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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

10 dreamy Airbnbs in Canberra to try now