10 Dreamy Airbnbs in Canberra to Try Now

The Airbnb Canberra scene is dominated by apartments, putting you at the city’s heart while allowing you the freedom to cook and lounge in a homely space.

Accommodation in Canberra is plentiful – this is a city where you could throw a stone, and it would land at the feet of a luxury hotel with great reviews. However, if you’re looking for something with more creature comforts, try an Airbnb in Canberra. You’ll quickly notice how many are on offer – much like its hotel scene, Australia’s capital city has Airbnb options ranging from ultra-luxe to budget accommodation for the money-conscious, all situated close to Canberra’s best restaurants, its cafe culture and major events like Floriade.

Angle your search a little further outside of the city’s boundaries, and you’ll also find relaxing Airbnbs in Canberra’s up-and-coming wine regions and farm stays among its picturesque countryside. Here are our favourite Airbnb picks in Canberra.

1. Luxurious Waterfront, Kingston

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

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

the balcony of an apartment at Luxurious Waterfront, Kingston — Relax on the balcony fronting Lake Burley Griffin at Luxurious Waterfront in Kingston.

Both the bedroom and lounge overlook Lake Burley Griffin toward the suburb of Russell, making this breezy apartment for two a welcome retreat from the city’s high-rise while still being within walking distance of some of Canberra’s best restaurants and cafes.

the living room interior of Luxurious Waterfront, Kingston — Settle in for a cosy evening after a night on the town.

2. Boutique Luxe Warehouse, Kingston

Best for: Friends looking for a luxury getaway

Ultra-cool with its moody industrial-style interiors, this warehouse-inspired Airbnb oozes Canberran style. Furnishings align well with the deconstructed feel of the space, with owners using leather and natural fabrics throughout – like soft, 100 per cent French linen bedding.

the interior of Boutique Luxe Warehouse Airbnb in Kingston — The Boutique Luxe Warehouse encapsulates the Canberra vibe.

The fully stocked kitchen allows for fun nights in, but you’re also situated in the suburb of Kingston near the heart of Canberra’s nightlife.

floral bedding at Boutique Luxe Warehouse, Kingston — The space hits the right balance between warm soft furnishings and industrial style.

3. Two Bedroom On Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Best for: Feeling like a local

Braddon is the place to be for Canberra’s best coffee and cafe culture and is easily the coolest neighbourhood in Canberra right now, so staying at this Lonsdale Street Airbnb will have 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 – the owners allow up to two pets as long as they are house-trained.

a chic and cosy Airbnb, Two Bedroom On Lonsdale Street, Braddon — Plant yourself in Canberra’s coolest neighbourhood at this Airbnb.

4. Heart of The City, Reid

Best for: Getting around via public transport

Light-filled and bright, this Canberra Airbnb is situated right in the centre of Canberra’s CBD, so you’re close to all attractions via public transport – very handy if you didn’t drive into town! For those nights you’d prefer to stay in, the full kitchen, high-speed internet and selection of streaming services will see you set.

a light-filled Airbnb interior at Heart of The City, Reid — This light-filled Airbnb in the CBD has splashes of pink and earthy tones throughout.

5. The Kindred, Braddon

Best for: Creative types with a love for detail

Tucked away in a garden-filled complex, The Kindred is a cosy haven for those with a penchant for interior design.

the bedroom at The Kindred, Braddon — The lush interior of The Kindred is rich in colour and understated pieces.

Everything has been considered in this beautiful condo, from the vintage Danish dining table to the local art and ceramics adorning the walls and pantry.

the dining table at The Kindred, Braddon — The vintage Danish dining table reinforces the nature-inspired colour palette.

A highlight is the two vintage-style bikes for guest use – take them for a tour around the Ainslie parkland, or use them to get around the city.

a garden-themed interior at The Kindred, Braddon — The Kindred is a garden-themed hideaway with plenty of nooks to relax in.

6. Bunda House, Narrabundah

Best for: Larger groups of friends

Located in stylish Narrabundah, Bunda House is a renovated 1960s home with a spectacular backyard and patio for entertaining.

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

Pick up some fresh produce at the Canberra markets and cook up a storm in its spacious modern kitchen, or head to nearby Manuka for cafes and shopping.

a bedroom with window at Bunda House — Bunda House embraces minimalist style in its rooms.

7. Hackett Gardens House, Turner

Best for: Families with active kids

Stylish and spacious, this property in the suburb of Turner is situated alongside a large park with a playground for the kids to tire themselves on, plus a large backyard and bikes renters can use to get around the city.

a stylish bedroom at Hackett Gardens House — Hackett Gardens House is chic and spacious.

We love the expansive kitchen, which has plenty of space for whipping up meals for the family.

a spacious living room at Hackett Gardens House, Turner — There are multiple living spaces to relax in during your stay.

8. Horseshoe Hideaway, Mullion

Best for: Those seeking solitude

Looking for something a little outside of the busy city centre? Horseshoe Hideaway might be 40 minutes outside of town in Mullion, but it’s well worth the drive if you prefer your holidays on serene farmland.

a private bath in Horseshoe Hideaway, Mullion — Showering is all about the views at Horseshoe Hideaway.

Part of a sheep property, this Canberra Airbnb tiny home is cosy, so ideal for a couple or solo traveller. Take advantage of the incredible outdoor hot tub and stargaze the night away.

a bonfire setup at Horseshoe Hideaway, Mullion — Sitting by the firepit is the perfect end to a day of exploring the city.

9. The Cottage at Petrichor Farm, Gundaroo

Best for: Immersing yourself in the country

Forty minutes outside of Canberra in Gundaroo wine region, you’ll find The Cottage At Petrichor Farm, a relaxing property surrounded by gardens and tastefully decorated with rural-inspired interiors.

the property exterior of The Cottage at Petrichor Farm, Gundaroo — The Cottage at Petrichor Farm is surrounded by lush greenery.

You can visit local wineries and providores, but make sure you block out an afternoon to soak in the picturesque outdoor bathtub, too.

an outdoor bathtub at The Cottage at Petrichor Farm, Gundaroo — Take a morning dip in the outdoor tub.

10. Luxurious Country Estate, Springrange

Best for: Winery touring with friends and family

This country Airbnb near Canberra is right in the heart of the Murrumbateman wine region, and with space for up to 12 people across six bedrooms, it can accommodate large groups with ease.

a dining space with glass walls at Luxurious Country Estate, Springrange — Set up an intimate family brunch at the Luxurious Country Estate.

Gather with friends or family around the indoor fireplace during winter, or enjoy alfresco dining on the deck overlooking paddocks in summer. There is even a dam on the property for swimming and fishing.

a telescope at Luxurious Country Estate, Springrange — Make use of the telescope of an evening.

For more recommendations on where to stay, read our guide to Canberra accommodation for everything from hotels to camping.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

10 dreamy Airbnbs in Canberra to try now