Australia’s best holiday homes for 2025 unveiled

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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From dreamy coastal escapes to swoon-worthy luxe lodges. 

Something about staying at a holiday home makes a getaway feel extra special – the privacy, the space, the sense of escape. If you’re dreaming of your next trip, the reveal of Stayz’s 2025 Holiday Homes of the Year list is your cue to start planning. This year’s list showcases the crème de la crème of holiday rentals – each a perfect setting for your next unforgettable escape. 

Handpicked from over 50,000 listings, these 10 private Aussie rentals have guest ratings of 9.8 and above and are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Think chic country escapes, jaw-dropping coastal stays and dreamy architectural retreats, all handpicked for their luxe factor and stellar guest reviews. 

1. Abercorn, Buckaroo, NSW 

Abercorn near Mudgee in Buckaroo, NSW 
Enjoy an authentic farm stay at Abercorn.

An architect-designed countryside retreat near Mudgee, Abercorn offers guests stylish, light-filled interiors, lush veggie gardens and a charming herd of Belted Galloway cows for a genuine farm-stay experience. 

2. Mountain Lodge, Sassafras, Vic 

Mountain Lodge in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria
Stay among the treetops at Mountain Lodge.

Perched among the treetops of the Dandenong Ranges, this lodge features a spectacular rooftop viewing deck – ideal for evening drinks and nature gazing in serene luxury. 

3. Carpe Mykonos, Margaret River, WA 

Carpe Mykonos in Margaret River, WA
Step into Greece at Carpe Mykonos.

Experience a Mediterranean-inspired getaway on just over three picturesque hectares in Margaret River at Carpe Mykonos , complete with a private tennis court, fire pit and expansive views from a spacious outdoor deck. 

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4. The Cape House, Dover, Tas 

Cape House, Dover, Tasmania
This luxurious property is found at the southern end of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

Nestled on a 100-hectare private estate near Dover in southern Tasmania, this luxurious farmhouse blends modern comfort with old-world charm, offering panoramic water views and a heated outdoor hot tub. 

5. The Hamptons Hinterland Retreat, Gold Coast, Qld 

The Hamptons Hinterland Retreat in the Gold Coast, Queensland
Hamptons Hinterland Retreat is perfect for large get-togethers.

This sprawling luxury estate accommodates up to 14 guests and includes a 16-metre saltwater pool, designer kitchen and multiple lounge areas, all just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast’s vibrant centre. 

6. Frogwell Hollow, Stirling, SA 

Frogwell Hollow in Stirling, South Australia
Stay at Frogwell Hollow in autumn.

A charming countryside escape in the Adelaide Hills, Frogwell Hollow features a wildlife-rich garden, sunlit conservatory, wood-fired oven and fire pit, perfect for peaceful getaways. 

7. The Bahama House, Port Douglas, Qld 

Bahama House in Port Douglas, Queensland
This Caribbean-inspired home is in Australia’s tropical north.

Steps from Four Mile Beach, one of Port Douglas’s best beaches, this Caribbean-inspired home boasts a large pool, gourmet chef’s kitchen and alfresco dining. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring Tropical North Queensland. 

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8. Oliver’s Cottage, Yarra Glen, Vic 

Oliver’s Cottage in Yarra Glen, Victoria
Run yourself a bath in Oliver’s Cottage.

Set in the beautiful Yarra Valley, this spacious six-bedroom farmhouse offers a cosy gas fireplace, outdoor spa, cedar barrel sauna and panoramic mountain views. 

9. Braeside, Kangaroo Valley, NSW 

Braeside in Kangaroo Valley, Victoria
Braeside is a luxury retreat in Kangaroo Valley.

This two-hectare luxury retreat in Kangaroo Valley features a 12-metre saltwater swimming pool, wraparound decking and an inviting outdoor firepit, all within a tranquil, wildlife-rich setting. 

10. Le Chateau, Holgate, NSW 

Le Chateau in Holgate, NSW 
Bring your friends to Le Chateau.

Inspired by a French chateau, this grand mansion on the Central Coast accommodates up to 18 guests and features an infinity-edge pool, billiard room and an exquisite private art collection. 

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn Pride Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.