Australia’s best holiday homes for 2025 unveiled

Emily Murphy 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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years 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? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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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.