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The best Canberra Airbnbs and holiday homes

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
There are a plethora of great Canberra Airbnbs and holiday homes to stay in across the capital and beyond.

Airbnb Canberra options range from slick waterfront apartments and design-led inner-city stays to farm cottages and tiny homes on the city’s fringes. While Canberra is hardly short on incredible hotels and luxury accommodation, choosing an Airbnb or holiday home offers something different: space to spread out, kitchens for slow mornings and neighbourhood stays that let you live like a local.

Here are  the best Airbnb and holiday homes on offer in Canberra.

Best Airbnbs in Canberra

Across the capital, Airbnbs cluster close to Canberra’s best restaurants, cafes and major events such as Floriade.

1. Luxurious Waterfront, Kingston

a suite with a balcony at Luxurious Waterfront, Kingston
Settle in for a cosy stay next to Lake Burley Griffin.

Best for: Those who want a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city

This Canberra Airbnb is set apart due to its stunning views over the Kingston foreshore.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in both the bedroom and living space of the Luxurious Waterfront Unit invite that outlook in, giving the apartment an easy, breezy, light-filled feel. You’re steps from some of Canberra’s best restaurants and cafes, with the city centre just 10 minutes away. Sleeps 2.

2. Entire Loft in Kingston

an entire Loft in Kingston
The Kingston loft evokes a warehouse feel.

Best for: Friends looking for a polished stay with personality

This moody industrial-style Airbnb brings a bit of an edge to your stay in Canberra. Expect leather accents, natural textures and soft French linen bedding that softens the warehouse feel of the Kingston loft .  The kitchen is set up for fun nights in with friends. But you’re also close to some of the best bars and restaurants in Kingston and minutes from the action in Canberra. Sleeps 4.

3. Two Bedroom On Lonsdale Street, Braddon

the arched balcony at Two Bedroom On Lonsdale Street, Braddon Airbnb
Base yourself in this idyllic Lonsdale Street Airbnb.

Best for: Feeling like a local

This lovely Lonsdale St Airbnb drops you straight into the beating heart of Canberra’s cafe culture. Braddon has long been considered the coolest neighbourhood in Canberra and a stay at this Lonsdale Street Airbnb will insert you right in the thick of it, feeling like a local. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly Canberra Airbnb, this is also a great choice as the owners allow up to two house-trained pets. Sleeps 4.

4. Entire Rental Unit in Reid

the living room inside a Rental Unit in Reid
Stay in the heart of the city at this three-bedroom Rental Unit in Reid.

Best for: Access to a shared swimming pool; a luxury for inner-city Airbnbs in Canberra

This bright and airy Canberra Airbnb is situated right in the centre of Canberra’s CBD with public transport on your doorstep. Being close to the city’s main attractions is also handy if you don’t want to drive. For those nights you’d prefer to stay in, the three-bedroom Rental Unit in Reid offers modern interiors, a generous living space, full chef’s kitchen, high-speed internet and a selection of streaming services. Sleeps 6.

5. The Secret Little House, Hackett

The Secret Little House, Hackett
This modern, boho space is a beloved stay in Canberra.

Best for: Getting around using the light rail

The Secret Little House in Hackett is one of Canberra’s most wish-listed Airbnbs. And it’s easy to see why. The light-filled one-bedroom house is tucked away in the leafy suburbs, away from the hubbub of the city. The bright, boho space is anchored by a floor made from upcycled timber from a basketball court. Bounce from the homey Hackett Airbnb to the nearby MetroTram to access the city’s best cafes, pubs and restaurants.  Dogs are welcome. Sleeps 2.

6. The Kindred, Braddon

the balcony at The Kindred, Braddon
The Kindred features a lush balcony.

