bedrooms, a bathroom and large laundry.
Riversdale Retreat, Chewton, VIC
Surrounded by native bush land on three sides and set in a revegetated bush garden, Riversdale Retreat is a country escape with an open-plan living area and fully equipped kitchen ready for self-catering. The eco-friendly modern retreat sleeps three adults and features a tatami lounge area and Japanese style bathroom. Paved outdoor areas include fireplace, preparation bench, sink and shower. Floating decks and indoor/outdoor day bed are the perfect way to catch and enjoy the winter sun. In winter the wood fire heater efficiently heats the entire house.
Stays with a difference
Steam: Renovated 1920s Carriage, Forrest, VIC
Feel like you have stepped back in time, surrounded by features of the late Victorian period at this unique Airbnb. Warm wooden antique furniture, ornate chandeliers, pressed metal and wood panelling, deep red velvet curtains, leather lounge, exposed piping and black wooden floors, evoke a sense of vintage luxe train travel.
There are three bedrooms, with a double compartment carriage featuring a queen bed and serving as the master bedroom. Twin mahogany armchairs are the perfect spot for a nightcap, and open the sliding door to your own private outdoor bath with polished brass tap ware, surrounded by lush greenery and climbing vines.
The two smaller compartment carriages each make up a bedroom, one of which has a double bed and the other has two singles. The main bathroom has an art deco washstand, shower and luxury amenities.
While Steam can sleep up to six guests, it is a converted carriage and a cosy space, so is recommended for a couple or a family of four.
Steam Train Carriage is a unique accommodation offering, with a wonderful past that will appeal to train enthusiasts and history lovers. It was built in 1926 at the Newport Railway Workshop in Melbourne as First Class carriage 61 AW and transported travellers throughout regional Victoria. Between 1937 and 1980 it was converted a number of times between first and second class, operating between Melbourne and Sydney, or travel throughout regional Victoria. In 1983 it was retired to a rail yard in Collingwood — soon afterwards it was sold, and put on a truck from Melbourne to Forrest, which is a small township in the Otway Ranges.
The Railway Carriage, Buninyong, VIC
This cosy railway carriage is a lovely place to stay for a couple. Featuring all the mod cons, it’s warm with a slow combustion fire and cool with two AC split systems one each end of the carriage
With woollen carpet, top spec fittings furniture 1920s decorating touches you could really believe you are in a Hercule Poirot film set.
It’s different, fun, special and it’s in the country quiet and peaceful.
The Yurt Farm Stay, Emerald, VIC
This quirky Yurt is a cozy haven featuring a queen sized bed with high quality linen bedding. The tastefully appointed interior is accented with stylish furnishings, creating a warm, inviting and romantic atmosphere.
There’s an outdoor seating area with a crackling fire pit and an invigorating rain shower.
Rural retreats
The Cottage at Dunmore Farm, Molyullah, VIC
If you are looking for a farm stay, this one is hard to top. A beautifully restored 1860 homestead set on a former dairy farm in a picturesque Victorian High Country valley, it offers fresh air and birdsong.
Rise to misty mornings, breathe in the stillness and bathe in the starlit nights. Dunmore Farm is just 18km from Benalla, 10 mins to Winton Raceway (ideal for car enthusiasts), 30 mins to the stunning King Valley and Milawa gourmet region. There are two queen bedrooms and one king single bunk bedroom all with French bed linen and individual wall heaters. The spacious bathroom features a large walk-in shower, Victorian claw bath, and antique chandelier together with Aesop amenities and Sheridan bath towels.
The Ridge House, Yarragon, VIC
The Ridge House is an idyllic country retreat for lovers of fine food, open fires, bracing walks and spectacular views. Wake up with the kookaburras and tuck into a breakfast basket brimming with homemade goodies and farm fresh produce. Hibernate by the fire or hike the historic trails. Stroll and shop in Yarragon’s historic and charming village or picnic at sunset on the new Loggers Lookout. You can also ask to be cooked a farmhouse meal. You can also be in the snow at Mt Baw Baw or the sea at Inverloch in an hour.
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