Unique Accomodation in Australia You Can Book Right Now for a Truly Memorable Stay

The internet is overflowing with incredible places to stay all around Australia. Often, you spend hours scrolling through the listings, falling down rabbit holes of great places that are either super stylish or wonderfully unique – or both! 

From stunning beach houses to intimate cottages tucked away in remote areas of Australia, there are so many gorgeous properties to choose from.

To help save you hours filtering through all the plain Janes, we dug deep into sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and beyond to bring you some of the most unique accommodation options in Australia. You can thank us later...

Hamilton & Dune

It's no secret that we have a massive crush on these two stunning holiday homes. The love story behind this beautiful boutique accommodation just makes us fall even deeper in love with this oasis. Emily and Richard Young both grew up holidaying on Kangaroo Island and later met on the island and fell in love with the land and each other.

The two houses, Hamilton House and Dune House, pay tribute to the time they've spent on the island. With mid-century vibes and contemporary conveniences, these two houses are truly iconic and enviable. Keen to keep browsing dreamy Kangaroo Island accommodation? Check out our guide.  

From $1000 per night

Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island

Love & Mutiny

This magical beachside shack, evoking 1950s summer holiday energy with its dreamy colour palette, light-filled rooms and elevated sea views, is one to book ahead for. With 360-degree views of South Australia's Yorke Peninsula and bespoke interiors that are perfectly curated to spark joy, this bold space will encourage complete and total holiday bliss.

Watch the tide roll in from one of the two queen size beds decked out in French linen, make delicious dinners in the modern rustic kitchen, drink cocktails by the fire, put a record on, watch the moonrise and sunset from the balcony and star gaze with loved ones.

From $400 per night, 2-night minimum stay (sleeps 4)

Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Salt at Shoal Bay 

Salt at Shoal Bay is everything you can dream of when it comes to a modern beach house — it’s got a sleek, modern design, it’s been styled impeccably, and of course, it sits directly across a white, sandy beach.

The property itself is located within Shoal Bay, a small, coastal town of Port Stephens, and has been split into three different luxury accommodation options, including ‘Ground Floor’, ‘Upper Level’, and a separate black freestanding cottage named ‘The Cottage’.

Ideal for large groups and families, each option holds standout features of its own, such as a private backyard deck, an outdoor shower, and an entertaining area complete with its own dedicated bar.

From $1,640 for 2 nights, 2-night minimum stay

Shoal Bay, NSW

Yo Caba Caba  

Do you want to stay somewhere that immediately sparks joy? Yo Caba Caba is a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns and textures that somehow just works. This four-bed, two-bath beach house is situated at Cabarita Beach and is an easy walk down to the beach. Don’t feel like walking? No matter. There’s a pool with plenty of lounge chairs in the backyard – so really, there’s no reason to leave.  

From $960 per night

Cabarita Beach, New South Wales 

The Little Black Shack

Torn between a cosy cabin or a quaint seaside shack? The Little Black Shack may just be the perfect combination of both. And what’s more, it’s only an hour’s drive from Sydney, near the famous Palm Beach. You’ll need to catch an old timber ferry to reach this whimsical retreat.

This place scores bonus points for those with a penchant for water sports – you have your pick of swimming, kayaking and snorkelling in the pristine waters of Mackerel Beach, just metres from the shack itself.

From $1070 per night (sleeps 2)

Pittwater, NSW

Mister Brooks on Brown

Planning a group trip to Newcastle and after something really special? Mister Brooks on Brown is the ideal location to elevate your stay. Located in the heart of Newcastle, this is a contemporary and eclectic reimagining of one of the city's most stunning Victorian Gothic houses. 

Originally built in 1877 for shipping industry icon Thomas Brooks, owners Prue and Andrew Swain have given the property a modern facelift while retaining its rich history and charm. The home (which is a colourful and chic feast for the eyes FYI!) has six bedrooms, four balconies, three bathrooms, a plunge pool, and a garden courtyard. Don't mind if we do. 

