Airbnb announces the best hosts and stays in Australia

From a cabin in Mudgee to a luxe architecturally designed pad in Tasmania, these are the best Airbnb stays we have in Australia.

The winners of Airbnb’s very first Host Awards have been announced today, recognising the most welcoming, creative and big-hearted hosts around the country.

With categories such as Best Unique Stay, Best Designed Stay and Best Regional Stay, winners range from a luxury off-the-grid eco hut for two in Mudgee, NSW to an architecturally designed guesthouse in Hobart, and a 100-year-old former grain shed that is wheelchair accessible on the outskirts of Toowoomba, Queensland.

Australia’s host of the year was awarded to Victoria’s Kate Quinlan, whose ’70s-style campervan on her family farm near Daylesford has attracted 5-star reviews from guests around the world.

The winner of the ‘Best Airbnb Host’ went to Victoria’s Kate Quinlan.

Queensland host Adrienne Penny won the Community Contribution Award for offering respite to carers by hosting free-of-charge stays at her Sunshine Coast beachside apartment, while a former helicopter rescue crew member from Western Australia, Cam O’Beirne, was recognised for Most Magical Experience by hosting an Airbnb Experience where guests embark on an adrenaline-filled simulated rescue mission.

According to the accommodation platform, winning hosts were selected based on extensive data, guest scores and reviews, and with oversight from a panel of judges.

So here’s a look at Australia’s standout properties:

HOST OF THE YEAR

Recognising hosts who have gone above and beyond to ensure guests have an amazing stay.

WINNER: Kate Quinlan, Eganstown VIC

Kate lives on a historic farm, once owned by her great-great-grandfather, that dates back to 1848. She has two listings on the property, including a rejuvenated 9m Viscount Royal Caravan with a deck that overlooks farmland and bush. Some of the highlights the host provides is a delicious continental breakfast and homemade jam for guests, but also thoughtful touches like balloons and fresh flowers for couples celebrating anniversaries and birthdays.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION AWARD

Recognising hosts who go above and beyond not only for their guests but the local communities within which they live.

WINNER: Adrienne Penny, Sunshine Beach QLD

Adrienne began hosting on Airbnb in 2015 when her children had left home.

With an empty self-contained apartment downstairs which had previously been used to host homestay students, Adrienne decided to take her love for meeting new people from different parts of the world one step further and earn an income as well.

The exterior of the ‘community contribution’ home.

Inside the winner of the ‘community contribution’ award.

To date, she’s had more than 100 visits and many guests returning a second or third time. more recently, Adrienne has started hosting carers at the apartment for free – giving them a very well-deserved few days’ respite.

BEST DESIGNED STAY

Recognising hosts who design their homes in a way that reflects their inner personalities and passions.

WINNER: Slow Beam, West Hobart TAS

This incredible stay is an architecturally designed, luxurious guesthouse with views of Hobart. According to Airbnb, host Lauren set out to build something that would be comfortable and make the most of the views while also being “moody, glamorous and relaxed”.

This property won the best designed stay in Australia.

The dark and moody interior of the best designed home.

The black walls and ceilings were inspired by brutalist architecture. The host Lauren said the style is confident, with bold choices, with the windows being the highlight of the property.

BEST UNIQUE STAY

Recognising hosts who have a unique and amazingly distinctive home.

WINNER: Gawthorne’s Hut, Buckaroo NSW

This gorgeous hut is 5km from Mudgee on a big property where hosts Rick and Steph used to picnic before he decided to build guest accommodation in the spot.

The hut was designed by an architect which captures the best views but also has a feeling of isolation once you arrive.

The beautiful cabin in Mudgee.

The cute hut sits 5km from Mudgee.

The off-the-grid property has fairly minimalist facilities (no TV or internet connection) so that guests focus on nature.

BEST REGIONAL STAY

Recognising hosts who showcase the best of regional Australia.

WINNER: The Grain Shed, Goomburra QLD

The home that won the best regional stay.

Sitting on 335 hectares in the Southern Downs region is this completely wheelchair accessible converted grain shed.

Located in Goomburra, about a two-hour drive from Brisbane, between Toowoomba and Warwick, the property is home to several sacred sites.

There is also some incredible wildlife to spot as you soak up the view from the veranda with a glass of wine, with wedge-tailed eagles often nesting behind the retreat.