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The best holiday rentals and Airbnbs in Noosa

Consider your Noosa accommodation sorted with these standout Airbnbs and holiday rentals.

Not all Noosa Airbnbs are created equal. So, we’ve done the research for you to uncover the full range of stand-out Sunshine Coast stays. Noosa’s upmarket hotels and ritzy resorts will always attract luxe-leaning travellers. But there is also an impeccable collection of laidback Airbnbs and holiday rentals in Noosa. Find the perfect places to stay for a dreamy beachside or hinterland holiday with our guide to 16 of the best Noosa Airbnbs and holiday rentals.

In short

If you only stay at one holiday rental or Airbnb in Noosa, make it Makepeace Island. This Noosa Airbnb is Australia’s ultimate stay for extended family accommodation.

The Queenslander

the pool area at The Queenslander, Noosa
Unwind by the lagoon-style pool.

Want to book a holiday for the extended family within walking distance of Noosa Main Beach? The Queenslander is part of the new Allawah Noosa portfolio of high-end holiday homes. The impeccably maintained coastal retreat sleeps eight and offers spacious, family-friendly living as well as generous entertaining areas and cool, coastal breezes. Explore nearby shops and beaches and then kick it beside your own private pool.

Address: Near Noosa Main Beach

Domic, Sunshine Beach

Domic graced the cover of Australian Traveller’s Spring 2021 issue dedicated to 100 Unique Stays. And it still leads our list of the best holiday rentals and Airbnbs in Noosa. Domic means ‘place of domes’ in Russian and serves as an elegant home for eco-friendly Hempcrete, which was invented by its owner Evgeny Skigin. The property fronts Sunshine Beach and features six suites, 10 bathrooms, an infinity pool, ‘day spa’, cinema, gym and personal concierge service. There’s also car parking for seven cars including two EVs.

Address: Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach

Eh Frame, Noosa National Park

an A Frame shack at Eh Frame, Noosa National Park
Settle into an A Frame shack in the middle of the forest.

Eh Frame is a mid-century-inspired A Frame named after the short phrase Canadians are known for ending their sentences with, eh? It’s the kind of Canadian love shack a bona fide lumberjack might stumble across while hiking the Rockies. The two-bedroom Noosa Airbnb features exposed timber beams and is kitted out with a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and a dreamy loft bedroom. Although Eh Frame is in the middle of the forest, the only bears you are likely to see are koalas. Sleeps 4.

Address: Solway Drive, Sunshine Beach

Sabi Suite, Noosa Heads

A neutral toned bedroom with a bath
The apartment is swathed in calming neutral tones.

Love is in the Airbnb at Sabi Suite, a one-bedroom apartment ideal for romantics. The second-floor open-plan pad is a short walk from Noosa’s hip strip lined with cafes, restaurants and boutiques. In addition to the two-person spa bath, private balcony and king bed, this Noosa Airbnb also has a steam room, spa, gym and swimming pool onsite. The kitchenette fitted with a dishwasher and basic crockery will come in handy when you’re putting together a grazing platter for your gal. There’s also a cafe on the ground floor.

Address: Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads

Luxury Afloat Noosa

the Luxury Afloat Noosa houseboat
Traverse the Noosa River in style onboard a Luxury Afloat Noosa houseboat.

Enjoy the buttery break of a day onboard a Luxury Afloat Noosa houseboat chugging along Noosa’s network of watery highways. Choose between a six-berth, eight-berth and 10-berth Noosa holiday rental replete with kitchen, BBQ and all linen and towels. Drop anchor off Noosaville and ask the fisho cruising past in his tinnie for tips on how to hook a big one. What better way to get to know the curves of the Noosa River than by meandering through to Lake Cooroibah?

Address: Diyan Street Memorial Park Jetty, Tewantin

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The Shack

The Shack is an itty-bitty Noosa Airbnb fit together like a game of Tetris with a loft bedroom above a kitchenette. The owners honeymooned in Hanalei Bay and their love of Hawaii is evident with the hula girl figurines and pineapples dotted about the cosy space. The Shack has rattan rugs and earthy timber beams that contrast with the crisp, clean white-on-wood interiors. The outdoor deck overlooking a tropical garden provides a tranquil retreat away from the hubbub of Hastings Street.

Address: Sunshine Beach, Noosa

The Lodge, Noosa Heads

Enjoy a peaceful weekend with your family at The Lodge which is an advertisement for a sea change in Noosa. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom beach house is ridiculously idyllic with its sun-splashed deck and heated plunge pool. Enjoy breakfast on the deck or lounge in the sun in the back garden. If the day is damp and soggy, retreat indoors to the light-filled living room which vibes off the classic Aussie beach-chic blueprint. There’s also a laundry, fireplace, workspace and complimentary cruisers. It’s just 20 minutes to some of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches.

Address:  Noosa Heads

Makepeace Island, Noosa River

the master villa at Makepeace Island, Noosa River
The master villa at Makepeace Island is a peaceful retreat on the Noosa River.

Makepeace Island is a small heart-shaped island on the Noosa River with a high-end sanctuary that sleeps up to 20, making it perfect for large get-togethers. The island retreat has three villas, a four-bedroom Island House, one-bedroom Boathouse, eight bathrooms, lagoon pool, 15-seater spa, tennis court and gym. It also offers access to walking trails and has a launching-off point for kayaks and SUPs. Those with extra cash to splash can arrange for a private chef. This Noosa Airbnb is one of Australia’s best holiday homes for a multigenerational stay.

