It’s Official, These Are The Best Australian Airbnbs for 2025

Airbnb has just announced the winners of this year’s Australian Host Awards, recognising Aussie stays that are a cut above the rest, with hosts that go the extra mile to make you feel at home.

The annual awards recognise excellence across six categories: Best Design Stay, Best Nature Stay, Best Family Friendly Stay, Best Room Stay, Best New Host and the coveted Host of the Year. 2025’s cohort of finalists and winners offers up a hitlist of exceptional travel moments across Australia, with a diverse selection of locations and stay types represented.

If you’re planning a local escape, consider this your little black book.

Airbnb 2025 Australian Host Award Winners

Host Of The Year

Braithwaite, Hobart, Tasmania – Hosted by Alix and John

Located in a historic former bakery in Sandy Bay, just a short walk from Salamanca and its glorious weekend markets, this super stylish, architect-designed abode has all the makings of a gorgeous Tassie escape. Outdoor bath? Tick. Fireplace? Tick. Walk-in rain shower and heated floors? Of course!

Best Design Stay

Banksia House, Sunshine Coast, Queensland – Hosted by Kirsti & Toni

This unique, eye-catching oasis in Queensland seamlessly blends lush outdoor greenery and contemporary design, with separate living and sleeping pavilions connected by courtyards and green space. There’s also a magnesium pool, bocce court, two fireplaces, plus amazing outdoor bath & showers.

Best Nature Stay

Ligo, Wolgan Valley, New South Wales – Hosted by Eddie and Ange

Like all good tiny cabins, this pint-sized stay two hours from Sydney embraces all the ruggedness of the natural landscape without sacrificing on comfort. Switch off, breathe in and soak up the sweeping vistas, preferably from your hot outdoor bath.

Best Family Friendly Stay

Sassafras Country Retreat, Southern Highlands, New South Wales – Hosted by Sally

With five bedrooms, including a very cool Scandi-style bunk room for the kids, this charming country farmhouse sleeps up to twelve people comfortably. Not only is it stunning, but it is also equipped with everything a family holiday calls for like endless DVDs, board games, a spacious kitchen and open plan living spaces, plus, farm animals, walking trails and wildlife all waiting on your doorstep.

Best Room Stay

Short stay made simple, Sydney, New South Wales – Hosted by Caroline and Daniel

When booking a room stay, the host is particularly important, and Caroline and Daniel are second to none. Guests love how immaculately clean, light and airy the space is. Plus, the location allows for easy exploration, with free tour guide advice from your hosts if you need it.

Best New Host

The Nook, Adelaide, South Australia – Hosted by Erin & Rory

Tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, this cosy retreat delivers endless tranquility, with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you in constant connection with the outdoors. Complete with a fireplace, large tub and outdoor patio for sun-drenched afternoon wines, there’s little more you need here.

Sitchu Picks: Finalists By State

Need more inspo? We’ve pulled out some of our faves from the list of finalists, split out by state so you can narrow in on where you want to go. Prefer to browse the whole lot? Head right here.

Victoria

Cottage in Warrnambool, VIC (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

Farm stay in Greta South, VIC (Host Of The Year Finalist)

Guesthouse in Fitzroy, VIC (Best Design Stay Finalist)

Farmstay in Woodend, VIC (Best Design Stay Finalist)

New South Whales

Home in Lambs Valley, NSW (Host Of The Year Finalist)

Cabin in Jindabyne, NSW (Host Of The Year Finalist)

Cabin in Broke, NSW (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

Cabin in Coxs Creek, NSW (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

South Australia

Entire cottage in Yahl, SA (Host Of The Year Finalist)

Cabin in Lobethal, SA (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

Condo in Torrensville, SA (Best Design Stay Finalist)

Queensland

Cabin in Palgrave, QLD (Host Of The Year Finalist)

Treehouse in Hunchy, QLD (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

Home in Woodwark, QLD (Best Family Friendly Stay Finalist)

Home in Tamborine Mountain, QLD (Best New Host Finalist)

Western Australia

Loft in Fremantle, WA (Best Design Stay Finalist)

Home in Quindalup, WA (Best Family Friendly Stay Finalist)

Tasmania

Cottage in Oatlands, TAS (Host Of The Year Finalist)

Tiny home in Connellys Marsh, TAS (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

Home in Coles Bay, TAS (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

Cottage in Forth, TAS (Best Nature Stay Finalist)

Looking for more travel inspiration? Plan your next getaway with the most romantic destinations in Australia. Then, why not take a look at our edit of Australia’s most unique holiday destinations?