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11 of the best Airbnbs in Adelaide

Louisa Norman Louisa NormanTegan Forder Tegan Forder
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 for you, why not book your next escape to South Australia in one of these Airbnbs, which often offer a little more local charm than a hotel.

These are 11 of the best Airbnbs in Adelaide to book next time you’re in town.

CBD

1. 1800s city cottage

1800s city cottage Airbnb in Adelaide
The 19th-century cottage is complete with everything you need for a stay in Adelaide.

Escape to this renovated three-bedroom 19th-century cottage in the South-East corner of the CBD. Fusing modern luxury with traditional features like a wood-burning stove and timber roof beams, everything you need for a stay in Adelaide is provided. The charming garden dining area is also ideal for shared meals with family and friends.

2. Leafy East End apartment

Leafy East End apartment Airbnb in Adelaide
This spacious 2-bedroom apartment is an ideal city stay near the Botanic Gardens.

Tucked down a leafy lane behind Adelaide’s East End, this spacious 2-bedroom apartment is metres from Rundle Street boutiques and restaurants like Africola, Golden Boy and Tarantino’s. It’s an easy stroll to the Botanic Gardens and North Terrace’s cultural institutions making it the ideal location for the city’s event and festival calendar.

3. Luxe residence with private rooftop

Luxe residence with private rooftop Airbnb in Adelaide
Stay high above the bustle in this luxe residence with private rooftop.

A truly unique stay with stunning city views from the private rooftop terrace which comes with a large sun lounge and dining table. The house can comfortably sleep up to four people and contains a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and laundry facilities. Conveniently located near Whitmore Square, it’s only a 500m walk to the Adelaide Central Markets.

WEST

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4. Mid-century seaside escape

Mid-century seaside escape Airbnb in Adelaide
Settle into a sunlit veranda facing the beach.

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 or head out to the restaurants that surround Henley Square like Hnly, Estia and Mia Margarita.

5. Designer Semaphore beach retreat

Designer Semaphore beach retreat Airbnb in Adelaide
Step into this bright, coastal-style living space.

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. 

EAST

6. Fur baby-friendly cottage

Fur baby-friendly cottage Airbnb in Adelaide
Check into a vintage chic stay with your fur baby.

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. 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.

7. Elegant Norwood luxury cottage

Elegant Norwood luxury cottage pool Airbnb in Adelaide
Luxuriate in the pool at this elegant Norwood luxury cottage.

This four-bedroom cottage With a lush garden and solar-heated pool, this renovated cottage is the perfect summer retreat within easy walking distance of Norwood’s shops and cafes. It can accommodate large groups with its four bedrooms, open-plan living and well-equipped kitchen. It’s also only a 10-minute trip to the CBD.

SOUTH

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8. 1930s Glenelg Art Deco beach retreat

1930s Glenelg Art Deco beach retreat Airbnb in Adelaide
Modern luxury meets rustic style at this renovated art deco apartment

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, it’s an easy half-hour tram ride into the CBD.

9. Stylish Parkside stay

Stylish Parkside stay Airbnb in Adelaide
This heritage cottage in the CBD is designed for couples, featuring a spacious deck with fairy lights.

A beautifully renovated heritage cottage just outside the CBD oozing character and genuine luxury. Relax after a day sight-seeing in the city or a day-trip to the McLaren Vale in the freestanding bath. Well provisioned with food for breakfast, nearby local cafes and easy access to the city via public transport.

NORTH

10. Spacious convivence

Spacious convivence Airbnb in Adelaide
French-style doors open into a warmly lit, elegantly decorated living room.

Olive Tree House sits in the ‘dress circle’ of Adelaide, tucked in a quiet spot just steps from Melbourne Street pubs, cafes and boutiques. With three bedrooms, the home offers guests real quality, comfort and convenience in a home-away-from-home setting. It’s an easy walk to Adelaide Oval, the CBD, the Zoo, and Adelaide’s festivals and major attractions.

11. Heritage North Adelaide stay

Heritage North Adelaide stay Airbnb in Adelaide
Cosy up in a spacious, whitewashed bedroom.

The Arches is a spacious 3-bedroom home tucked into a quiet North Adelaide cul-de-sac, just a short stroll from O’Connell Street’s dining scene, the parklands, and Adelaide Oval. It’s ideal for families and those wanting an Adelaide stay on the quieter side. Barossa Valley wine and chocolates add a nice touch on arrival.

Planning a trip to Adelaide? Check out more of our recommendations here:

Best pubs in Adelaide | Best walks in Adelaide| Free things to do in Adelaide | Top annual festivals in Adelaide| Accommodation in Adelaide for every budget | Best beaches in Adelaide

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Louisa Norman

Louisa Norman

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Tegan Forder

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Monarto safari
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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.