Most expensive Airbnb in Australia
Despite a rise in hotel openings and bookings, Airbnb remains one of the most popular methods of accommodation when travelling, and people are willing to pay big bucks for a place to themselves.
Airbnb has come a long way since the first two hosts welcomed three guests into their San Francisco home in 2007. From that day, Airbnb has swelled to encompass 4 million hosts who’ve welcomed 1.4 billion guests across almost every country. Airbnbs range today from granny flats out back to sprawling palaces, and even entire islands.
In Australia, we’re treated to our fair share of luxury rentals. Across our great country, Airbnb has found its way into many of the great regions and hot spots in each state. Of course, with proximity to tourist spots, and the size of the property, come premiums. But just how high do those premiums go?
The team at S Money have rounded up the 10 most expensive Airbnbs for rent in Australia, and this is how they shape out.
10. Sea Temple 1 Bedroom King Studio Suite 236
In the tropical town of Port Douglas, Sea Temple is regarded as one of the top 5-star resorts. Centred around a massive lagoon-shaped swimming pool, the resort boasts plenty of world class facilities and amenities. Overlooking the canals of the lagoon is Suite 236. The one-bedroom king studio has 60 square metres of living space and private areas, including a jacuzzi, ensuite, and balcony. With access to all of the hotel’s facilities, as well as the addition of your own private space, think of it as your own oasis in the tropics.
Cost: $9,881 per night
9. Campbell Point House
To dub this one a ‘house’ would be an understatement. With fifteen bedrooms across the three wings of the property, a maze, and a fit-out that rivals Versailles, Campbell Point House is everything you’d want from a country retreat. With a formal dining area that has seating for 70, this Airbnb has big events in mind. To round out your time away, it’s a short drive from the bars, restaurants and cafes of Geelong, or guests can head off for a spectacular Port Phillip Bay cruise.
Cost: $10,622 per night
8. Luxury 4-Bedder Near The Beach
Perched right on scenic Brighton Beach in Victoria, this sprawling mansion is perfect for a quick (luxurious) getaway from the city. With four bedrooms, the lavishly furnished residence features decor from fashion house Versace. It also boasts a pool, for when you can’t quite muster the strength to head to the beach.
Cost: $11,684 per night
7. Beaconsfield Villa
Another mansion on the shores of Victoria, this luxury residence is right on St Kilda beach. Featuring seven bedrooms, the place blends Victorian grandeur with contemporary charm. Close to the Melbourne CBD and even closer to the beach and shops, you can also choose to isolate yourself inside the palatial villa if you choose.
Cost: $11,812 per night
6. Agave Waterfront at Wagstaffe
The residence of Agave was previously the winner of the highly acclaimed HIA ‘Australian House of the Year’ award, and the six bedroom palace is now up for short stays on Airbnb. With the Bouddi National Park right outside, as well as the waters of Lobster Beach, Agave is the pearl of NSW’s Central Coast. With direct water access, Agave has its own beach and boat shed with jetty and mooring – perfect if you are thinking of arriving by superyacht.
Cost: $11,898 per night
5. Sutherland
Sutherland is in fact located in the heart of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs in Darling Point. The roomy home is illuminated with plenty of natural light thanks to the swathes of glass and water throughout. Close to both the harbour and the more bustling areas of Sydney, it’s a sleek, modernist nest perched high on one of Sydney’s most prestigious residential areas.
COST: $11,907 per night
On Sydney’s North Shore, this architectural Balmoral estate has all anyone needs for a luxurious isolated getaway. Close to the many small bays in the area, the Golden Mile also has its own 22-metre pool for swimming at home. Given the residence is hidden from street level, there’s plenty of privacy to accompany the opulence. The house then opens up on the face of the hill, looking out to pristine views of the North Shore.
Cost: $12,000 per night
3. Rivermead Estate
With a massive 55-acres all to itself, the Rivermead Estate in the Gold Coast Hinterland embodies the serene and quiet side of Southern Queensland. The stately mansion is made up of two houses, with nine bedrooms in total, and plenty of activity rooms to entertain a full house. Just 25 minutes drive away from the Gold Coast, the beach is there whenever you need. Classically decorated, Rivermead is a breath of fresh country air.
Cost: $13,586 per night
2. Makepeace Island
Coming in at number two is an entire island within the estuary of Lake Cootharaba on the Sunshine Coast, made up of a spacious villa which has a massive, multi-channel pool, hacienda style halls and lush gardens. Guests can find this oasis by a short private boat ride from the nearby serenity of Noosa Heads. With eleven bedrooms in total, the island and its several villas can sleep up to 22 comfortably, and are decorated with tropical decor reminiscent of a far-flung island.
Cost: $24,703 per night
1. The Crypto Castle
And the most expensive Airbnb available to rent in Australia is the modern Crypto Castle at South Coogee in Sydney. The concrete monolith hugging the high cliffs on Sydney’s southern beaches has unrivalled views of the ocean. It’s one of Sydney’s most iconic oceanfront residences, and has plenty of experience hosting glamorous events and big-budget productions. If you want to stay there, there are bedrooms with space for up to 10 people, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Cost: $24,861 per night
Also published as part of the list were the most expensive Airbnbs around the world, and Musha Cay at Copperfield Bay took out the top spot for the most expensive Airbnb. To stay here guests will need to fork out around $88,800 AUD per night. The Airbnb itself is actually made up of five villas, with 30 staff on hand to help, and of course, an entire island to yourself. It’s not confirmed if the island’s owner, illusionist David Copperfield, will magically appear throughout your stay.