13 of the best Airbnbs in Adelaide

Louisa Norman Louisa Norman
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We’ve curated our pick of the best Airbnb’s in the South Australian capital.

Adelaide’s festival, food and wine scene is second to none. With a laidback charm and a warm welcome waiting, why not book your next escape to South Australia in one of these Airbnb which often offer something more interesting than hotels.

These are 13 of the best Airbnbs in Adelaide to book next time you’re in town.

CBD

1. 1800s city cottage

This renovated three-bedroom 19th-century cottage fuses modern luxury with traditional features like a wood burning stove and timber roof beams. The charming garden dining area is ideal for shared meals with family and friends.

a rustic living room interior with a fireplace at 1800’s city cottage, Adelaide
Modern luxury meets rustic style at this 1800s city cottage.

2. Modern city luxury apartment with sauna

This modern luxury apartment occupies a prime city location near the central shopping district. Watch the sunrise from your balcony over the Adelaide Hills while you plan the day ahead. Or enjoy the shared rooftop pool, spa and fitness suite.

a modern city luxury apartment with sauna in Adelaide
Luxuriate in the sauna or rooftop pool at this modern city luxury apartment.

3. Colourful city studio

This vibrant studio enjoys an enviable location overlooking North Terrace, just minutes from Rundle Mall and Adelaide’s cultural precinct. Ideal for inspiring your creativity, this 1930s apartment owned by renowned artist Billie Justice Thompson showcases a carefully curated selection of South Australia’s finest art and ceramics, adding a unique flair to any city stay.

the Airbnb interior of a colourful city studio in Adelaide
This colourful city studio features South Australia’s finest art and ceramics.

WEST

4. Mid-century seaside escape Henley

This three-bed Henley beach property is only five minutes from bustling Henley Square and offers an elegant seaside escape with period features including a four-poster bed. Enjoy dining on the deck at sunset for a memorable meal with family and friends.

a beachfront outdoor deck at the Henley beach property
Soak up the warm sea breeze at this three-bed Henley beach property.

5. Designer Semaphore Park beach retreat

Sitting between two natural dunes in Semaphore Park this two-bedroom unit offers absolute beachfront vistas. Book the neighbouring identical property to accommodate up to eight of your nearest and dearest for a seaside break only a 10-minute drive from the historic maritime suburb of Port Adelaide. 

a bedroom with beachfront views in Semaphore Park
Wake up next to relaxing beachfront views at this beach retreat.

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EAST

6. Fur baby-friendly cottage

On the eastern fringes of the CBD within walking distance of the city and Norwood, this two-bedroom cottage is a cosy home-from-home welcoming four-legged friends too.

the exterior of a fur baby-friendly cottage in Adelaide
Cosy up in this cottage near the city and Norwood.

With a tranquil garden and thoughtful extra touches like fresh breakfast provisions, you’d never guess this relaxing oasis was conveniently located next to the city.

the interior of a fur baby-friendly cottage in Adelaide
Check into this pet-friendly and relaxing Airbnb.

7. Waterfalls and woodland walks

Pets are welcome in this eastern suburbs property, only five minutes from the upmarket Burnside shopping centre and a 15-minute drive from the CBD.

the Waterfalls and woodland walks property in Adelaide
Book a serene stay at this architectural masterpiece.

Nestled in the Adelaide foothills with a creek running through the garden, this contemporary property offers a serene stay for up to six guests.

the Waterfalls and woodland walks property in the Adelaide foothills
Step into this spacious and contemporary property in the Adelaide foothills.

8. Elegant Norwood luxury cottage

This four-bedroom cottage with a lush garden and solar-heated pool is the perfect summer retreat within easy walking distance of Norwood’s shops and cafes. With free parking at the property, it’s a 10-minute drive to the CBD.

the pool at Elegant Norwood luxury cottage, Adelaide
Relax in a solar-heated pool.

9. Sky-high peaceful escape

Seemingly a world away, yet only one kilometre to one of South Australia’s most iconic wineries Penfolds, this tiny house is a cosy romantic retreat in the foothills.

the fan room in the Adelaide foothills
Hit refresh at this sky-high cottage.