Best for: Creative types with a love for detail

Experience Canberra at its most considered with a stay in this light-filled two-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb apartment. The interiors of The Kindred are like an essay in subtle hues and natural materials. The enchanting apartment overlooks a giant elm tree and will appeal to kindred spirits who will covet the vintage Danish dining table, local art and ceramics. Two vintage-style bikes are available for guests to burn to Braddon or Ainslie. Sleeps 4.

7. Bunda House, Narrabundah

the outdoor deck of Bunda House, Canberra
Soak up the sun on the outdoor deck.

Best for: Groups of friends looking for Airbnb utopia

A stay at the stylish Bunda House in Narrabundah will transport you back in time to the 1960s before catapulting you back into the present day. The newly renovated bungalow has a backyard and patio built for entertaining, layered interiors and a bathroom with a rain shower and freestanding tub. Pick up some fresh produce from the markets and cook up a storm in the spacious kitchen. Sleeps 6.

8. Designer Series Corner Apartment, Braddon

the bed inside the Designer Series Corner Apartment, Braddon
Bed down at this modern apartment in Braddon.

Best for: Relaxing in the sun-drenched winter garden

Floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the aesthetic of the Designer Series Corner Apartment .  The north-facing apartment feels at once plugged in and removed from busy Lonsdale St below. It has a winter garden that catches much of the light and is softened by trailing greenery that works as well for a morning coffee as it does for switching off at night. The apartment – all timber and leather, polished concrete and brass finishes – sits inside the swanky Nibu building. Sleeps 2.

9. Entire home in Ainslie, Australia

an Airbnb in Ainslie
This family-friendly, four-bedroom house in Ainslie is spacious and stylish.

Best for: Families with active kids

Stylish and spacious, this Four-Bedroom House in Central Canberra backs onto the Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve where the kids can burn off some energy before dinner.  Inside, you’ll find an expansive kitchen with plenty of bench space to prepare family meals. There’s also a backyard and balcony at the Ainsley Airbnb, close to some of the best restaurants and cafes in Canberra. Sleeps 9.

10. Horseshoe Hideaway, Mullion

an indoor shower at Horseshoe Hideaway
Horseshoe Hideaway is an absolute haven on a serene patch of farmland in Mullion.

Best for: Those seeking solitude

If switching off matters to you more than being in Canberra’s busy city centre, consider Horseshoe Hideaway an absolute haven. The Airbnb is 40 minutes outside of town on a serene patch of farmland in Mullion. Part of a sheep property, this Canberra Airbnb is a cosy tiny home, ideal for a couple or solo traveller. The wood-fired hot tub  morphs into a plunge pool in summer. Sleeps 2.

Best holiday homes in Canberra

Whether you’re visiting for culture, food, family time or fresh air, these are some of the best holiday homes Canberra has to offer.

11. Riversong Rest

the Riversong Rest retreat exterior
Retreat into Riversong Rest on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

Best for:  Casting a line in or picnicking by the water

Push your search a little further out from Canberra’s CBD to find rural retreats such as Riversong Rest that are still within easy driving distance of the city. Set on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Riversong Rest is a compact, carefully designed retreat made for slow stays. Retreat indoors with books and board games, then sit on the deck, telescope trained on the night sky.

12. Beltana Farm Cottage

the exterior of Beltana Farm Cottage
Country charm meets modern design.

Best for: Living life in the slow lane

The Cottage at Beltana Farm is about succumbing to life’s simple pleasures. Like reading a book while curled up in the two-bedroom Cottage. Jumping on a bike to explore your surrounds.  Or participating in a truffle hunt (throughout the winter months) or visit to a nearby winery. There’s also the indulgence of having a restaurant and tennis court onsite.

13. The Cottage at Petrichor Farm, Gundaroo

Best for: Immersing yourself in the country

You’ll find The Cottage At Petrichor Farm 40 minutes outside of Canberra in the Gundaroo wine region. The relaxing property includes one of the best wedding venues in the country. It’s surrounded by gardens and tastefully decorated with elegant, elemental interiors. You can visit local wineries and providores, but make sure you block out an afternoon to soak in the picturesque outdoor bathtub, too.

