Dreaming of a break fuelled by great food and wine, interspersed with nature-based activities and accommodation that feels like home? Here are some of the best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island offers much in the way of accommodation. There are incredible luxury stays, and beautiful camping spots and we’ve previously shared our absolute top places to stay, but if you’re after that home-away-from-home feeling you just can’t beat an Airbnb stay. From a quirky cottage in Kingscote to a tried-and-tested eco villa in a wildlife sanctuary, we’ve rounded up the best Airbnbs to book on Kangaroo Island for families, lovers of luxury, romantics, those wanting water views and group getaways, too.

Kangaroo Island Airbnbs with water views

1. Grass Tree North Coast

Stare out at the sea, stretched like a piece of shining blue fabric, from this charming, contemporary cottage set amid a grove of gums and grass trees at Grass Tree North Coast.

Large picture windows frame the sea and sky and highlight the sculptural silhouette of the trees, their twisted limbs outstretched toward the sky. Inside the charming space is all corrugated iron and upcycled timbers with soaring ceilings and a dark and moody designer kitchen.

Sleeps: Grass Tree North Coast accommodates nine guests.

2. Blue Seas

Blue Seas is a contemporary retreat that has slick wood and corrugated iron curves, a Flinstones-like exterior and oversized porthole windows that let in an abundance of natural light. Highly coveted at the D’Estrees Bay beach house are the sun-loungers on the deck, which you will want to remain glued to for days. The only traffic you will see from here is the boats gliding through the Southern Ocean.

Sleeps: Blue Seas accommodates six guests.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for families

3. Blakeney Holiday Home

The outside world looks pretty bright from the lounge room of this functional family home, which boasts some of the best views of Emu Bay. Watch the sea ripple against the shore from the deck, build sandcastles on the beach with your toddler, flick your teen the free wi-fi code and give your in-laws the best bedroom.

Sleeps: Blakeney Holiday Home accommodates eight guests comfortably.

4. Nat’s Retreat

The sun sends glints of light glittering off the water that arcs around Nat’s Retreat, the oldest inhabited house in South Australia. History buffs will love the fact the faithfully restored house, located on a headland overlooking Antechamber Bay, was built more than two centuries ago by pioneering English sailor Nat Thomas. Kick back on the veranda, lounge on the lawn, or bounce down to the beach to swim with the dolphins.

Sleeps: Nat’s Retreat is located on a working farm and sleeps eight.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for romance

5. The Nest

Ready to pop the question? You can propose in style when you book a stay at The Nest, on Kangaroo Island, which sets the scene for romance with its outdoor hot tub and log fire.

It matters not if you get cold feet as you can still spend the weekend swanning about in fluffy robes, curled up with a good book in the window nook, and admiring the view from the glass-fronted sauna. Stay put and enjoy the seclusion of this private escape or explore nearby Lathami Conservation Park.

Sleeps: The Nest accommodates two guests.

6. Wandering Souls Exclusive bell tent

Visit the Bay of Shoals winery, stock up on wines from the cellar door, and then wander over to your Wandering Souls exclusive bell tent where you can bunker down for the night.

You can choose between tents such as the Harper, which has a Hamptons Coast feel, the Romani Traveller, much-loved by boho types, or the Matilda tent, which has contemporary Australian accents. If you’re more of a hardcore camper, there are plenty of places to camp on Kangaroo Island.

Sleeps: The bell tents accommodate two guests.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for luxury

7. Ecopia Retreat

You are more likely to cross paths with the resident echidnas during your stay at Ecopia Retreat than guests staying in the second cabin. The off-grid contemporary villas are in a dream location for nature lovers with panoramic views of the lacquered green landscape, which bristles with native grasses, like stubble on a chin. These single-level, self-contained properties feature gleaming wood floors, a cosy wood fireplace, and a freestanding bath.

Sleeps: The cabins accommodate two guests.

8. Copperstone Kangaroo Island

Commandeer the best spot on the couch at Copperstone KI, an architecturally up-to-the-minute beach house overlooking Emu Bay. Standout features include the ocean views from every room, the indoor and outdoor fireplaces and underfloor heating. The house comprises two pavilions with sliding glass doors that open out onto a deck with ocean views. The property may or may not be favoured by privacy-seeking celebrities aiming to avoid the paparazzi.

Sleeps: Copperstone Kangaroo Island accommodates up to eight guests.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for groups

9. The Harbourmaster

The Harbourmaster makes the most of Kangaroo Island’s open landscape with views that take in beautiful Hog Bay. The stylish holiday home sleeps 10 guests, and has convivial communal spaces, making it perfect for a group getaway. You can choose to fish, surf, swim or eat and drink your way around Kangaroo Island or simply sunbathe on the patio. Watch out for the wallabies and kangaroos that bound by at dawn and dusk.

Sleeps: The Harbourmaster accommodates 10 guests.

10. Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat

Groups will have Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat on the Dudley Peninsula to themselves. And, best of all, each person can carve off and choose their own adventure: go surfing or sailing or stay on terra firma and pursue energetic bush walks, a tour of the local wineries, or a local cookery lesson, just a few of the many wonderful things to do while on Kangaroo Island. Turn the lights off at night and step outside to enjoy the natural spectacle of being under a ceiling of stars.

Sleeps: Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat accommodates up to 10 guests.