Ditch hotels filled with unfamiliar faces and whirls of activity in favour of a wildly cosy Airbnb on the Gold Coast.

When the call of a long, overdue getaway catches up with your tight-knit tribe, a home away from home is just the ticket. While the region is spoiled for luxury accommodation options and stellar dining venues to get the party started, an Airbnb on the Gold Coast is an ideal refuge for boundless hijinks. Offering epic scenery and ultimate locations, plus Pinterest-perfect styling against unbelievable architecture, these stand-out stays dial up the comfort in breathtaking style.

1. Houston

Originally constructed by art deco mastermind Harry Seidler in the 1950s, the Houston Currumbin building was one of the architect’s very first Australian projects. But even without its boss credentials, this Airbnb on the Gold Coast is heavenly, even when it’s not dripping in sunshine.

Situated on a quiet corner, right across the road from Currumbin Beach on one side and Barefoot Barista, one of the best caffeine pit stops in the entire city, on the other, Houston consists of two light-drenched apartments. The two-bedroom Apartment 1, located on the ground floor so you’ve got a decent lawn and terrace space to play with, feels beachy thanks to splashes of muted colour amid a whole bunch of textured timbers, while touches of marble bring the luxe.

Up one level at the two-bedroom Apartment 2, the balcony is the focal point as an uninterrupted gaze across the beach provides a magnificent in-motion mural. It’s so good looking, that they’ve decided to keep the master suite open plan, so the views seem limitless. Again, coastal cool tones compliment a tactile collection of sleek wood and rattan.

Perfect for small families, or couples, both apartments feature fully equipped kitchens with cooking basics and Meile appliances, generous living areas and swimming essentials including particularly gorgeous towels, often slung across those enviable outdoor spaces to really make passers-by envious.

Where: Currumbin

Price: Rates start from $425 per night.

2. Jefferson Lane House

Situated on one of the most prestigious beachfront strips in the southern Gold Coast, the Jefferson Lane House offers the stuff of holiday dreams. A four-bedroom, three-bathroom slice of heaven right off Palm Beach, its private access to the surf is unparalleled. Just a few steps off the living area will dust your feet with golden sand as a railless outdoor patio practically levitates you over the beach.

Sleek, trend-driven furniture and furnishings create endless Instagram moments as a private hot tub, fully equipped kitchen and SMEG appliances extend the luxe.

Location-wise, you’re within walking distance to the suburb’s burgeoning main strip of eateries and hole-in-the-wall bars, not that you’ll want to leave these jaw-dropping views any time soon.

Where: Palm Beach

Price: Rates start from about $995 per night.

3. Finn’s Nook

Embrace the glitz and glam of the city’s most famed locale with a stay at Finn’s Nook, an Airbnb on the Gold Coast in the heart of the action.

The perfect Surfers Paradise spot if you’re planning on stumbling back only a short distance to your accommodation, it’s a one-bedroom stunner flowing with coastal-cool delights.

Situated about 100 metres from a patrolled beach, the unit is on the top floor of a three-bedroom block, decked out in a wash of timber and white with scattered green foliage warming it up.

Rattan reigns supreme, as do varied caramel hues, and there’s a balcony overlooking grassy parklands down below. A cosy, couples’-friendly retreat in a seriously sought-after spot.

Where: Surfers Paradise

Price: Rates start from about $200 per night.

4. Main Beach Penthouse

If you’re in town for a spot of Gold Coast whale watching, or can’t get enough of the theme parks, this Airbnb is a no-brainer. The Main Beach Penthouse, located just 100 metres from the beach itself, is a four-bedroom showstopper designed for group getaways. Featuring a private rooftop with fairy lights and a barbecue, plus a pool table, there’s always a space to make memories in.

Additionally, there are two spacious balconies to lounge upon, SMEG appliances, a fridge with an ice maker attached to the front (life goals, or is that just us?), a children’s play area and gym equipment to get amongst. Also, you’re close to the tram line so getting to the thick of Surfers is a breeze.

Where: Main Beach

Price: Rates start from about $600 per night.

5. Tamborine Mountain Barn

Heading for the hills during the cooler months? The Tamborine Mountain Barn, located within the Gold Coast Hinterland, is the ultimate winter winner.

Sure, it’s plenty comfy when it’s warm outside (albeit nowhere near the beach), but its fireplace is wasted unless it’s blazing.