14. Tiny Away

the Tiny Away Airbnb in Canberra
This tiny home sits in a secluded part of Canberra near Lake George. (Image: Alex Davey)

Best for: Spotting kangaroos.

From a distance, this Tiny Away Overlooking Lake George appears like a captivating work of art. Perched above Lake George, which is blanketed with fog at dawn and dusk each day, it has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Perhaps the greatest luxury at the tiny but mighty accommodation is the large windows that frame views over the water and sky. Expect a snug loft bed and fully equipped kitchen. Sleeps 2.

15. Cubby & Co

Best for: Oenophiles with a love of interior design

Mt Majura is an undeniably magical place, home to a rich array of flora and fauna and a bush trail that traces the bony spine of the mountain. Landscape and architecture are woven together at the Cubby & Co accommodation, which comprises three cubbies dotted around the property, just 15 minutes from Canberra’s CBD. The single-site vineyard is known for standout tempranillo, reisling and shiraz.

16. One-bedroom villa at The Truffle Farm

the kitchen inside The Truffle Farm cabin
Spend a couple of days in the countryside for some R&R.

Best for: Foodie couples

This bougie property, just 15 minutes from the heart of Canberra, is right in the heart of the Majura Valley. Designed for two, the off-grid luxury cabin at The Truffle Farm looks out over groves of oak trees and rolling countryside. It features a wood-fired hot tub made for long, slow evenings. Time your stay with truffle season to join a hunt. Enjoy al fresco dining on the deck in summer.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Unforgettable First Peoples tours and experiences in Victoria

    Angela SaurineBy Angela Saurine
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    From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet. 

    Victoria’s sweeping landscapes hold stories far older than any road map can trace – stories etched into stone, sung through generations and woven into every bend of river and rise of hill. From the lava flows of Budj Bim to the ancient middens of Moyjil/Point Ritchie and the volcanic crater of Tower Hill, the state is home to some of the most significant First Peoples cultural sites in Australia. These places, along with other immersive experiences, offer not only a window into a 60,000-year legacy, but a profound way of understanding Country itself. As more travellers seek connection over checklists, guided tours by Traditional Owners offer respectful, unforgettable insights into a living culture that continues to shape the land and the people who walk it. 

    Budj Bim cultural landscape  

    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is on Gunditjmara Country. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Venture beyond the surf and sand of the Great Ocean Road to discover a deeper story etched into the volcanic landscape. At Budj Bim , ancient aquaculture channels built by the Gunditjmara people to trap, store and harvest kooyang (short-finned eel) reveal one of the world’s oldest living cultures. While you’re in the area, head over to the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, where you can observe the eels in a special tank, wander the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), and enjoy a bite at the Bush Tucker Cafe. Also nearby is Tower Hill, a dormant volcano reborn as a wildlife reserve, offering trails through bushland teeming with emus and koalas. 

    eel tank
    The kooyang (eel) tank at Tae Rak. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour 

    Dumawul walkingtour
    Guests are guided through Kooyoora State Park on the Dumawul walking tour. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Step into a timeless landscape with Dumawul’s guided tour through Kooyoora State Park, around an hour’s drive west of Bendigo in north-central Victoria. Led by Djaara guides, this immersive half-day journey breathes life into Country, weaving together stories, bush tucker and ancient rock art. Known to the Dja Dja Wurrung people as Guyura – the ‘mountain of light’ – this dramatic granite range is rich with cultural and spiritual significance.  The adventure begins with a meet-up at the Bridgewater Hotel on the banks of the Loddon River, before guests are welcomed onto Country with a traditional Smoking Ceremony – a powerful ritual that honours ancestors and cleanses those who walk the land. From there, it’s a gentle wander through rugged outcrops and open bushland, with sweeping vistas unfolding at every turn. Along the way, guides share their knowledge of how the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples have cared for and adapted with this land for generations, offering a rare and moving window into an ancient way of life that continues to thrive today.  