Hike in the nearby parks spotting koalas and kangaroos before returning to your cosy loft bedroom for a drink around the firepit.

a romantic retreat in the Adelaide foothills
Escape to a romantic retreat in the mountains.

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SOUTH

10. 1930s Glenelg Art Deco beach retreat

On a quiet street in the bustling beach suburb of Glenelg, this renovated art deco apartment is the perfect choice for lovers of vintage chic. Situated southwest of the city, an easy half-hour tram ride will take you to the CBD.

the Glenelg Art Deco interior in Adelaide
Opt for a vintage chic stay at this Art Deco beach retreat.

 11. Serene Tiny cabin for two

Get back to nature with this semi-rural rustic retreat that’s less than 25 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. This wooden cabin is a secluded space with a compact kitchen and composting toilet. Recharge whilst you watch for local wildlife or get cosy with a book by the fire. 

a serene tiny cabin near Adelaide CBD
Settle into a serene tiny cabin in the woods.

NORTH

12. Designer Adelaide Oval pad

With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this is an ideal luxury getaway for a larger group of friends or family. The rooftop terrace and large bathtub offer elegant touches for magical memories. The North Adelaide location offers easy access to Adelaide Oval for sports or music events.

a modern bath with tub at Designer Adelaide Oval pad
The pad is complete with an elegant tub.

13. Chic North Adelaide loft

This high-rise studio apartment is a cut above the rest offering treetop views of North Adelaide from a roof terrace with a contemporary interior design. Just four kilometres by free bus to the CBD this is an ideal base for a North Adelaide stay without being far from the city action.

a huge window near the outdoor deck at this chic North Adelaide loft in Adelaide
This design-led stay is ideal for relaxing.
Need more accommodation options? Check out our accommodation guide for every budget.

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Louisa Norman

Louisa Norman

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7 pinch-me moments I had at the new Monarto Safari Lodge

    Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
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    Monarto Safari Resort’s new Safari Lodge delivers so much more than a memorable stay; it’s packed full of unforgettable moments.  

    Just a year after the 78-room Monarto Safari Resort opened, the new Safari Lodge brings a more intimate and exclusive overnight African safari experience to Australia just outside of Adelaide. But just how similar is it to an African safari?

    Consider these pinch-me moments I had during my stay and decide for yourself. 

    1. Cheetah sightings at check-in

    monarto safari lodge cheetahs
    Spot cheetahs before you even check in.

    Safari Lodge is set within the Wild Africa precinct of the expansive, open-range Monarto Safari Park. I expected to see animals, but I didn’t expect to see two cheetahs stalking the fenceline just behind my tent at check-in.

    I cross the paddock to get a closer look. Both are now perched like a sphinx on a hill overlooking the 20 premium tents that make up Safari Lodge. I stand here, locked in place, waiting to see if they make a move. After 10 minutes like this, I turn to get settled into the tent but throw a final look in their direction; they’ve slinked back down, now barely visible in the grass. I’m sure I’ll be dreaming about this encounter later tonight. 

    2. Sipping champagne as a giraffe sips from a waterhole

    giraffes at monarto safari lodge
    Enjoy champagne while meeting the locals. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    The all-inclusive stay includes a 2.5-hour Sunset Safari that takes guests into the Wild Africa precinct onboard a purpose-built Safari Land Cruiser for a chance to see free-roaming herds of African animals up close.

    The safari drive culminates in a champagne and canapé stop in a fenced and sheltered viewing area of the precinct. A chance to watch the sun set as animals gather around one of the many waterholes. And we’re in luck! Two giraffes are stripping leaves from a nearby tree as three white rhinos graze to my right. One giraffe starts galloping, in that funny head-bobbing way giraffes do, to the water’s edge. It splays its legs and bends its long neck down to start slurping up water. I find giraffes endlessly entertaining, and sipping champagne while watching the scene play out is the icing on the cake. 

    3. A rain shower with views of a waterhole where African animals gather

    monarto safari lodge King Safari Tent
    Enjoy views from the King Safari Tent.

