Top 20 Airbnb North Coast getaway homes to travel over Christmas holidays

An eye-candy cottage with three retired racehorses or the home with its own minigolf course could be the perfect getaway. See our top 20 list of NSW North Coast dream Airbnb stays for your summer holiday.

From the grand and luxurious through to the just damned decadent - we’ve unearthed a grab-bag of the finest Airbnbs on the North Coast.

And there’s no better time than now to start dreaming and planning your summer getaway.

When naming her Piggabeen property west of Tweed Heads, Kathryn was inspired by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), who believed in designing structures that sat in harmony with humanity and the environment.

Wright built one of his most famous houses on a beautiful hill site and named it Taliesin, after the 6th century Welsh poet, whose name means ‘shining brow’ or ‘radiant brow’, as he saw his design as a shining brow on the hill.

Kathryn said she thinks the inspiration behind the architecture is rather apt but adds one of the best features of her Airbnb property is the three resident retired racing horses Ted, Bentley and Ant.

Horses Ted, Bentley and Ant greet guests at a Piggabeen Airbnb

“They are definitely the stars of the show,” she said.

“Our guests love giving them carrots and pats.”

Here’s our Top 20 North Coast Airbnbs for your summer – with a range of locations, prices and offerings:

1. Tin Horse Ranch Byron Hinterland – Pearces Creek

Tin Horse Ranch Byron Hinterland boasts an inviting home overlooking a swanky pool.

16 guests, 7 bedrooms, 9 beds, 4 baths. This gorgeous ranch-style home on 33 acres boasts “one of the best private farm stays” in the Byron Hinterland.

Enjoy a charming and contemporary main house featuring decent-sized bedrooms, a kitchen with butler’s pantry and designer appliances.

Drone shot of Tin Horse Ranch Byron Hinterland

The owner, David, first fell in love with the property nine years ago, when holidaying with friends who kept returning as guests. The friends still visit the ranch every year.

David now owns the unique historical land and divides his time between Sydney and Tin Horse Ranch.

2. Lou and Lewie’s laid back beach retreat – Sawtell

The open plan indoor-outdoor area makes Lou and Lewie's that extra bit special.

12 guests, 6 bedrooms, 8 beds, 4 baths. A unique laid-back, recently renovated beach accommodation converted into two luxury apartments makes the perfect place to holiday for large families when rented together.

Immerse yourself in the views of the bush with the sound of waves filtering through as you read a book, enjoy a wine on the front balcony, or find a space in the open plan indoor-outdoor living area.

3. Sapphire Sands Beach House – Sapphire Beach 

Sit under the gazebo with a glass of chardonnay while the kids go for a swim at this Sapphire Beach luxury beach house.

10 guests, 4 bedrooms, 7 beds, 4 baths. Step into absolute luxury at this beachfront property adjoining the gorgeous Sapphire Beach.

With spectacular beach panoramas, infinity-edge pool and spa, professional style galley kitchen and two living areas, you’d think there isn’t much else you need in this exclusive beach house.

The property boasts a grandeur concierge service that boasts unpacked groceries before your arrival and in-home massage and yoga sessions.

4. Insta-worthy federation home with river views – Grafton

This Grafton home pays tribute to its federation heritage while incorporating modern elements in its renovation, including beautifully polished timber floorboards.

6 guests, 4 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2 baths. This renovated federation home pays attention to detail with all the main living areas beautifully designed including polished floorboards in the kitchen/dining area.

The home honours its past by keeping its federation charm while providing a postmodern vibe.

With a gorgeous river view this Instagramable property will make you feel right at home.

5. Blue Fattoria Luxury Farm Accommodation – Fernside

This Northern Rivers farm offers guests an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle.

10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 6 beds, 5 baths. Let the relaxing nature of the Northern Rivers wash over you in this rustic farm accommodation situated in Fernside.

The name Fattoria comes from the Italian word for farm, which offers guests an opportunity to “detach from the modern city” and “sink into a slower rhythm of life”.

The farm is a working agricultural business running a herd of Angus/Wagyu cattle, free range chickens, and vegetable production.

The farm also offers guests a workshop on how the owners farm with nature.

6. Southbank Farm – Palmers Channel

Guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the beautiful rural landscape at this Palmers Channel farm.

12 guests, 5 bedrooms, 6 beds, 3 baths. Set on 120 acres, this Palmers Channel property offers the perfect escape from city life.