    Kooyoora walking tour
    Knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung is shared on the trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Kingfisher Cruises  

    Kingfisher Cruises
    Cruising the Murray with Kingfisher Cruises. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Glide quietly through the Barmah-Millewa forest – the nation’s largest river red gum ecosystem – on a scenic journey along the Murray River and into the Barmah Lakes with Kingfisher Cruises . Led by passionate guides who share stories of the cultural significance of this ancient landscape, these cruises reveal the stories, totems and traditional knowledge of the Yorta Yorta people. As you navigate narrow waterways and spot native birds, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Peoples have lived in harmony with this floodplain for tens of thousands of years. It’s a gentle, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression – one where every bend in the river carries echoes of culture, connection and Country.  

    wawa biik 

    Taungurung leaders
    Exploring Nagambie with Taungurung leaders. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Translating to ‘hello, Country’ in the language of the First Nations People and Custodians of the rivers and mountains of Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, wawa biik guides a range of authentic and deeply immersive experiences. Leaving from either Nagambie or Euroa, the tours are woven with ancient stories of the Taungurung, telling how a sustained connection and responsibility ensures the continued health of biik – benefitting the people, animals and plants that live in and around the Goulburn River. During the wawa Nagambie experience, guests participate in a Welcome Smoking Ceremony, and enjoy lunch and conversation with two Taungurung leaders as they cruise through the wetlands of tabilk-tabilk (place of many waterholes). The 4.5-hour tour begins at Tahbilk Winery, which is set in the wetlands of Nagambie on Taungurung Country and collaborates with Taungurung Elders to share knowledge of biik. 

    Bataluk Cultural Trail  

    Bataluk Trail
    Cape Conran on the Bataluk Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    The Bataluk Cultural Trail winds through East Gippsland like a thread stitching past to present, tracing the deep connection between the Gunaikurnai people and their land. Starting at the Knob Reserve in Stratford, visitors walk among scarred trees and ancient stone tools once used for survival and ceremony. At the Den of Nargun near Mitchell River, the earth holds stories of women’s sacred spaces, cloaked in myth and legend. Further along, Legend Rock at Metung tells of greed and consequence, its surface etched with ancient lore. At Cape Conran, shell middens lie scattered like breadcrumbs of history – 10,000 years of gatherings, stories and saltwater songs still echoing in the wind.  

    Healesville Sanctuary  

    echidna at Healesville Sanctuary
    Get up close with a resident echidna at Healesville Sanctuary. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set on the historic grounds of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, Healesville Sanctuary honours the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation through immersive storytelling and connection to Country. Along Wurundjeri Walk, visitors are invited to reflect on the land’s rich First Peoples history, with native plants revealing their traditional uses. Wurundjeri Elder and educator Murrundindi shares culture in-person with the Wominjeka Aboriginal Cultural Experience every Sunday, and most days during Victorian school holidays. Murrundindi’s smoking ceremonies, storytelling and bush tucker knowledge reveal the sacred relationship between people, animals and the environment. Bird-lovers can’t miss the incredible Spirits of the Sky show featuring native birds daily at 12pm and 3pm. 

    The Grampians 

    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians
    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Known as Gariwerd to Traditional Owners, the Grampians is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. This rugged landscape holds more than 80 per cent of Victoria’s known First Peoples rock art, offering a powerful window into the region’s deep heritage. Visitors can respectfully explore five remarkable rock art sites: Billimina and Ngamadjidj in the Wartook Valley, Manja Shelter near Hamilton, Gulgurn Manja shelter near Laharum, and the Bunjil Shelter near Stawell, where the creator spirit is depicted. Each site tells a unique story of connection to Country, shared through ancient handprints, dancing figures and Dreaming narratives etched into stone.