10 Of The Best Stays To Book This Summer

Camillo House
Blairgowrie, Victoria

Camillo House is a classic ’80s beach house that’s been transformed into a luxurious getaway on the Mornington Peninsula. This dream property sleeps up to six people across three bedrooms, and brings together slightly retro interiors, including textural materials, a custom timber bath, and a stunning kitchen so you can cook up a storm before enjoying the sunset from the upper deck.

And while you might come for the uninterrupted views and idyllic location, you’ll fall in love with the accommodation’s line-up of local artworks — and the negronis on arrival!

Book your stay at Camillo House here

Bears Nest
Mount Eliza, Victoria

Just an hour from Melbourne in Mount Eliza, Bears Nest is a mid-century cabin with treetop views that feels like a total escape. The owner says the three-bedroom accommodation was inspired by the ‘fairytale nature’ of the A-frame abode, which has retained its exposed timber ceilings and rustic charm.

It’s the perfect place for groups of eight to enjoy a week at the beach and explore the region’s nearby wineries.

Book your stay at Bears Nest here

Silvermoon Shack
Blairgowrie, Victoria

We couldn’t make this list without shouting out our editor Lucy Feagins’ very own adorable beach shack. After renovating the circa-1960s abode for around 9 months, the two-bedroom weekender was opened for bookings earlier this year.

Thanks to Lucy’s creative touch and her husband Gordy’s craftsmanship, the Blairgowrie pad is a cosy and comfortable retreat for up to five guests. Despite its modern updates, Silvermoon still holds the essence of a sleepy beach shack, complete with its original powder-blue exterior. The best bit? It’s just a 4 minute walk to the beach!

Book your stay at Silvermoon Shack here

Lilypad
Palm Beach, New South Wales

While there’s plenty of beautiful holiday homes near the water, Lilypad is a special floating villa located literally on the waves of Sydney’s Palm Beach. The two-person stay is only accessible by a short 30 second boat ride from a private wharf, giving you the feeling of total isolation on the water, without being too far from the shore!

Impressively, Lilypad is powered by solar, and there’s no shortage of luxuries on-board either, thanks to an infrared sauna and a wine cellar. Wake up and dive into the water from the deck, or make the most of the incredible location with a tour around neighbouring bays in the accomodation’s own boat.

Book your stay at Lilypad here

Jacky Winter Waters
Walkerville, Victoria

Walkerville is one of those quintessential coastal villages that remains one of Victoria’s untouched hidden gems, and Jacky Winter Waters is the perfect place to book if you want to explore South Gippsland’s natural beauty. This 30-square-metre tiny home is a small but mighty retreat designed for two, thanks to clever furniture like pack-away beds, while also capturing views as far as Wilson’s Promontory.

It’s made even more special by the playful mural by local artists April Phillips, Beci Orpin, Carla McRae, and David Booth, who created the eye-catching pattern on the exterior of the one-bedroom escape.

Book your stay at Jacky Winter Waters here

Hideaway Shack
Anglesea, Victoria 

Hideaway Shack is another coastal getaway in Anglesea, about 100 metres from the main beach. A scenic road trip along the Great Ocean Road will lead you straight to the three-bedroom Airbnb, which is a family’s own eclectic holiday home that you can call yours for a few nights.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling timber is paired with some gorgeous vintage furniture they’ve collected over the years. There’s also a library of design, art, and architecture books, a sunny deck in the backyard, and the owners say there’s a great coffee spot just around the corner.

Book your stay at Hideaway Shack here

Swansong
St Helens, Tasmania

Back in 2014, Lisa Hatfield and landscape designer Sam Cox purchased a bush block in Tasmania’s remarkable Bay of Fires region with plans to design and build a sustainable holiday house. It was a true labour of love, but they finally opened Swansong just this year.

The couple created the peaceful off-grid home inspired by the landscape. The simple architecture invites the outdoors in, as wide windows frame the eucalyptus trees and calming vistas of turquoise waters. It’s a one-bedroom haven for couples or solo travellers, and it’s only available for bookings 100 days of the year.

Book your stay at Swansong here

Eh Frame
Sunshine Beach, Queensland

Eh Frame is an A-frame cabin that’s bringing a taste of Canada to an unconventional location: sunny Queensland! The Canadian owners created the mid-century inspired build as a ‘home away from home’, right down to the nostalgic smell of cypress pine.

The two-bedroom getaway is one of only a few properties perched on the edge of Noosa National Park, secluded amongst the spectacular rainforest and all its accompanying wildlife.

Book your stay at Eh Frame here

Wander on Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, South Australia

You can tick Kangaroo Island off your bucket list with a visit to these sustainable luxury ‘pods’ created by accommodation group Wander. Four minimalistic retreats are positioned on a 100-hectre site overlooking Snelling Beach, and each one enjoys a different, but equally beautiful, outlook.

The dwellings range from one-bedroom or two-bedroom pods, and they all operate off-grid, thanks to solar power and rainwater catchments.

Book your stay at Wander on Kangaroo Island here

Straddie Green House
Point Lookout, Queensland 

After more than two decades as one family’s beloved holiday home, this recently renovated pad on North Stradbroke Island is now an idyllic getaway for visitors.

The owners of Straddie Green House worked with interior designer Briellyn Turton to turn the beach shack into a more luxurious retreat fit for 10 guests. From the upstairs living room, you can watch the waves, or venture out for nature walks, surfing, diving, boating, or fishing to your heart’s content!

Book your stay at Straddie Green House online here