Australia’s top 10 holiday homes revealed by Stayz
Stylish interiors, resort-style pools, room for the pooch – what do we want in a vacation rental?
With everyone holidaying here – when Covid restrictions allow – demand for vacation rentals has never been higher, but Australians are increasingly discerning when it comes to accommodation.
We’re no longer satisfied with a humble 1970s shack that hasn’t had a comprehensive makeover worthy of a renovation reality TV show.
We prefer a beachside mansion with swim-up bar and teenage retreat, or a rural escape with mountain views, romantic hot tub and firepit.
These are the kinds of fixtures that online holiday-home booking hub Stayz found are in high demand when crunching the numbers for its 10th annual Holiday Home of the Year awards.
Topping the list is an immaculately renovated five-bedroom, four-bathroom, pet-friendly former shack with a pool on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, reflecting the desire for multi-generational getaways that can accommodate extended family, including fur babies.
In second and third spot are a slick Mornington Peninsula house in Victoria and a leafy three-bedder in the heart of Lennox Head on the NSW north coast. Eight of the top 10 properties are on the coast, with two regional picks – in wine hub Mudgee, NSW, and Echuca, on the Murray River, Victoria.
Stayz travel expert Simone Scoppa said modern holiday homes are thoughtfully styled and often adopt a theme such as Scandi chic or Balinese style, and with more families travelling together, they are getting bigger.
Anyone thinking of getting away this summer had better move quickly following an early spike in bookings in July fuelled by lockdowns and long periods spent at home.
Ms Scoppa said popular destinations such as Port Macquarie and Mollymook in NSW, South Australia’s Kangaroo Island and Busselton, WA, had less than 2 per cent capacity remaining for the last week of December and over New Year. Yamba (NSW), Margaret River (WA) and Port Willunga (SA) were already booked out for Christmas.
“Australians aren’t waiting for the end of lockdowns to book their summer holiday. In fact, they are more likely to be spending Christmas away from home this year,” she said.
Looking for inspiration for your next vacation? Here is the Stayz Top 10, determined by bookings over the past year, traveller reviews and star ratings, and relevance of amenities and the home catering to Aussie families.
GOLD MEDAL WINNER: Barra Luxe Beach House, Sunshine Coast, QLD
This five-bedroom converted beach shack at Point Arkwright tops the list, thanks to its open, family-friendly living spaces, eclectic 1970s styling, prime coastal location and pet-friendliness.
SILVER MEDAL WINNER: Nord House, Red Hill, VIC
This Scandi-style retreat nestled in the heart of Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula came in a close second, with its impeccable monochrome styling setting it apart as one of Australia’s most aesthetically pleasing holiday rentals. Up to six guests – and a pet or two – can stay in the three-bedroom home, which features a wood fire, a modern kitchen and a north-facing garden.
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER: Dragon Tree House, Lennox Head, NSW
Taking out bronze is Dragon Tree House in Lennox Head, a Balinese-style retreat just 20 minutes from Byron Bay. With its plunge pool, private al fresco bathtubs and luxe cabana, this home has all the trappings of a Canggu villa; ideal for those of us pining for a trip to the popular Indonesian holiday spot.
THE SHORTLIST:
The Old Wesley, Echuca, VIC
A stay at The Old Wesley, Echuca is a somewhat religious experience. Enjoy a morning baptism in the backyard lap pool, break bread in its modern kitchen, or pull up a pew by the open fire. The converted church, situated right in the heart of town, also features a full-sized bar and can sleep up to 12 guests.
Whitsundays resort-style house, Airlie Beach, QLD
Its enviable views over Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Islands already make this a prime spot to have a vacation, but add in a pool, swim-up bar, kid’s sandpit, enormous games room and a space to park the boat or caravan, and this property is what family holiday dreams are made of.
Normandie Cottage, Mudgee, NSW
This 1930s heritage home is located right in the heart of Mudgee, the ideal base for a long weekend exploring celebrated cellar doors and nearby Wollemi National Park. A beautifully manicured garden, artfully curated interiors and proximity to the town’s culinary attractions are just a few reasons why this property continues to garner so many five-star reviews.
Cliff Beach House, Yallingup, WA
Sharing a holiday home with other families can result in everyone feeling a little crammed in, but not for those staying at Cliff Beach House in Yallingup. Space has been maximised, with the five-bedroom property offering multiple decks, entertaining and living areas to ensure all guests can find somewhere to relax in peace. It’s just a short walk to Yallingup Beach and Leeuwin National Park, and close to WA’s renowned Margaret River region.
New York-style Loft, Victor Harbour, SA
Ocean views abound in this industrial, New York-style holiday home, located on the esplanade at Encounter Bay, South Australia. The open-plan living and dining area, which is equipped with all the mod-cons, flows through to an undercover balcony offering views of Granite Island and Seal Island. Furry family members are welcome to stay at the property, which can accommodate up to six guests.
Sunset Cove, West Busselton, WA
With a 12-seater jacuzzi, pool table, private mooring and two kitchens, this expansive, newly renovated beachfront holiday home is a true crowd-pleaser. There’s room for up to 12 guests, and both levels of this two-storey property offer panoramic views of Busselton Jetty all the way around the Cape.
The Three Arches, Glenelg, SA
If the separate kids TV room doesn’t win you over, the cathedral ceilings, exposed oak beams and arched windows in the striking home probably will. Located on the beach side of Glenelg, the three-level holiday house is a spacious option for groups of eight or fewer.
