Most holiday homes let you connect more with a group. You may cook meals together, share common lounge areas and, generally, experience more of each other’s living quirks.
But some holiday homes are better than others and feature facilities like magnesium salt pools, wine cellars and rooftop terraces. Other facilities include outdoor pizza ovens, firepits and golf buggies so you can explore your surroundings.
Fortunately, holiday home booking platform Stayz has waded through the options and picked out 10 of the best in Australia. Of over 50,000 properties, the 2024 Holiday Homes of the Year list features just 10. They were picked for their positive guest reviews, star ratings and standout amenities and spaces.
Robinsons Run, Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Set on 28 hectares adjacent to Morton National Park, Robinsons Run is a country home that sleeps up to 12. Spend your time here strolling its nearby walking trails or landscaped gardens or if you’ve brought your bike, take it along a track on the grounds. The three-story home was designed so that you can take in valley views from every room. It features an infinity-edge pool, outdoor bath and media room for cosy movie nights.
Wild Fauna, Mount Buller, VIC
Guests at Wild Fauna have reported sightings of kangaroos, deer and birds, as well as the occasional wombat and emu. The eco-friendly getaway in Mount Buller, a three-hour drive from Melbourne, sleeps up to 10 in four bedrooms. The home has a patio dining area, ski storage room and a washing machine. Mount Buller Alpine Resort is a five-minute drive away, as is Mount Stirling.
Casa Scenic, MacMasters Beach, NSW
A 10-minute stroll from MacMasters Beach, Hamptons-style Casa Scenic is set on a private estate bordered by Bouddi National Park. It has six bedrooms spread across two levels, indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces and a magnesium therapy pool. Kids can play in a backyard playground and pets are welcome too.
Luxury Waterside Home, Sydney, NSW
The highlight of Luxury Waterside Home is easily its rooftop terrace where guests can unwind after a day of exploring the local area. The four-bedroom home also has a heated infinity pool, rumpus room and lift, convenient to bring your bags up, if you’re on the fourth floor. Cook dinner in a kitchen with marble finishings and afterward, relax in its open-plan living room in front of a gas fireplace. Royal National Park is a 13-minute drive away.
The Easton at Maleny, Maleny, QLD
For an off-grid experience, consider The Easton at Maleny. Though the holiday home is only a few minutes drive from the Maleny township, so you can easily head into town for supplies, it’s set in rolling hills, with no neighbours within eyesight. The home sleeps up to eight guests, who can enjoy an open-plan chef’s kitchen, a wine cellar to store their bottles in and a magnesium salt pool. The home also features an outdoor deck, ideal for al fresco dinners, manicured gardens and a sauna.
Lotus House, Hamilton Island, QLD
Lotus House is a four-bedroom residence on the northern tip of Hamilton Island, with views of Fitzalan Passage and direct water access. On hot summer’s days, leave its indoor living area’s bi-fold doors open for cool sea breezes. Or beat the heat by taking a dip in the home’s pool. The holiday home also comes with two golf buggies, so you can explore your surroundings.
Sunrise Tranquility, Yallingup, WA
Sunrise Tranquility is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Yallingup Hills. Unwind in its pool or six-seater heated spa, on a lounge next to an outdoor heater or in a media room with an L-shaped sofa, smart TV and Sonos speakers. In the home’s garage, you’ll find a table tennis set, foosball and kayaks. Make one night here a pizza night, cooking pies in the kitchen’s pizza oven.
River Hamptons, Berri, SA
A tree-lined driveway welcomes guests to River Hamptons. Set on an estate in the heart of the South Australian region of Riverland, a three-hour drive from Adelaide, this home has an outdoor pool with whirlpool spa, manicured gardens and a tennis court that can easily be turned into a basketball court, thanks to a hoop at one end. The home sleeps up to eight.
Inji Dreaming, Yallingup, WA
Set on native bushland in Injidup, Inji Dreaming is an architecturally stunning, one-storied retreat that sleeps up to 10 in its three bedrooms. Dine outside in its al fresco seating area or pull up a chair by its firepit. When you’re ready to explore, you’ll find Driftwood Estate Winery only a nine-minute drive away, while Yallingup Beach is 12 minutes. The nearest airport is Busselton.
Mount Edgcumbe House, Rowella, TAS
Mount Edgcumbe House is a three-bedroom home on Pointe Rapide Estate, a 15-hectare property with botanical gardens and a vineyard. The home was originally built in 1835 and was one of the first homesteads in Tasmania. Since then, it’s been restored, and in its holiday home form, sleeps up to eight. It overlooks the Tamar Valley and features a fireplace, a patio and a modern kitchen.
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