Set on an 18-acre farm, flanked by grassy lawns, and constructed from recycled wharf timber, this Airbnb on the Gold Coast sleeps four guests, with both couples scoring their own bathroom.

A fully equipped kitchen with a farmhouse sink, laundry, study, dining room and rich timber furnishings cement an irresistible drop-and-flop scene.

Where: Tamborine Mountain

Price: Rates start from about $355 per night.

6. The Pool House

Charge up your phone because every inch of The Pool House is worth snapping. A drool-worthy Airbnb on the Gold Coast just 30 metres from Tugun Beach, it’s a Spanish-inspired masterpiece that sleeps up to four guests. From the outdoor shower and spectacularly designed plunge pool to the flawless cream-on-terracotta styling and open-plan dining and living, it’s an easy, breezy, beautiful gem you’ll struggle to part with.

A gourmet kitchen with a large island bench, SMEG appliances, an outdoor fire pit and a manicured lawn facilitate impeccable living no matter where you’re relaxing.

Where: Tugun

Price: Rates start from about $700 per night.

7. Bilinga Beach House

A quintessential southern beaches beauty, Bilinga Beach House is a breathtaking spot to sit back and watch the waves crash.

It’s a light-flooded, timber-and-white masterpiece, and while the trend is often replicated in this part of the world, this spot feels like an original trendsetter with quirky details adding warmth.

Featuring three bedrooms (with one ground floor serving as its own granny flat-style entity just without a bathroom), three living areas, a dream beach-facing patio with a barbecue, and private beach access, it’s a soothing oasis set right off a spectacular stretch of sand.

Where: Bilinga

Price: Rates start from about $570 per night.

8. Wattle Cottage

Your hunt for a romantic hinterland hideaway (no children allowed) ends here. Wattle Cottage is a beautifully appointed Airbnb on the Gold Coast speckled with special moments.

From the built itself, a restored Queenslander splashed with popcorn yellow paint, to the flora and fauna that envelope your stay, it’s like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

You’re also treated to a wooden open-air hot tub, arguably the best place to spot the two horses and two babydoll sheep that dot the property, plus, there’s a quaint outdoor dining table and vegetable patch to fall in love with.

Back inside, the charms continue, as the kitchen wows with Le Creuset touches and a four-burner gas stove beckons holiday cook-ups. There’s also a record player so your weekend playlist is sorted.

Where: Tamborine Mountain

Price: Rates start from about $249 per night.

9. Miami House

Lean into the lavish lifestyle of Miami, a hub of bustling bars and world-class dining, with a stay at the Miami House. A four-bedroom, four-bathroom architectural dream, the Airbnb on the Gold Coast is made for big groups to kick back and relax. Sprawled across three levels and located less than 500 metres from the beach, it’s a serene space filled with luxurious creature comforts.

Think Himalayan stone feature walls, an indoor-outdoor living and dining area, a gourmet kitchen with Bosch appliances and a butler’s pantry, a wraparound terrace and a plunge pool with a water feature. Divine, from end to end.

Where: Miami

Price: Rates start from about $800 per night.

10. Hillview Dairy

There is no nook or cranny left unattended at Hillview Dairy, an extraordinary exercise in more-is-more styling without over-cluttering. And funnily enough, you won’t even believe it’s liveable from the outset.

Approaching the rusty old barn, located on a rural horse and cattle farm in the Currumbin Valley, the 100-year-old structure looks like it’s one balmy summer storm away from tumbling down. But step foot inside and you’ll find one of the most incredible holiday homes on the Gold Coast.

Paying vivid homage to a life spent on the farm, the sails of a windmill hang on a living room wall while cowhide chairs point towards a fireplace adorned with snapped twigs arranged in a milk can. Two bedrooms, that both sleep up to four guests as pull-out sofas fit neatly alongside king beds once extended, feature gorgeous barn doors, exposed beams at the ceilings, jute rugs, and just the right number of rustic furnishings (though we’ll call them props here, because it’s all very theatric-fantastic) to make the space feel lived in without pushing into hoarder territory.

Both bedrooms open to a giant wooden patio fitted with a wooden swing (because, fun), however, one of the bedrooms will prove more coveted than the other for its uninterrupted vistas across the area’s rolling hills. The single bathroom (there had to be one downfall) offers a decent-sized bath, the kitchen comes with a chic Smeg refrigerator and best of all, there’s a circular pool right off the deck with its own magical views. This unforgettable Airbnb on the Gold Coast is an ideal retreat for families or groups of friends.

