13 of the best Airbnbs in Adelaide

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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.

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.

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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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

surfers out at Bells Beach
Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

surfing at Bells Beach
The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)