The holiday rental marketplace has just released a sneak peek of its annual Most Wishlisted Homes in Australia list, revealing six of the most desired stays across the country. The common thread? Tiny homes, connection with nature and stays with drawcards such as stargazing and outdoor baths.
Here’s what the data reveals about our travel appetite right now
Pepper Tree Passive House was revealed as one of the most wishlisted Airbnbs in Australia. (Credit: Pepper Tree Passive House)
Airbnb’s Most Wishlisted Homes in Australia reveals that travellers are seeking short, low-pressure escapes that provide relief from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities.
“The destinations and homes that are featuring on people’s wishlists reflect a desire for digital detox and local travel," says Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager for Airbnb Australia and New Zealand. “As people look for ways to disconnect and reset, the homes featured in the Most Wishlisted Airbnbs for 2026 point to a desire for nature-led stays, from tiny homes to off-grid retreats, that offer various options for those looking for a chance to reset."
The key trends from this year’s list include:
Tiny homes – small, minimalist stays are some of the country’s most wishlisted properties on Airbnb
Nature immersion – frequent search terms on Airbnb’s website include ‘rainforest’ and ‘seclusion’, highlighting the demand for regional, off-grid and quiet escapes
Stargazing and sleeping under the stars – wishlists are increasingly featuring transparent dome and bubble accommodation that allow travellers to watch the night sky
Aesthetic outdoor baths – hot tubs and outdoor baths are a common feature among top Airbnb listings
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Here are the six most-wishlisted Airbnbs in Australia for 2026
Red Rock Hut, King Island in Bungaree, Tas
King Island’s Red Rock Hut promises stillness and solace.
Those craving solace and solitude may find no pad more ideal than Red Rock Hut, an ultra-secluded tiny home on the west coast of Tasmania’s remarkable King Island. Replenish your soul in the private, wood-fired hot tub and barrel sauna, then watch mighty waves rise and fall from beneath warm, 1000-thread-count bed linen.
Pepper Tree Passive House in Unanderra, NSW
If ‘contemporary chic tree house’ takes your fancy, you’re in good company. This sustainably designed, two-bedroom loft, set against the backdrop of Mount Kembla in the suburbs of Wollongong, ranks among the most wishlisted Airbnbs in Australia for 2026. The pièce de résistance is the 60-year-old, fairylight-draped pepper tree that rises through the elevated terrace, where guests no doubt linger for breakfast and evening tipples. Though Pepper Tree Passive House’s cantilevered wings and beautifully furnished bedrooms make a compelling case, too.
Escape to a modern treehouse. (Credit: Pepper Tree Passive House)
The interiors draw on natural materials. (Credit: Pepper Tree Passive House)
The cabin offers thoughtful architecture surrounded by bush. (Credit: Pepper Tree Passive House)
Magical Rainforest Retreat in Main Arm, NSW
Step into another world at Magical Rainforest Retreat, NSW.
Magical Rainforest Retreat is an apt name for this unique tropical cabin located across a rustic wooden bridge seemingly pulled from a children’s fairytale. Set along a meandering creek amid towering rainforest in the NSW Northern Rivers region, the romantic one-bedder has Balinese-inspired interiors, an open-plan timber terrace and an adorable swinging chair over the creek. It’s one of the most wishlisted Airbnbs in Australia for good reason.
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Palm Pavilion in Church Point, NSW
The house blends timber and minimalistic design. (Credit: Palm Pavilion)
Palm Pavilion is hidden with trees in NSW's Church Point. (Credit: Palm Pavilion)
Enjoy a breezy terrace and outdoor pool perfect for groups. (Credit: Palm Pavilion)
This boutique rainforest-encircled home lies just 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD on the edge of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Architecturally stunning, Palm Pavilion hosts up to eight guests across multiple storeys and features a generous outdoor patio with a private pool, along with wide-open windows that flood the space with natural light. Girls’ long weekend plans sorted.
Star Gazing Bubble ‘Etoile’ in Agnes, Vic
Etoile bubble accommodation is proving that stargazing stays are trending with travellers.
Bubble Retreats’ Etoile dials the wow factor all the way up, thanks to its dreamy transparent ceiling – a front-row seat to one of the country’s premier dark-sky displays. Overlooking Wilsons Promontory National Park, this adults-only retreat sleeps two and comes self-contained with a thoughtfully designed kitchenette, ensuite, private deck primed for barbecue dinners and stargazing nightcaps. Consider it your own little world under the cosmos.
Romantic Lake House Retreat in Hunchy, Qld
Get back to nature at this lakeside tiny home. (Credit: Romantic Lake House Retreat Montville)
Tucked within the Sunshine Coast hinterland, this Romantic Lake House Retreat feels a world away from civilisation yet is located just minutes from restaurants, hiking trails and gorgeous waterfalls. The off-grid, eco-designed home has exclusive access to a private lake, where seasonal baby turtles glide through the water. You won’t have wi-fi –but that’s the point. Here it’s all about slow, intentional living.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
There’s nothing like the freedom and flexibility of a road trip – made all the better with local knowledge.
