The most idyllic beachfront stays around Australia

Sleeps: 4 people

Along the Great Ocean Road, stop in on this two-bedroom beach shack just off the Otways coast. Being just steps from the ocean, you’ll be able to wake up with a refreshing dunk before continuing on your drive. What a way to start the day.

With a 4.97-star average rating, Sand & Sauna Retreat has become a Guest Favourite on Airbnb. “This was one our most favourite Airbnb experiences – worked perfectly for our family,” one guest said. “The house was simple, the kitchen well equipped and wonderful beds, linen and gardens. We made the most of ocean swims and the sauna. We had a koala in the garden and saw whales, dolphins and seals. As well as wonderful birdlife!!

Reasons to stay:

• Two bedrooms, one bathroom
• Full kitchen, dining and entertaining deck with BBQ
• Beach access
• Sauna and outdoor shower

Sleeps: 8 people

Luxurious, contemporary beachside accommodation awaits in Neste, in the heart of Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula. Newly renovated, the weatherboard home sleeps eight guests easily and offers everything you need for a beachside getaway.

Neste is another Airbnb Guest Favourite thanks to its glowing reviews. “We had [a] great girls’ trip and loved the accommodation. Came with everything you need from face washes to beach towels! Great place to stay if you have young children,” a past guest wrote.

Reasons to stay:

• Four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms
• Full kitchen, dining and living space, laundry
• Wood-burning fireplace, split system cooling/heating
• Walking distance from beaches, restaurants and shops

Sleeps: 6 people

Around the corner from the Twelve Apostles is Port Cottage, one of Port Campbell’s original beach houses. Located on the Great Ocean Road, this cosy, lived-in home enjoys three bedrooms and direct beach access, providing the ultimate coastal getaway.

The charming interiors, convenient location and attention to detail are consistently cited in Port Cottage’s stellar reviews, earning them a 4.96-star average rating.

Reasons to stay:

• Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Kitchen, living room with gas log fire, and laundry
• Outdoor shower, BBQ and covered pergola
• Located across from Port Campbell National Park

Sleeps: 10 people

Wake up to uninterrupted ocean views right on your doorstep from Talm Beach House on the shores of Anna Bay. From world-class snorkelling and diving to paddleboarding and activities on solid ground, the crystal clear waters will transport you to a world of relaxation. With space for 10 guests, it’s the perfect place for large groups to unwind by the beach.

One guest said: “We had the best time at Talm Beach House. The location was perfect, we watched whales and dolphins from the front yard! Everything was so considered and everything you could possibly need was available. Beds were super comfy. We didn’t want to leave.”

Reasons to stay:

• Four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms
• Luxurious interiors, open-plan kitchen, living and dining
• Uninterrupted ocean views
• Indoor fireplace, A/C, laundry
• Outdoor shower, BBQ area

Sleeps: 8 people

Overlooking Forresters Beach and the renowned surfing break ‘Banzai’, this three-level split home with infinity-edge pool offers direct beach access through the Wyrrabalong National Park. Sleeping eight, this home promises breathtaking views and stunning interiors to boot.

Kalakau is an Airbnb Guest Favourite thanks to its impeccable interiors, location and amenities. One review reads: “If you’re looking at this review, just book it. Nicholette and Dane’s home is stunning! The pool, the spa, the view, the beach – loved it!”

Reasons to stay:

• Four bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Infinity pool, spa, infrared sauna and private deck
• Uninterrupted ocean views
• Full kitchen, living and dining, laundry
• Short walk from Forresters Beach

Sleeps: 4 people

Grab your pup and hit the road, this pet-friendly 1940s beach shack in Wooli is, as the name would suggest, a place to slow down and take it all in. Promising stunning ocean views from every room, plus a front-row seat to the sunrise from your bedroom, the one-bedroom home is the perfect coastal escape.

Described by guests as the perfect place for a reset, The Slow has earned a 4.96-star average rating.

Reasons to stay:

• One bedroom, one-and-a-half bathrooms
• Renovated 1900s beach shack
• Full kitchen, laundry and daybed
• Uninterrupted ocean views
• Pet-friendly

Sleeps: 12 people

Your private coastal escape in Kingscliff, the four-bedroom luxury accommodation, Mana, offers plenty of space for you and your nine closest friends to come together and recharge. With a 15-metre heated saltwater pool, private gym, rumpus room, beach gear and a location just metres from Princess Beach, there’s no shortage of entertainment.

