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This cosy cabin in rural NSW is among the world’s 10 most-loved Airbnbs

This scroll-stopping hut overlooking NSW’s Liverpool Plains has snagged a spot on Airbnbs’ 2025 list of most-loved rentals.

Whether it’s the flexibility of a breezy beachside home or the escapist element of a treehouse retreat, there’s a lot to love about the incredible selection of Airbnbs up for grabs these days. The accommodation booking platform has just announced the 10 Airbnb listings that received the most love on social media in 2025, based on total engagement on TikTok and Instagram. Here’s the lowdown. 

The takeaways of the most-loved Airbnbs on social in 2025

The most-loved Airbnbs on social media list reveals the accommodations social media users found most captivating in 2025. The general consensus? Nature-led stays that invite the outdoors in, along with those boasting unique designs and standout architecture. Further, these stays encourage switch-off time through facilities such as soul-warming firepits and calming bathtubs – creating escapes that feel far away from the everyday and lend themselves to deep rest. 

The Australian Airbnb that made the list 

gilay estate cabin
The cabin offers beautiful country views. (Image: Morning Swim)

Located near the town of Quirindi in north-west NSW, Gilay Estate has been named among the top 10 most-loved Airbnbs in the world for 2025. With a striking A-frame build that stands out against the surrounding countryside, the luxury off-grid escape has captured the eyes of travellers and social media users far and wide. (Who could blame them?) Two near-identical, tiny home-style huts are available, both sleeping two. 

gilay estate bedroom
Relax in timber-clad Gilay Estate. (Image: Morning Swim)

The central spaces feature a contemporary fireplace and king-sized bed looking out through generously sized panes of glass to tree-scattered, pastoral greens. Awash in timber panelling with splashes of dusty orange and charcoal hues, interiors are a stylish mash-up of raw natural materials and structured human touches.

Outside, savour complimentary sparkling from local Hollydene Estate Winery while spotting roaming wildlife from the wood-fired hot tub. Or perhaps sharpen your culinary skills using the Gozney pizza oven and open firepit grill. It’s a stay that truly encourages guests to rejuvenate and switch off. 

The most-loved Airbnbs on social in 2025

North Cascades Haven airbnb
North Cascades Haven is a delight. (Image: Airbnb)

Earning their place alongside Gilay Estate are a host of nine more inspiring Airbnbs guaranteed to make you stop scrolling. 

Sitting right on the edge of the glacier-fed Cascade River in Washington, USA, North Cascades Haven at the River Cabin promises to lull guests to sleep with the continous sound of running rapids and ethereal forest views. In New York, Birch Falls Spa Cabin at Evergreen Cabins also draws on the element of water and forested surrounds, spotlighting an indoor waterfall and soaker jet tub.  

Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest
Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest. (Image: Airbnb)

Brimming with creativity, Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest in Mexico’s Naucalpan de Juárez is an oasis of futuristic design. The four-bedroom house comprises layered levels of wavy edges complemented by a series of stunning gardens and water ponds. 

Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain
Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain, USA. (Image: Airbnb)

Also named one of the most Insta-worthy Airbnbs in the world in 2025 was Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This USA stay is a sanctuary for reflection, lending itself to slow getaways with a picturesque reading nook, sunroom, hot tub and outdoor terrace with a firepit and knockout valley views. 

Eleanor Edström
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.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.