Where: Currumbin Valley

Price: Rates start from $477 per night.

11. Acute Abode

Think you’ve reached peak adoration of the whole tiny house craze? Not until you’ve laid eyes upon Acute Abode, a remarkable Airbnb on the Gold Coast.

Featuring one of the most extraordinary pitched roofs you’ll ever spy while world-wide Airbnb scrolling, it’s not the most practical of spaces inside but if it’s just you, or just you two, this place has to be seen to be believed.

Black metal on the outside, glossy honey-hued timber on the inside, the roof will score you a string of likes alone. Wandering inside to concrete floors and away from the lush leafy greenery that engulfs this teeny-weeny stay, the sophisticated colour scheme continues throughout a sleek eat-in kitchen stocked with pantry essentials, a cosy living area with a TV, rain-head shower, and a loft, reachable via a ladder, fitted with a comfy queen bed. But it’s clearly all about the outdoors here, as a veranda dotted with sun lounges and a barbecue beckons. Plus, a creek lies at the bottom of the property and the owners even provide a kayak.

Where: Currumbin Valley

Price: Rates start from $510 per night.

12. Grand Designs Home

Prefer your Airbnb on the Gold Coast with a side of celebrity status? The Grand Designs Home (yep, that’s the name and they’re really owning it) in Tamborine Mountain was featured in season eight of Grand Designs Australia and it’s retained its awe-inspiring magnificence.

Designed by the Brisbane-based, award-winning James Russell Architect firm, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom space sits on seven acres, offering a luxurious country experience complete with horses and avocado trees. Catering for up to eight guests, making it a dream escape for family get-togethers as children are welcome, the house itself is unlike anything you’ve ever seen in Queensland before.

The facade is multi-layered, consisting of a wraparound, openable screen that encloses a courtyard – brilliant at keeping mozzies at bay but a polarising choice all the same – plus a feature column of climbing vines. Hardwood floors and cathedral ceilings enhance the drama inside, where you’ll also find a fireplace, a bathhouse with forest views, and a sunroom.

All rooms lead to that gorgeous courtyard where an outdoor fireplace also resides, plus there’s a shipping container elsewhere that provides the stay’s fourth bedroom. It’s all pure genius that photographs simply won’t do justice.

Where: Tamborine Mountain

Price: Rates start from $1,050 per night.

13. Jabiru

If you’re sniffing out a space to house more than just a few of you, this six-bedroom, three-bathroom piece of real estate gold should do the trick. Positioned right on Palm Beach and catering for up to 12 people, Jabiru is a Gold Coast holiday home that offers blue-on-blue vistas from almost every angle. And while the waterfront mansion is clearly lavish in scale, coastal styling in the way of natural timbers, marine life-inspired artwork and a consistent mix of blue and white furnishings give it a remarkably homely feel.

Multiple living spaces and dining spaces, including a generous deck just steps away from the surf, an open plan kitchen featuring storage space for days, cosy loft lounge, an Xbox, bedrooms dressed with plush bedding and ensuites, a spa bath, sun lounges and a fire pit should keep you busy throughout your stay.

Plus, you’re a walk away from great cafes and bars, as well as the Palm Beach Surf Club, offering one of the Gold Coast’s best beachfront decks to wine and dine upon, so further entertainment is always on hand.

Where: Palm Beach

Price: Rates start around $936 per night.

14. Heartwood Cabin

Tucked away amongst a natural playground of waterfalls, scenic walking trails and secluded swimming spots, Heartwood Cabin is a contemporary holiday haven located about 45 minutes’ drive from Coolangatta Airport. Serving as a sophisticated Gold Coast Airbnb, but equally, as a remarkable piece of planning and construction; the self-contained two-bedroom house sits within two acres of rainforest and caters for up to four guests.

Three-metre-high glass panels open the house up spectacularly along two sides, connecting its interior with the beauty of its surroundings, which is exactly what Heartwood’s creators set out to achieve. The vibe inside is sexy and grown-up, all minimalist and design-heavy with fine lines and curved edges, and the kitchen features metallic tapware you’ll wish you could take home.