From the rugged coast to the spiritual centre of the country, Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to legendary drives. And hitting the road and meeting locals who can share their favourite spots along the way is one of the best ways to get to a destination’s heart.
These six epic road trips are a good place to start, basing yourself at locally run Quest Apartment Hotels to take advantage of insider travel tips and convenience aplenty.
1. Journey along the Murray: Mildura – Echuca – Wodonga
Explore the Murray. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Australia’s longest river is dotted with charming towns. In Mildura, a brew from Brother Chris will energise you for a day exploring Mungo National Park, featuring 240,000 hectares of lunar-like landscapes, ending with a restful night at Quest Mildura.
A day cruising with Murray River Paddlesteamers is a must-do. And make sure you visit Two Lads Brewing; Quest Echuca business owner Brendan Du Kamp says its crisp lager “has a wonderful reputation for converting even the most devoted traditional beer lovers”. Unwind at the centrally located Quest Echuca.
In Wodonga, Miss Amelie delivers the region’s best gourmet finds, and Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works offers fishing, swimming and picnic spots. End the day on a high note with a night at the spacious Quest Wodonga.
2. Through the heart of Australia: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Stay close to Adelaide’s best attractions at Quest on Franklin.
Venturing through Australia’s spiritual heart is an unforgettable experience. Starting in Adelaide, check into Quest on Franklin, a convenient base for discovering the best activities – including Adelaide Central Market and the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike.
Further north, Quest Alice Springs owner Sherry Li recommends you “take the time to explore the galleries and cafes, chat with the locals and venture beyond the town centre”. The culturally significant Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm) and Alice Springs Desert Park beckon to be explored; afterwards, beat the heat with rooftop cocktails at Quest Alice Springs.
Up north, golden sunsets and barramundi await at Darwin Sailing Club, as does the pet-friendly Quest Palmerston, loved for its outdoor swimming pool and proximity to Palmerston Markets.
Greet the day from Castle Hill. (Image: Katie Purling)
Head from the city to the tropics, starting with a Brisbane culture fix at the Queensland Cultural Centre before enjoying drinks overlooking the river at Howard Smith Wharves. Sleep over at one of 11 Quest properties conveniently peppered across the city, including Quest Woolloongabba.
After heading north to Rockhampton, explore the Dreamtime Cultural Centre then marvel at Mt Archer National Park and Fitzroy River views from Quest Rockhampton.
Next, venture to Mackay, where the picturesque coast and sugarcane fields are easily accessible from Quest Mackay on Gordon.Even further north,in Townsville, Alison Rayner, business owner of the perfectly placed Quest Townsville on Eyre, recommends enjoying the sunrise from Castle Hill and the ‘Just Feed Me’ menu from Shorehouse.
4. The Western Way: Fremantle – Rockingham – Bunbury
Quest Bunbury puts you steps from Bunbury’s Koombana Bay, home to over 100 wild bottlenose dolphins. Make sure to also visit the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG), found inside a historic former convent.
5. Follow the vines: Griffith – Orange – Singleton
Don’t miss the steak frites at Monty’s.
Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Riverina viticulture. In Griffith, sip montepulciano at Calabria Family Wines and the award-winning Noble One Botrytis Semillon at De Bortoli. It’s all easily accessible from Quest Griffith, where modern rooms are flooded with natural light.
Amy van de Ven, Quest Orange business owner, recommends visiting family-owned ChaLou Wines and Printhie Wines in Orange. “Finish with a long lunch or dinner at Quest Orange’s newest onsite restaurant, Monty’s Restaurant & Bar, where the steak frites are hard to beat, and you’ll find arguably the region’s best tiramisu,” she says. Make life easy by cocooning yourself at Quest Orange.
In the Hunter Valley, bed down at Quest Singleton, where tasteful rooms feature deep soaking baths and you’re well-placed to sip world-class drops at Brokenwood Wines and dine at two-hatted Muse.
6. Goldfields to Great Ocean Road: Geelong – Ballarat – Warrnambool
Taste Geelong’s delights. (Image: Visit Victoria)
This diverse adventure takes you from port city to historic town to rugged coastline. Begin in Geelong, brimming with culinary delights, culture and natural beauty that’s ready to be discovered at Little Malop Street and the rooftop patio at Quest Geelong.
Ballarat’s colourful Gold Rush history can be explored at Sovereign Hill, and the region’s top produce can be sampled at popular spirit and wine bar Roy Hammond. Quest Ballarat Station and its luxe rooms is the perfect place to hole up during your stay.
For an unforgettable Aussie experience, Naomi Slape – owner of Quest Warrnambool – recommends visiting Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a dormant volcano where you can spot koalas, emus and wallabies in the wild. Quest Warrnambool is just steps from the idyllic McGennans Beach and across the road from the Warrnambool Art Gallery.
