While metropolitan Sydney – with an expressive dining scene and iconic harbour – may be the most famed spot in New South Wales, the eastern state also boasts a bounty of lowkey gems hidden by bush and beach.
From true Romanticist escapes in the natural world to award-winning architectural experimentations, we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in New South Wales to book and explore regions yonder the big smoke.
And with the Easter long weekend coming up, there’s no better time to begin enquiring about a sojourn away from the city. Read on for our curated edit of luxury stays.
The best romantic Airbnb getaways in NSW
The Little Black Shack, Great Mackerel Beach
Situated in Ku-ring-gai National Park across from Palm Beach, The Little Black Shack is an original timber and sandstone fisherman’s cottage set metres from the water on Great Mackerel Beach. Fully eco-friendly and furnished with either second hand or handmade pieces, this cottage that is also fit with a gourmet chef’s kitchen and fully stocked pantry, is as eclectic as it comes. Hire a tinny or board Myra, the old timber ferry from Palm Beach and you’re off to a secluded lovers’ paradise.
The Salty Dog, Newport
Another romantic getaway set in the Northern Beaches’ Pittwater is The Salty Dog boathouse – an idyllic spot to take time out from the big smoke. Spend the day lapping up the sun and salt then share a sunset tipple over a charcuterie board on the deck before crawling into the loft bed and falling asleep to the rocking of waves.
The best tiny house Airbnb in NSW
Arabella eco cabin, Beaumont
Forgo city concrete for rural rainforest with a stay at eco-cabin Arabella, set on 140 acre farm overlooking the Kangaroo Valley on the fringe of the Cambewarra Ranges. Run on solar power with an award-winning mirrored capsule bathroom, this nature retreat is surrounded by dense bushland in a forest clearing where you may encounter wombats, echidnas, kookaburras and lyrebirds. A true Romanticist’s escape.
The best Airbnb with a full kitchen in NSW
Eyrie House, Kangaroo Valley
Featuring an open plan living and dining area and a full sized kitchen with a butler’s pantry, Eyrie House is a gastronome’s dream. Thoughtfully designed and sustainably made, this home welcomes the morning fog and natural sunlight onto its balconies – which double as brilliant vantage points for the 100 acres of surrounding bushland.
The best treehouse Airbnb in NSW
Pepper Tree Passive House, Unanderra
Winning the Sustainable Architecture Award 2022 from the Institute of Architects, this art eco-house designed by Alexander Symes is set against the striking backdrop of Mount Kembla and is built around a 50-year-old pepper tree. So, why not take a week off the grind and live as the fae do in a treehouse?
The best couple’s retreat Airbnb in NSW
Ground House 107R, Tintenbar
Ground House 107R is a concrete stay ethereally nestled in the grass, designed to “curate sensory immersion”. Featuring a curving jade shower and hearted magnesium soak tank – plus the option for an in-stay massage therapist and yoga instructor to be present – this conceptual getaway epitomises luxe.
The best farm stay Airbnb in NSW
Mulberry Barn, Far Meadow
Between the town of Berry and the sea lies Mulberry Barn, a converted barn set on a farm on Coolangatta Mountain. Neighbouring the stables with bush tracks beginning through the back gate, this is an ideal getaway for those wanting to relish in the soundscapes of nature.
The best off grid Airbnb in NSW
Gawthorne’s Hut, Mudgee
Awarded the Best Unique Stay by Airbnb in 2021, Gawthorne’s Hut is an inviting yet sophisticated eco-hut designed to create a sense of peace in isolation for its visitors of Wilgowrah, the historic rural property on which the hut is set.
The best ocean view Airbnb in NSW
The Pinnacle, Salamander Bay
Boasting a 250-degree spectacular panoramic ocean view is The Pinnacle in Salamander Bay. Sleeping up to 12 guests and featuring an outdoor hot tub, this impressive three-storey holiday home makes for the perfect group getaway.
