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.

A town charmingly paused in time has become a hot mountain biking destination.

There’s a forest reserve full of eucalyptus and pines surrounding town – when you combine all the greenery with a main street of grand old buildings still standing from the Victorian Gold Rush, Creswick looks more period movie set than a 21st-century town.

old gold bank Victoria — Grand buildings from the Victorian gold rush. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This entire region of Victoria – the Central Goldfields – is as pretty-as-a-picture, but there’s something extra-special about Creswick. I used to live 30 minutes north; I’d drive in some evenings to cruise its main street at dusk, and pretend I was travelling back in time.

It was sleepy back then, but that’s changed. Where I used to walk through its forest, now I’m hurtling down the state’s best new mountain bike trails. There’s a 60-kilometre network of mountain bike trails – dubbed Djuwang Baring – which make Creswick the state’s hottest new mountain biking destination.

Meet Victoria’s new mountain biking capital

Creswick bike trail — This historic town has become a mountain biking hotspot.

Victoria has a habit of turning quiet country towns into mountain biking hotspots. I was there in the mid-2000s when the tiny Otways village of Forrest embarked on an ambitious plan to save itself (after the death of its timber cutting industry) courtesy of some of the world’s best mountain bike trails. A screaming success it proved to be, and soon mountain bike trails began popping up all over Victoria.

I’m no expert, so I like that a lot of Creswick’s trails are as scenic as they are challenging. I prefer intermediate trails, such as Down Martuk, with its flowing berms and a view round every corner. Everyone from outright beginners to experts can be happy here. There’s trails that take me down technical rock sections with plenty of bumps. But there’s enough on offer to appeal to day-trippers, as much as hard-core mountain-bikers.

I love that the trails empty onto that grand old main street. There’s bars still standing from the Gold Rush of the 1850s I can refuel at. Like the award-winning Farmers Arms, not to be confused with the pub sharing its name in Daylesford. It’s stood since 1857. And The American Creswick built two years later, or Odessa Wine Bar, part of Leaver’s Hotel in an 1856-built former gold exchange bank.

The Woodlands is set on a large bushland property. (Image: Vanessa Smith Photography)

Creswick is also full of great cafes and restaurants, many of them set in the same old buildings that have stood for 170 years. So whether you’re here for the rush of the trails or the calm of town life, Creswick provides.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Inside the Woodlands, a chic 1970s log cabin. (Image: Vanessa Smith Photography)

RACV Goldfields Resort is a contemporary stay with a restaurant, swimming pool and golf course. The Woodlands in nearby Lal Lal comprises a chic log cabin set on a 16-hectare property abundant in native wildlife.

Eating there

Le Peche Gourmand makes for the perfect pitstop for carb and sugar-loading.

The menu at Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel includes some Thai-inspired fare. Fuel up for your ride on baguettes and pastries from French patisserie Le Peche Gourmand . The Farmers Arms has been a much-loved local institution since 1857.

Playing there

Creswick State Forest has a variety of hiking trails, including a section of the 210-kilometre-long Goldfields Track. Miss Northcotts Garden is a quaint garden store with tea room.

10 dreamy Airbnbs in Canberra to try now