From secluded beaches on rugged coastline to awestriking hiking trails in alpine regions, Victoria boasts a wealth of distinctive drawcards based in its natural world.
While the cultural and culinary melting pot of Melbourne is a grand place to kick your heels, sometimes going beyond the city’s reach does wonders for R&R.
With the long weekend coming up, we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in Victoria to escape to. Read on for our curated edit for romantic getaways to creative retreats.
The best romantic Airbnb in Victoria
Wensley, Wensleydale
Just an hour and a half by car from the capital, The Wensley is a bespoke recycled timber house set on rolling hills of 80 acres that was a Best Design Stay finalist in the 2022 Airbnb Host Awards Australia. With high ceilings, a cosy fireplace and a gourmet chef’s kitchen, this countryside stay is one of pure luxe.
The best design Airbnb in Victoria
Cape Schanck House, Cape Schanck
A critically-acclaimed architectural design escape on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Cape Schanck House boasts sustainable foundations and a killer location. Receiving Best House at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Awards, this unique stay is one for the whimsically-inclined.
The best tiny house Airbnb in Victoria
Skybarrel on edge of extinct volcano, Buninyong
Hobby volcanologists and geologists, rejoice: this tiny house is perched atop an extinct volcano on Mount Bunniyong just outside of Ballarat. With a fireplace, a wooden bath, reclaimed beams and other luxury touches, this is an distinctive getaway spot.
The best Airbnbs with outdoor baths in Victoria
Liptrap Loft, South Gippsland
Set on five acres of bushland two hours out of Melbourne, Liptrap Loft is a handmade home of recycled materials with Japanese-influenced architecture. With its own bathhouse, this stay is a true oasis that is also not too far from the secluded beaches of Wilson’s Promontory National Park.
Acreage stay, Hoddles Creek
Overlooking Hoddles Creek and the Yarra Ranges, you’d be absolutely spoilt with a vista sharing a bottle of vino in this outdoor spa. Potter about the four acres of rugged nature on which this property is set, or head to the waterfall or red wood forest for an afternoon of awe.
The best off grid Airbnb in Victoria
Tiny Home, Mansfield
Ideal for adventurers, this off grid cabin is located in the wilderness 45 minutes from the top of Mount Buller and five minutes from the centre of Mansfield. Made from converted containers, this tiny home has limited resources and is intended for those who wish to ignore the call of the big smoke.
The best Airbnb in Victoria for entertaining
The Coast & Country Cottage, Balnarring Beach
Country meets coast at this peaceful retreat nestled on the Mornington Peninsula just stone throws away from beaches, hiking trails and award-winning vineyards. With a large wrap around deck, a large north-facing entertaining deck, outdoor lounge setting, gas burner, fire pit and lush lawn, this cottage is the entertainer’s delight.
The best ocean view Airbnb in Victoria
Jacky Winter Waters, Walkerville
Luxuriously minimal, this creative refuge encourages connection to the natural world and is set among the limestone cliffs of South Gippsland Coastline. Overlooking the beaches that served as inspiration for Alison Lester AM’s classic picture book Magic Beach, this retreat is a nostalgic treasure.
The best farm stay Airbnb in Victoria
Alkira Eco Glamping Retreat, Emerald
Located on a hobby farm an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this adults-only stay is fit with rustic charm offering an escape from the hustle and bustle. In-house massages, picnic and breakfast hampers and animal feeding sessions can be organised onsite to further elevate your time away.