    I am staying in tent 17, one of the best positioned tents for animal encounters, due to its proximity to the waterhole. Not only does the spacious 71-square-metre King Safari Tent feature a king bed, lounge area, separate dressing room with kitchenette, coffee machine, kettle and fully stocked mini bar, and ensuite bathroom. But you can even glimpse the waterhole from the rain shower. It’s thoughtful details like this that keep you connected to the safari experience no matter where you are located.  

    4. Feeding lions from within a caged dome

    Lion 360 experience at monarto safari resort
    Step into the Lion 360 experience. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    Monarto Safari Park isn’t a zoo. Set across 1500 hectares of South Australian bushland, it’s an expansive safari experience. It’s been designed to support complex social groupings, natural behaviours and long-term species management. Entry is included for guests, but I’ve decided to upgrade my experience with tickets to Lion 360. 

    Senior Keeper Rachel Hemming herds 15 of us into a domed cage for the unique lion feeding experience. She leads Monarto’s care and conservation breeding programs for their iconic big cats. “Make sure you don’t get too close to the edge of the cage; the lions like to mark their territory,” she warns. 

    She starts making cat-like calls to Kubwa, Kashka and Kito, the three male lions lazing somewhere out of sight behind the tree line in the distance. The promise of food eventually lures the lions over. I’m in awe of their size as they pace back and forth, pausing to take the meat as it’s fed to them via tongs.

    In her excitement, one lady has inched too close; a lion takes aim and hits his mark before she realises her mistake. I see her leaving the gift shop with a new jacket not long after the tour ends. 

    5. A swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board

    Monarto safari Lodge swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board
    Tuck into a poolside treat. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    The Safari Lodge reception is also home to a restaurant and bar, heated swimming pool and several private plunge pools available to book. After a morning spent at Monarto Safari Park, a dip in one of the private plunge pools sounds too good to skip.

    I change into my swimmers and make my way to the lodge. A generous charcuterie board arrives shortly after I slip into the pool. I’m told floating trays are already on order, but picking at the selection of cheeses, meats, nuts and fruit while perched on the edge sipping champagne is just as indulgent as it is having it float in the water. I never make it to the gym or pickleball court beside the lodge, but I have no regrets. 

    6. A front-row seat to a male rhino rejected by two females

    male rhino grazing
    Watch a rhino’s unlucky day. (Credit: Lucas Alexander)

    Louis Tonkin, our Wild Africa Tour host, is giddy with excitement when he spots the three white rhinos on our Sunset Safari drive. He has an inkling that we’re about to get a show.

    He pulls to the side and tells us what terrible eyesight white rhinos have, struggling to spot a motionless animal or object even from a short distance. However, they make up for it with acute hearing and an incredible sense of smell. Which explains why the larger male rhino is methodically creeping towards the two disinterested females grazing metres in front of him, then suddenly freezing on the spot. He’s hoping one will be open to mating with him. He takes another wary shuffle forward and suddenly the smaller of the two turns and charges towards him, butting him hard with her head. It’s a firm no. The male, denied, sheepishly backs away. 

    7. Watching a dazzle of zebra from the comfort of a luxury safari tent

    monarto safari resort zebra
    Wildlife encounters abound.

    Rain clouds loom, and the wind is howling, but thankfully it hasn’t deterred the zebras. I’m brewing a cup of Monarto’s Serengé-T – a vanilla rooibos blended with Daintree black tea and butterfly pea flower when I spot them. Six zebras are prancing across the plains for a drink at the waterhole. I watch their antics from the deck of my King Safari Tent, wrapped in a merino blanket made by Australian-owned Grampians Good Co. and marvel at the fact I get a front-row show to these wild animals. 

    After they disappear from view, I sit with the sketch pad and pencils I find in the cupboard and start drawing some of my most memorable animal encounters from the weekend – starting with the two hippos I saw ravenously munching on grass at dusk as we made our way out of the Wild Africa precinct last night. This really is as close to an authentic safari experience as you can get outside of Africa. 

    Start planning a wild stay in the luxurious Safari Lodge at monartosafariresort.com.