This luxurious stay is in the top five per cent of Airbnbs, with guests consistently praising its top-tier amenities and convenient location.

Reasons to stay:

• Four bedrooms, four bathrooms
• Infinity pool
• Gym, steam room, alfresco bar
• Rumpus room with pool table
• Bespoke concierge service

Sleeps: 12 people

On the white sands of Callala Beach, Jervis Bay, sits this spacious five-bedroom beachfront home. It is the ultimate escape for large groups of families or friends, plus its prime location, just 10 steps from the sandy beach, means you’ll never have to venture far.

Altra’s clean and contemporary interiors and idyllic beachfront location make this stay a Guest Favourite, with one review stating: “This is one of the most beautiful and magical houses we have ever stayed in. Right on the pristine waters, this beautiful home has everything you need. Beautifully planned and the layout of the house is perfect for groups.”

Reasons to stay:

• Five bedrooms, three bathrooms
• Two storey home with full kitchen and laundry
• Rumpus room with pin ball machine, PacMan and toys
• Outdoor fire pit and outdoor shower
• Steps from the beach

Sleeps: 8 people

On one of the most renowned streets in the Gold Coast, home to Millionaire’s Row, this four-bedroom beachfront property offers luxurious relaxation with sandy views and sea breeze galore.

“The location is truly unbeatable—direct access from the backyard right onto the sand,” one review reads.

Reasons to stay:

• Four bedrooms, three bathrooms
• Spa and terrace with ocean views
• Outdoor shower
• Within easy reach of the beach, cafes and restaurants

Sleeps: 6 people

A Shaun Lockyer-designed paradise, this gorgeous leafy home just steps away from Sunrise Beach is the perfect home base for a Noosa getaway. With vaulted ceilings, a refreshing pool and stylish interiors, the three-bedroom home promises laidback luxury.

A Shore Thing is a Guest Favourite owing to its stunning interiors, beach and bushland views and great location; “Wonderful open aspect property for a real Noosa feel. Modern, fresh and thoughtful decor,” one guest said.

Reasons to stay:

• Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Designed by architect Shaun Lockyer
• Full kitchen, laundry and large dining space
• Pool, outdoor shower and BBQ
• Short stroll from Sunrise Beach

Sleeps: 6 people

Described as sitting on “one of the best beaches and surf breaks in the world”, this three-bedroom absolute beachfront home on the Gold Coast’s Jefferson Lane is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy world-class views.

With its 4.97-star average rating, Casa Sol is an Airbnb Guest Favourite. Reviews praise the impeccable location, beautiful interiors and family-friendly amenities.

Reasons to stay:

• Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Absolute beachfront location
• Modern, open-plan interiors
• Full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, air-conditioning

Sleeps: 8 guests

Sitting on 5.5 acres of private land overlooking Kangaroo Island’s Emu Bay, this architectural home boasts some of the best views on the south coast. It’s just a short walk down to the water’s edge, but you’ll be tempted to stay put in one of the four bedrooms to look out on the views from every room.

This impressive Airbnb in Emu Bay has a 4.99-star average rating, with one reviewer saying: “Our stay at Copperstone exceeded our expectations. Beautiful, excellently appointed house with everything we could need for a 3 night stay.”

Reasons to stay:

• Four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms
• Architecturally-designed beach house
• Air conditioning and underfloor heating available
• Beachfront location

Sleeps: 8 people

A luxury townhouse that sleeps eight, this contemporary home on the shores of Aldinga Beach invites you to dip your toes in the refreshing water, before you set off 10 minutes down the road to nearby McLaren Vale.

“We had a few nights at Dune to have a beach location, and also to have a base for exploring the wine regions and local area,” said one past guest. “The property was great – open, spacious, modern and clean – with a great sea view from the balcony.”

