The 10 Most Adorable Cottage Stays In Australia

From creative retreats to farmyard chic: discover the best cottages for holiday rentals around Australia.

As our modern lives get busier, bigger and more connected, there’s a growing urge to run away to the countryside and forget it all. Cottagecore became a trend for a reason, after all. While in reality we may not be willing to leave it all behind, these adorable cottage stays around Australia invite us to disconnect and relax at one with nature, at least for a little while.

1. Poet’s Lodge, Daylesford, Victoria

If the phrase ‘roof to floor bookshelves’ doesn’t have you packing your bags, maybe the rolling ladder across it will. Nothing screams writer’s retreat like the three cottages of Poet’s Lodge . Only a few minutes walk to Daylesford and everything it has to offer, still get an off-grid, rustic feel with a warm fireplace or hot bath. Sit down as a group in large dining rooms, cosy up with a book, gaze and original paintings hung about the cottages or relax in your private courtyard.

lounge room and fireplace at Poet's Lodge, Daylesford VIC — Settle in by a roaring fire.

2. Liptrap Loft, WalkerVille, Victoria

The draping vines, wooden walls and quaint farmland setting make Liptrap Loft a thing of Cottagecore dreams. Designed in a modern, Japanese-influenced architectural style, the shape alone is alluring. But then the recycled materials used give a unique, magical pull. This is a stay all about secluded comfort in a rural and coastal setting. Wake up to the sun peaking through your windows as the birds create a chorus outside them.

exterior shot of liptrap loft holiday rental cottage in WalkerVille VIC — Enjoy unique and modern, Japanese-influenced architecture.

3. Grampians Pioneer Cottages, Halls Gap, Victoria

There’s a lot about the old world we’re happy to leave behind, but adorable and cosy wood log cottages aren’t one of them. Grampians Pioneer Cottages are built from Australian and New Zealand reclaimed timbers, stone, mudbrick, corrugated iron and 100-year-old redbricks, giving their outside a unique look. Inside is just as eye-catching. All self-contained, find wood finishings, thatched rooves, stone fireplaces and more. What’s more, they’re all wheelchair friendly with vistas of the Grampians.

loungeroom of Grampians Pioneer Cottages, Halls Gap, Victoria — Step into an adorable and cosy wood log cottage.

4. Captain’s Cottage, Hobart, Tasmania

There’s a lot to fall in love with around the sloped, residential streets of historic Hobart, and this Airbnb stay is the perfect place to start. Aptly named, the Captain’s Cottage was originally built in the mid-1800s for a ship’s captain, and has since become such an iconic stay that its textured furnishings (think velvet chairs and linen sheets), striking claw-footed tub and whimsical courtyard garden have featured in design and style magazines around the country.

fireplace and desk in Captains Cottage, Hobart TAS — Stay in a vintage Hobart home, originally built for a sea captain.

5. My Sister & The Sea, Marion Bay, South Australia

This rustic 1950s weatherboard cottage may have been brought in from Sweden, but nothing could look more at home in this coastal town. Light and bright interiors keep the cottage seaside-chic, including all three bedrooms. Its relatively large size for a cottage makes it perfect for small group getaways, not to mention the spacious farmhouse table, large kitchen and cosy fireplace with plenty of seating.

hallway inside My Sister & The Sea, Marion Bay SA — Stay in a rustic 1950s weatherboard cottage from Sweden. (Image: Frankie The Creative)

6. Cowboy’s Cabin on Wollombi Brook, Hunter Valley, NSW

Everything about Cowboy’s Cabin feels like an instant classic, from the slab-timber walls to the vintage rocking horse decoration. The name of the furnishing game is timber cosy and country florals, with an open plan kitchen and living space inviting guests to settle in for the evening. Set on a working farm, the only creatures you may wake up to are the grazing cattle as they wander by.

kitchen table inside Cowboy’s Cabin on Wollombi Brook, Hunter Valley NSW — Relax in country comfort on a working farm.

7. Bay & Bush Cottages, Jervis Bay, NSW

This boutique property near Huskisson is set up for all your coastal cabin dreams; whether that be staying cosy in winter or diving into summer. Find just eight self-contained cottages hidden amongst coastal and marine National Parks. Be welcomed to Bay & Bush by kangaroos and kookaburras, star gaze by the outdoor fire pit at night (ideally with marshmallows roasting), whale watching between late April and mid-November, head into town for museums and galleries or stay put with locally sourced food and wine.

8. Riverdale 1898, Kalgan, Western Australia

This cottage has the type of casual, whimsical charm that seems impossible to achieve in your own home. Take a step back in time – while keeping modern comforts firmly in place – to this farm. Wander the working cattle farm, small vineyard and flower-growing business onsite by day, then return home to a fully equipped kitchen at night to start the fireplace glowing. Cosy up with the well-stocked bookshelves boasting local and natural history, floral design and local authors.

loungeroom inside Riverdale 1898, Kalgan WA — Enjoy the casual charm of Riverdale 1898. (Image: Jemma Keech)

9. The Postman’s Cottage, Montville, Queensland

The rustic romance of The Postman’s Cottage is begging for a couple’s getaway. Set on Montville Estate, this cottage is believed to have started life as a railway house in a neighbouring town, then brought to the estate around 1895 for the lady of the house to birth six children in. Today, it’s been built to celebrate slow living. Find a king-sized bed, kitchen, classic clawfoot tub and a range of books and board games with a fireplace to enjoy them by. You’ll even find a Bluetooth speaker, but no TV or wi-fi. So get ready to disconnect.

ensuite inside The Postman’s Cottage, Montville QLD — Book a romantic getaway to The Postman’s Cottage. (Image: Yani Rae)

10. Whispering Valley Cottage Retreat, Maleny, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast might be known for its stunning beaches, but its Hinterlands hold their own, very underrated, pristine beauty. Imagine being nestled in lush green rainforest – uninterrupted for 18.6 hectares – fireplace burning and a tasting plate of local, fresh produce from the gorgeous breakfast hamper and welcome cheese platter and not another soul in sight. That’s the vibe at Whispering Valley Cottage Retreat . Each cabin has a fireplace, spa bath and fully equipped kitchen.

Whispering Valley Cottage Retreat, Maleny QLD — Step into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for the perfect cottage retreat.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

The 10 most adorable cottage stays around Australia