Satisfying every possible whim, the owners have uploaded instructions for the stove, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, ceiling fan and coffee machine to their website, plus there’s an outdoor fire pit to enjoy and the team create their own honey so guests will find an adorable beehive to stickybeak at their own pace. When it’s time to really relax, there’s a deep-set bathtub in the main bathroom and the internet functions well, plus there’s a small library to explore. An incredible spot for two couples or a family.

Where: Springbrook

Price: Rates start from around $500 per night.

15. The Hangar

Couples looking for something unusual will appreciate The Hangar, an Airbnb on the Gold Coast oozing character and one helluva paint job. The studio space’s facade, VJ cladding finished in deep sea blue with a row of circular windows reminiscent of portholes and a wooden propellor atop, is an Instagrammer’s dream.

Fusing nautical with aviation, the theme is a mishmash of all things adventurous, sparking a distinctly light and breezy vacay mood that’s heightened further due to its proximity to beautiful Bilinga Beach. A fully equipped kitchenette will house getaway groceries for two, and offer a sandwich press amongst other cooking essentials, while a workbench-meets-breakfast bar gets natural light filtered through ornate windows.

A vintage bathtub is the star of another light-filled space, an impressive bathroom with a windowed roof, plus there’s a private courtyard dotted with a small dining table and an abundance of potted plants. Cute just doesn’t cut it.

Where: Bilinga

Price: Rates start from about $149 per night.

16. The Cottage

Live out your ultimate country living fantasy with a soak in an enormous outdoor bathtub immersed in fresh, clean air at The Cottage in Tallai. It’s farm life gone fancy at this two-bedroom Airbnb on the Gold Coast, located 20 minutes via car from Surfers Paradise, where luxurious fittings shine against a rustic backdrop and horses roam the property gently.

A suspended outdoor fireplace is another stand-out, found just in front of giant sliding doors that send the home’s spacious lounge and eucalyptus-hued open-plan kitchen right onto the enclosed patio. The patio is a highlight itself, featuring a sensational pitched roof and a six-person dining table.

Furnishings in the living space are all contemporary and trend-driven, while the bedrooms offer traditional country influence. Perfect for a small group of friends, a family or two couples, the stay also features TVs in both bedrooms, laundry facilities and cooking basics.

Where: Tallai

Price: Rates start from $295 per night.

17. Woolcott Cottage

Hands down one of the Gold Coast’s most romantic Airbnbs, the one-bedroom Woolcott Cottage on Tamborine Mountain is enchanting from the moment you lock eyes on it.

Sorry kids, this spot is an adult-only retreat. Built in 1921, the house was restored in recent years while retaining some original beauty, which you’ll spy gazing in from its white picket fence.

A country theme runs rife via delicately framed, nature-inspired artworks, antique furnishings, and soft textures. Don’t miss the cosy fireplace in the lounge, cushion banquette seat within a light-drenched sunroom, record player including a collection of tunes, and serving hatch that helps flow the kitchen into the lounge. Speaking of the kitchen, it’s stocked with plenty of utensils, plus a plunger coffee maker and all your cooking basics. The back deck features a barbecue and dining table, too.

Where: Tamborine Mountain

Price: Rates start from around $265 per night.

18. The Retreat.

Craving absolute beachfront indulgence away from hotel life? The Retreat. Is an affordable apartment with some of the most staggering views on the Gold Coast. Located in Palm Beach, it’s a one-bedroom flat filled with luxe amenities in addition to the hot tub, swimming pool and sauna located within the building.

Watch the sun sink over the ocean as you enjoy a bite prepared in the fully equipped kitchen as coastal white-on-white furnishings bring freshness into the already light-flooded space. These are seriously value-for-money digs in one of the city’s most exciting suburbs.

Where: Palm Beach

Price: Rates start from around $339 per night.

19. Blush on Broadbeach

Give your eyes a rest from the Gold Coast’s saturated coastal white interiors at Blush on Broadbeach.

Expertly dotted with restrained pops of colour, the Airbnb on the Gold Coast dials up the fun. Sleeping up to four guests and featuring two bathrooms, the apartment is in the centre of the city so getting to the northern and southern ends is a cinch.

Just three minutes’ walk from the surf, the stylish digs have air-con in the living area and ceiling fans in the two bedrooms, while a coffee machine and laundry facilities sort your basic needs.

Where: Broadbeach

Price: Rates start from about $246 per night.

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