Address: Noosa North Shore, Qld

Little Red Barn, Doonan

an aerial view of Little Red Barn, Doonan
Find a heated plunge pool right outside the Little Red Barn.

Little Red Barn is a three-bedroom Airbnb in Noosa that probs used America’s Midwest as its muse. This slice of hinterland heaven is near to multifaceted venue, The Doonan, easily one of the best restaurants near Noosa. The heated plunge pool makes this property a restorative getaway and is a top spot to catch the sunset, glass of wine in hand. A fireplace, freestanding cast-iron bathtub and comfortable bedrooms make this Noosa Airbnb one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Address: Sunrise Road, Doonan

The Langville Estate

a bathroom with a tub at The Langville Estate, Noosa
Unwind in the freestanding bath.

Budding contestants on The Block will want to take style notes at The Langville Estate to use as design inspo. Pack your best mocha mousse pantsuit so you blend in with the colour schemes in this four-bedroom Airbnb just a 40-minute drive from Noosa. Invite your next of kin to the Kin Kin property, which sleeps 10 guests and features a swimming pool, sauna, media room and open-plan living room geared for relaxation. The secluded property has a pool table to keep teens happy and off screens.

Address: Kin Kin, Noosa Hinterland

Noa by the Beach

You won’t find this luxe Little Cove crash pad on Noosa Airbnb listings. Rather, it’s on the noosasecretdestinations.com.au website aimed at those who want to try the Noosa lifestyle on for size. Want to find the perfect holiday rental for your blended family? This beautifully furnished property sleeps 12 and has an expansive backyard with a trampoline, dedicated media room and a solar-powered swimming pool. There’s also an outdoor terrace and barbecue area where you can swan around in evening attire and keep up with the Joneses.

Address: Little Cove, Noosa

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The Hamptons Lake House

the pool area at The Hamptons Lake House, Noosa
This tranquil vacation home offers a private pool.

The owners have affectionately dubbed this spot The Hamptons Lake House, which speaks to the bright and airy design. The luxe lakehouse is a tranquil retreat with white-on-white interiors softened with earthy textures and views of the Noosa River framed like a watercolour from the wraparound deck. The three-bedroom renovated Queenslander is an ode to open-plan living with an undercover al fresco dining area, fully equipped kitchen and laundry. The lovely lakehouse is within walking distance of Noosa Marina and Noosaville.

Address: Noosa, Tewantin

Kurui Cabin

Noosa Hinterland views from Kurui Cabin
Soak up the Noosa Hinterland from Kurui Cabin.

This architecturally designed tiny home is one of the most popular Airbnbs in the Noosa Hinterland.  The two-bedroom eco-conscious Kurui Cabin is on a working farm at the base of Cooroy Mountain and that soundtrack of mowers, tractors and mooing cows adds to the charm. Curl up on cosy leather couches around the combustion stove in winter. In summer, you can walk from the private outdoor deck into the plunge pool set like a gem in the landscape.  Perfect for couples or families with older children.

Address: Cooroy, Noosa Hinterland

Beachfront Hideaway – Sunrise Beach

a suite with beach views at Beachfront Hideaway – Sunrise Beach, Noosa
Escape to a dreamy seaside retreat at Beachfront Hideaway overlooking Sunrise Beach.

Beachfront Hideaway is the luxe beach shack of your dreams. Call your nepo baby buddies and ask them to fork out a couple of hunge each for the privilege of staying in this East Coast retreat. Although it costs about $3250 a night to stay in the designer digs, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck as the property sleeps up to 14. Bags one of the three bedrooms that have ocean views at the luxe property, which is listed on the Noosa Secret Destinations website. Family-friendly amenities at the seaside retreat include a waterslide, beach accessories, pool toys and large heated swimming pool.

Address: Sunshine Beach|

Thirlestone Farm Cottage and Barn

an outdoor tub at Thirlestone Farm Cottage and Barn
Relax in the outdoor tub at Thirlestone Farm Cottage and Barn.

Picture this: you’re sitting on the deck of Thirlestone Farm Cottage in the Noosa hinterland, the sky soft in the dusk light. Your tech-obsessed teen has set up the 8-foot projector and you’re about to settle in for family movie night under the stars. The renovated workers’ cottage and architecturally designed barn at Thirlestone is like a fantasy farm stay with everything from a rainfall shower to an outdoor fire pit and gear for playing competitive games like cricket and lawn bowls. There’s even an outdoor claw-foot bath to luxuriate in. Could this farm stay get any more family-friendly? Bonus points for being just a 20-minute drive to Noosa’s pristine beaches.

Address: Evans Road, Cooroy

Azure in Sunshine Beach

The rooftop spa at Azure looks like it could be used as a location shoot for Selling Sunset. Cashed-up travellers will appreciate that there is no line of demarcation between the infinity pool, sea and sky at this luxury Noosa holiday home. With accommodation for up to 10 guests, the five-bedroom seaside retreat spills onto a spacious terrace and features endless ocean views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. This exceptionally elegant Noosa property also has a media room with a big screen and PS5. But the real theatre is outside with the surround-sound of waves peaking and crashing on the shore below.

Address: Sunshine Beach

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.