Situated on a working macadamia and sugar cane farm with horses, guests can watch the kangaroos grazing the paddocks while enjoying a glass of red, looking out onto Clarence Peak at the south of the property.

The home boasts high ceilings and a kitchen servery leading to the stunning outdoor entertaining area.

Guests can enjoy a movie in the cinema room or go for a splash in the in-ground saltwater swimming pool, gazing into the uninterrupted rural landscape.

7. Fern Ridge Private Resort – Coffs Harbour

The perfectly manicured lawns with the tree-lined driveway makes this Coffs Harbour Airbnb a "home among the gum trees".

15 guests, 6 bedrooms, 7 beds, 3.5 baths. As guests enter through a private tree-lined driveway they are transported into this beautiful resort home situated in the hills of the Coffs Harbour hinterland.

Greeting guests inside is a high-ceiling entertaining space with a rustic-looking kitchen with cross ventilation and airconditioning throughout.

The stunning entertaining space is perfect for inviting guests over in this Coffs Harbour hinterland home.

Within just five minutes by road to Coffs Harbour, and 10 minutes to local beaches and waterways, this home is certainly as the owners have dubbed it a “home among the gum trees”.

8. Amalfi Villa Byron – Broken Head

Relax by the pool, and lap up a rainforest-esque experience at this Broken Head Airbnb.

10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 6 beds, 3 baths. Escape into this gorgeous Airbnb, with the property’s motto: Lush, rest, relaxation.

The home is “nestled among the rainforest”, situated in the intimate private Villa Estate, promising guests a “quintessential Byron Bay experience”.

Featuring a luxurious designer pool, this secure beachfront complex has direct walking access to the beach, and includes eco-friendly bathroom toiletries.

There’s the plus potential for family pets to join the fun.

9. House and Granny flat on Clarence River – Seelands

The outdoor entertaining area with views of the Clarence River is a holidayer's delight at this Seelands Airbnb.

8 guests, 6 bedrooms, 9 beds, 3 baths. Escape into this wakeboarders’ paradise with plenty of space and a private boat ramp.

Described as an “entertainers’ delight”, the home boasts a bar, outdoor pool, and large yard area.

The property also has a granny flat with a kitchenette with views looking onto the Clarence river.

10. Kingscliff Creek Getaway – Kingscliff

Enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon wine overlooking the gorgeous creek.

8 guests, 4 bedrooms, 5 beds, 3.5 baths. Sit by the stunning Kingscliff creek enjoying your morning cuppa or afternoon wine with your dog at your side at this unique holiday home.

The home offers a spacious three-storey four bedroom unit with a ping-pong table, SUP boards, barbecue, bikes and spa bath.

Just a two-minute walk away guests will find local cafes, the beach, restaurants, the pub and surf club.

11. Solitary View – Sapphire Beach

This opulent property has everything you need for a stay in Coffs Harbour.

9 guests, 5 bedrooms, 8 beds, 3.5 baths. This luxurious beachfront estate comes with splendid offerings with access to the beach via your front yard while you enjoy drinks on the terrace as the sun sets.

With an open plan layout, this home boasts a “commanding sense of space”, integrating the best indoor and outdoor living.

Some of the best features include a private balcony with stunning ocean views, a Jarrah-lined dressing room and a generous Italian marble ensuite.

An exclusive concierge service is available at an extra cost to cater, plus in-home massages, luxury transfers and more.

With just 15 minutes to Coffs Harbour Airport and an easy drive to local attractions, this Airbnb has everything you need and more!

12. Echo Lane Beach House – Casuarina

View of the indoor/outdoor entertaining area at Echo Lane Beach house in Casuarina.

10 guests, 6 bedrooms, 6 beds, 3,5 baths. If a large, newly built, pristine, luxurious holiday home in one of the most sought-after parts of Casuarina is what you’re looking for this summer, then this is the Airbnb for you.

Its modern design and open-plan living areas ensure an unforgettable holiday.

After you’ve been to the beach, shower off the sand with a deluxe outdoor rain shower before coming in for a nice family meal in the indoor/outdoor entertaining area.

13. Homestead between Byron and Lismore – Bexhill

Have a glass of cabernet sauvignon at this pristine Bexhill Airbnb.

13 guests, 5 bedrooms, 8 beds, 3 baths. Take a step into the Byron Bay hinterland tranquillity in this beautifully restored federation homestead set on a 45-acre sheep farm.