Price available on request 

The Tower at Mount Ophir Estate

This elegant French Provincial stay called The Tower at Mount Ophir Estate was originally built in 1903 and has since undergone a luxurious transformation. Set within Mount Ophir Estate, an exclusive property in the rural district of Rutherglen in northern Victoria, this truly unique Airbnb listing in Australia features three levels with a spiral staircase that leads to a private sitting room on the second floor and a bedroom suite at the top.

Stay here to fully immerse yourself in an extraordinary architectural landmark in Australian winemaking history. 

From $633 per night (sleeps 2)

Rutherglen, Victoria

Vintage House Daylesford 

Situated between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Vintage House Daylesford is a charming, two-bedroom property surrounded by willow, pine and fruit trees. It's one of our favourite unique accommodations in Australia because it was originally an 1860s miner's cottage.

This home has been lovingly restored and beautifully decorated, with many standout features including three-meter high ceilings, an open fireplace, and large arch windows. There are perfect spots throughout to relax, including not one, but three baths, and an outdoor table on the verandah that seats twelve, for alfresco entertaining. 

From $711.67 per night (sleeps 6)

Daylesford, Victoria

Captain's Rest 

Just footsteps away from the water, Captain's Rest’s secluded cabin awaits. A four-hour drive from Hobart, and set within the sleepy fishing village of Strahan, the scenic route is a journey of its own.

Treasured for its fanciful surroundings, this unique Airbnb retreat in Australia comes with ocean-view Georgian windows and stylish, eclectic décor, and it tells a thousand stories. There’s even a white rowboat on-site, just in case you care for a romantic Notebook moment. 

From $460.50 per night (sleeps 2)

Strahan, Tasmania 

Captain's Cottage 

Should you need a resting place on your way to Captain's Rest, this popular Airbnb listing is yet another unique stay in Australia. Captain's Cottage ticks every box; originally built for a ship’s captain in the mid-1800s, this heritage-listed holiday home is set in the heart of Hobart, within walking distance to Constitution Dock, Salamanca Place and Battery Point.

Inside, a mix of natural-textured fabrics and furnishings fill the cottage with warmth, from the timber floors, and the velvet sofa, all the way to the 100% linen bedding. There’s also a courtyard garden to enjoy, perfect for taking in that fresh, Tasmanian air.

From $325 per night (sleeps 2)

Hobart, Tasmania 

Little Red Barn 

Perched high on the hill in Doonan, Queensland with beautiful countryside views, the Little Red Barn dwells ever so delightfully. This three-bedroom stay features a double-height living space, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, and when it’s time to take a dip – a godsend given the warm Queensland weather – there’s a concrete water tank swimming pool where you can cool down from the sweltering heat. There’s also an outdoor bath on the deck where you can take a relaxing soak whilst taking in the dreamy panoramic vistas. 

From $295 per night (sleeps 7)

Doonan, Queensland

The Old Church

For a truly spiritual experience, a stay at the Old Church will not disappoint. Located in beautiful Mena Creek and just a five-minute walk (over a waterfall, no less) to the stunning Paronella Park, this converted church makes for truly unique accommodation. 

Originally The Church of the Sacred Heart, the church was opened in July 1958. The two-level property has a large lounge room and is decked out with all the essentials (think super comfy couches, books and board games), it's also got all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay (a fully kitted-out kitchen and a bedroom with a bunk bed). On the upper level are a canopied, King-sized bed and more books, naturally. Holy Moses, we can't book fast enough.

From $208 per night (sleeps 6)

7 Mena Creek Rd, Mena Creek, Queensland 

Our round-up of the most unique accommodation in Australia has no doubt got you planning your next road trip, pronto. Check out our edit of the best road trips in Australia to put on your bucket list. And then, have a look at our feature of the best tiny cabins in NSW.