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This off-grid Blue Mountains cabin was just crowned Airbnb’s best nature escape

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
Airbnb just unveiled the winners of its 2025 Australian Host Awards, and the lineup will have you booking your next getaway.

From a heritage-listed Hobart bakery turned boutique retreat to a nature-filled sanctuary in Kangaroo Valley, Airbnb has announced the winners of six categories in its annual Australian Host Awards. Officially, the awards celebrate the creativity, care and community impact of local hosts across the country. Unofficially, they help you pick your next awesome getaway, with accommodation to boot.

“Our local Aussie hosts are shaping the future of travel by creating spaces that reflect local culture, foster genuine connection and support their communities," shared Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia.

outdoor bath at Ligo, airbnb winner Australian Host Awards
Picture yourself in Australia’s best Airbnbs, like Ligo.

“Their hospitality is more than just welcoming guests. These hosts actively support small businesses, help to revitalise neighbourhoods, and hosting provides families with an income stream. These award-winning stays demonstrate the powerful role Airbnb hosting plays in fostering economic opportunity and community-led tourism."

Winning hosts were selected based on extensive Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews, with oversight from a panel of judges. The annual awards recognise hosts who go above and beyond, welcoming guests with warmth, thoughtful design and local flavour. And while there are many ways to be a winner, it’s Ligo’s outdoor bathtub surrounded by the stunning Blue Mountains that has us reaching for our leave forms.

Best Nature Stay – Ligo, Wolgan Valley

aerial of Ligo, airbnb winner Australian Host Awards
Take in the beauty of the Blue Mountains.

This off-grid Blue Mountains escape (and its outdoor bathtub) has us hooked. The winner of the Best Nature Stay (awarded to stays which showcase the best of Australia’s stunning natural landscape) is Ligo in Wolgan Valley.

As an award-winning tiny house retreat set in the heart of the Wolgan Valley, it offers a peaceful escape in the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Built from reclaimed materials after bushfires and floods, this off-grid escape offers cosy interiors, passive heating and cooling and expansive bushland views.

“Ligo is a masterpiece of minimal, low-impact, off-grid design," said Huang. “It merges wilderness and architecture with humility and intention. The outdoor bath, reclaimed timber, solar innovations and immersive wild setting make this a deeply atmospheric escape – elegant in its restraint."

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Host of the Year – Braithwaite, Hobart

hosts of the year Braithwait airbnb winner Australian Host Awards
Join the country’s best hosts at Braithwaite.

It would be remiss of us not to mention the winners of the coveted Host of the Year prize, recognising hosts who have gone above and beyond this year. In 2025, winning Airbnb rental, Braithwaite, is a chic heritage-listed former bakery turned boutique courtyard apartment stay in Sandy Bay.

This heritage-listed offering was thoughtfully restored with vintage charm and modern luxuries like a king-size bed, a sunlit courtyard with a full-size outdoor bath.

Panel judge, Sarah Huang, described it as a “hyper-personalised, emotionally resonant hosting. They don’t just provide a stay, they create a moment in time that’s deeply meaningful. Whether it’s a handwritten note referencing a guest’s life or welcoming descendants of original bakers, these hosts transform history into hospitality. Guests often cancel their plans just to stay in."

Best Design Stay – Banksia House, Sunshine Coast

the pool at Banksia House, airbnb winner airbnb winner Australian Host Awards
Soak in the unique design of Banksia House.

This category recognises the hosts who have a unique and amazingly distinctive home, and Banksia House earned its crown.

This striking coastal retreat on Caloundra’s headland was designed by a landscape architect to immerse guests in nature and reap its calming benefits. The rental home features a magnesium pool, bocce court, two fireplaces and outdoor baths and showers; all set among lush gardens. Separate living and sleeping pavilions are linked by breezy courtyards, with raw, tactile materials and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

“Guests highlight its Scandinavian simplicity, earth tones and calming energy," said panel judge Sarah Huang. “This is a masterclass in rugged luxury. Every detail, from the absence of plasterboard to the immersive gardens, tells a story of raw nature meeting refined thought. The flow between architecture and landscape creates a meditative, outdoor-centric living experience. The design is minimal yet luxurious, perfect for rest and retreat."

Find the full list of award finalists at airbnb.com.au.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.