Boasting sweeping verandas, outdoor entertaining areas and renovated bathrooms with a rain-shower feature,comfort is certain at this Airbnb.

After a long day of adventuring – take a seat outside and look onto the acreage of farmland watching the sunset with a glass of sauvignon blanc.

14. Taliesin Farmstead – Piggabeen

Couples can relax by the pool as they take in the pristine view at this Piggabeen Airbnb.

2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bath. Wind down in the quiet surrounds of Taliesin Farmstead in an exclusive cottage, perfect for a couple’s getaway.

The architecture sees the entire cottage seamlessly fit into the environment.

Couples can relax by the pool or enjoy lounging about looking onto the array of hinterland.

Close to beaches, mountains and shops – it’s everything you could possibly need.

The’ farmstead’ provides a quiet backdrop for those wanting to disconnect and unwind from a busy lifestyle

15. Grounds of Cabarita – Cabarita

The gorgeous kitchen of this stunningly renovated Cabarita home.

6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 baths. This renovated three-bedroom 1960s’ beach house smack-bang in the heart of Cabarita Beach is a heart-stopper.

The property wows with all the comforts you need for a beachside vacation including filtered water, sparkling water on tap, a pool, airconditioning, large rain showers and beautifully established garden for privacy.

The property is a short walk from the shops and any of Cabarita’s secluded beaches with the owners boasting the property as “the perfect spot for you to slow down and get back in touch with the small pleasures in life”.

16. Barellen Beach House – Safety Beach

A holiday fit for a king or queen – this Safety Beach property has it all.

10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 6 beds, 3 baths. This “out of the ordinary” stunning sanctuary dubs itself the perfect holiday home for family and friends.

From the private deck and deluxe baths to a nightcap by the fire pit, this property ticks all the comfort boxes fit for a king or queen.

You can pour a glass of champagne before hopping into the heated spa to relax and take in your beautiful surroundings.

17. Wategos Beach House – Byron Bay

Walk into a Wategos beach oasis in this incredible Byron Bay Airbnb.

8 guests, 4 bedrooms, 5 beds, 3.5 baths. Hidden among an array of foliage, “Memories” @ Wategos Beach house is the perfect fit for your summer holiday in Byron Bay with just a short stroll to the famous Wategos Beach.

In your downtime, take a stroll along the Cape Byron Walking Track and visit the lighthouse, which according to the owners, “is technically in your backyard”.

The property is close to fun things like the weekly farmers’ market, Artisan Market and the Byron Community Market at Railway Park.

18. Shearwater – Hastings Point

Upon arriving at Shearwater, guests are transported into a private tropical far away oasis and step inside to find a home full of all the appliances and amenities you might need for your trip.

16 guests, 8 bedrooms, 15 beds, 4.5 baths. In a truly unique seaside property which the owners say “oozes classy marine”, bring the whole family, friends or both.

Upon arriving at Shearwater, guests are transported into a private tropical sanctuary with all of the bells and whistles.

Step outside to the beautiful polished wood floor that replicates a ship’s deck.

With the Gold Coast theme parks a 40-minute drive north and Byron Bay only 35 minutes south – this is the perfect location for families wanting a mixed bag for their holiday.

19. Beachfront #12 – Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach house combines comfort and location in an exclusive beachfront property.

10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 7 beds, 4 baths. Beachfront #12 is a remarkable family friendly Airbnb that “combines comfort and location” and creates a great place to get away from the grind of big city life.

The home has gobsmacking ocean views - from both the master and king bedrooms, and a gorgeous open plan living area downstairs.

In a rare feature, a mini golf course provides another entertainment option for the kids at the Sapphire Beach house.

Along with a concierge service, the property trumpets a miniature golf putting facility - making the property perfect for all members of the family.

20. Serenity Ocean Front Gem – Casuarina

Oceanfront gem combines the best aspects of a Hamptons-style home for the perfect Airbnb stay.

14 guests, 7 bedrooms, 9 beds, 3 baths. Are you after the perfect Hamptons-style getaway on the Northern NSW coast? Look no further.

This beachfront, open plan property contains “sweeping indoor/outdoor spaces”. Wood and wicker pallets cover the entire property giving the space a tasteful coastal palate.

Originally published as Top 20 Airbnb North Coast getaway homes to travel over Christmas holidays