Australia’s best holiday homes for 2025 unveiled

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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From dreamy coastal escapes to swoon-worthy luxe lodges. 

Something about staying at a holiday home makes a getaway feel extra special – the privacy, the space, the sense of escape. If you’re dreaming of your next trip, the reveal of Stayz’s 2025 Holiday Homes of the Year list is your cue to start planning. This year’s list showcases the crème de la crème of holiday rentals – each a perfect setting for your next unforgettable escape. 

Handpicked from over 50,000 listings, these 10 private Aussie rentals have guest ratings of 9.8 and above and are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Think chic country escapes, jaw-dropping coastal stays and dreamy architectural retreats, all handpicked for their luxe factor and stellar guest reviews. 

1. Abercorn, Buckaroo, NSW 

Abercorn near Mudgee in Buckaroo, NSW 
Enjoy an authentic farm stay at Abercorn.

An architect-designed countryside retreat near Mudgee, Abercorn offers guests stylish, light-filled interiors, lush veggie gardens and a charming herd of Belted Galloway cows for a genuine farm-stay experience. 

2. Mountain Lodge, Sassafras, Vic 

Mountain Lodge in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria
Stay among the treetops at Mountain Lodge.

Perched among the treetops of the Dandenong Ranges, this lodge features a spectacular rooftop viewing deck – ideal for evening drinks and nature gazing in serene luxury. 

3. Carpe Mykonos, Margaret River, WA 

Carpe Mykonos in Margaret River, WA
Step into Greece at Carpe Mykonos.

Experience a Mediterranean-inspired getaway on just over three picturesque hectares in Margaret River at Carpe Mykonos , complete with a private tennis court, fire pit and expansive views from a spacious outdoor deck. 

4. The Cape House, Dover, Tas 

Cape House, Dover, Tasmania
This luxurious property is found at the southern end of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

Nestled on a 100-hectare private estate near Dover in southern Tasmania, this luxurious farmhouse blends modern comfort with old-world charm, offering panoramic water views and a heated outdoor hot tub. 

5. The Hamptons Hinterland Retreat, Gold Coast, Qld 

The Hamptons Hinterland Retreat in the Gold Coast, Queensland
Hamptons Hinterland Retreat is perfect for large get-togethers.

This sprawling luxury estate accommodates up to 14 guests and includes a 16-metre saltwater pool, designer kitchen and multiple lounge areas, all just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast’s vibrant centre. 

6. Frogwell Hollow, Stirling, SA 

Frogwell Hollow in Stirling, South Australia
Stay at Frogwell Hollow in autumn.

A charming countryside escape in the Adelaide Hills, Frogwell Hollow features a wildlife-rich garden, sunlit conservatory, wood-fired oven and fire pit, perfect for peaceful getaways. 

7. The Bahama House, Port Douglas, Qld 

Bahama House in Port Douglas, Queensland
This Caribbean-inspired home is in Australia’s tropical north.

Steps from Four Mile Beach, one of Port Douglas’s best beaches, this Caribbean-inspired home boasts a large pool, gourmet chef’s kitchen and alfresco dining. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring Tropical North Queensland. 

8. Oliver’s Cottage, Yarra Glen, Vic 

Oliver’s Cottage in Yarra Glen, Victoria
Run yourself a bath in Oliver’s Cottage.

Set in the beautiful Yarra Valley, this spacious six-bedroom farmhouse offers a cosy gas fireplace, outdoor spa, cedar barrel sauna and panoramic mountain views. 

9. Braeside, Kangaroo Valley, NSW 

Braeside in Kangaroo Valley, Victoria
Braeside is a luxury retreat in Kangaroo Valley.

This two-hectare luxury retreat in Kangaroo Valley features a 12-metre saltwater swimming pool, wraparound decking and an inviting outdoor firepit, all within a tranquil, wildlife-rich setting. 

10. Le Chateau, Holgate, NSW 

Le Chateau in Holgate, NSW 
Bring your friends to Le Chateau.

Inspired by a French chateau, this grand mansion on the Central Coast accommodates up to 18 guests and features an infinity-edge pool, billiard room and an exquisite private art collection. 

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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    Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

    This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

    Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

    Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

    aerial view of bribie island
    Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

    In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

    Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

    table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
    Refuel at Park & Cove.

    Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

    Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

    After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

    baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
    Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

    Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

    Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

    Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

    Rockhampton Museum of Art
    Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

    Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

    Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

    woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
    Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

    Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

    Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

    aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
    Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

    After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

    Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

    Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

    two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
    Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

    Day 8: To Port Douglas

    No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

    Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

    aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
    Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

     Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.