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

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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. 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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. 

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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 reasons it’s time to explore Lismore’s vibrant villages

(Image: Visit Lismore)

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
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    Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.

    Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.

    1. Nights come to life

    Lismore's vibrant villages have Patrons enjoying a night out at Eltham Hotel.
    Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.

    2. A thriving arts and culture scene

    Racing on Molesworth Steet, Lismore for the BBCC Lismore Cycling Festival. Lismore's vibrant villages is filled with murals.
    Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.

    3. Boutique shopping

    Inside Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables in Lismore's vibrant villages.
    Uncover one-of-a-kind finds. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.

    4. Diverse food offerings

    Bartenders at the The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
    Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.

    Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.

    Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.

    5. Alternative lifestyles reign

    Streetscape of Nimbin with buskers, Northern Rivers
    Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

    This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.

    6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep

    Person enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park.
    Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.

    7. Boutique stays

    Contained in Nimbin Accommodation.
    Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)

    Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridge secluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.

    8. Form community connections

    Crowds enjoying the Lismore Lantern Parade on the North Coast.
    Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.

    Friday Meet and Make offers relaxed crafting at The Artisans Table, while Fire Twirling in The Quad delivers a high energy evening spectacle. The legendary Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Festival is a bold celebration of inclusion; Lismore Lantern Parade glows through streets with handmade lanterns on the winter solstice and Italian festival LisAmore! brings music and romance to the town.

    Start planning the ultimate getaway at visitlismore.com.au