Airbnb has released a selection of its most wishlisted homes in Australia for 2026.

From Instagrammable country cabins to sun-drenched seaside stays in Noosa and Hunter Valley hideaways, Australia is home to a smorgasbord of idyllic Airbnbs perfect for lazing, grazing and switching off your ‘go’ button.  

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

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  

Here are the six most-wishlisted Airbnbs in Australia for 2026

Red Rock Hut, King Island in Bungaree, Tas

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. 

Magical Rainforest Retreat in Main Arm, 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.

Palm Pavilion in Church Point, NSW

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

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

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.