Reasons to stay:

• Four bedrooms, three bathrooms
• Oceanfront balcony with BBQ
• Full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, air conditioning
• Within easy reach of the beach, bars and cafes

Sleeps: 4 guests

Stop and stay a while in this renovated beach shack set on the sands of the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park. The two-bedroom coastal escape invites you to cosy up and reconnect with lazy days on the deck and evenings under the stars.

Past guests have consistently rated Kestrels Nest five stars based on its beautiful interiors, host of amenities and very peaceful beachside location.

Reasons to stay:

• Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Full kitchen, laundry, two living areas
• Outdoor bath, outdoor shower and hammock
• Air conditioning
• Situated on Aldinga Beach

Sleeps: 8 guests

Is there any word to describe this outlook other than spectacular? Tide Lines on Kangaroo Island is a three-bedroom eco escape with views of spectacular Pennington Bay. It’s a short three-minute walk to the water’s edge, so what’s stopping you?

If you still need convincing, let us share one of the stay’s many glowing reviews: “Tide Lines was one of the most unique and special places we have ever stayed. The privacy and wildness of the location was incredible. Perfect house for a family or small group of close friends.”

Reasons to stay:

• Three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms
• Full kitchen, indoor fireplace, washing machine
• Oceanfront patio
• Short walk from beach

Sleeps: 4 people

Situated on the coastline of northeast Tasmania, just 45 minutes from Launceston, you’ll find sandy shores, breathtaking sunrises and picturesque vistas in the two-bedroom beach home that is Lands End. Enjoy the simple pleasures of being with nature as you sit and enjoy the quiet moments and the beachfront locale.

With its stellar five-star average rating, Lands End consistently impresses guests. “Land’s End is the perfect holiday home,” one review reads. “The location was truly stunning and serene. We endlessly gazed out to the ocean from the deck and the lounge area, and were lucky enough to have whales pass us by. The wineries in the area are wonderful with Sinapius Wines being our top pick. Four nights were not enough, we will be back.”

Reasons to stay:

• Two bedrooms, one bathroom
• Full kitchen, woodfire heater, washing machine and dryer
• Oceanfront deck. firepit
• Air conditioning

Sleeps: 4 people

Whale Song in Falmouth sits on the edge of the ocean, a sanctuary of peace and calm. Originally built by a local fisherman, this luxurious beach shack prioritises sustainability and disconnecting from the outside world. With two bedrooms, direct beach access and a private hot tub, you won’t want to leave.

And don’t just take our word for it. Whale Song is in the top 10 per cent of Airbnb listings, with past guests consistently praising its impeccable location, homely feel and outdoor amenities.

Reasons to stay:

• Two bedrooms, one bathroom
• Full kitchen, washing machine
• Air conditioning, indoor fireplace
• Hot tub, private patio, fire pit, BBQ
• Steps from the water

Sleeps: 4 people

This two-bedroom fishing shack sits on 10 acres of natural bushland in the west coast town of Strahan. The cosy cabin enjoys stunning views and direct water access, plus plenty of grounds to explore.

The shack’s comfortable bedding, stunning location and characterful style have earned it a 4.92-star average rating on Airbnb. “Such a beautiful shack and beautiful surroundings. We spent our evenings listening to the broad range of records and relaxing on the deck overlooking the harbour. This place had everything we needed with the added bonus of limited service and no tv so we could truly disconnect,” one review said.

Reasons to stay:

• Two bedrooms, one bathroom
• Full kitchen, washing machine,
• Two outdoor fire pits, outdoor shower
• Bay views

Sleeps: 2 people

Nestled on the picturesque west coast of King Island sits Red Rock Hut, a tiny, off-grid home surrounded by untouched coastlines. Just a few minutes’ walk to the beach, this one-bedroom beach house offers the serenity of Tasmania’s wilderness with plenty of added extras, including a sauna, hot tub and fire pit.

Red Rock Hut is unsurprisingly in the top five per cent of homes on Airbnb and has a 4.98-star average rating. “Highly recommend staying at Red Rock Hut for a getaway to relax and recharge,” one review reads. “Everything we needed was supplied to make our stay memorable. We loved the wood-fired sauna and outdoor seating to enjoy the views.”

Reasons to stay:

• One bedroom, one-and-a-half bathrooms
• Award-winning off-grid tiny home
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Wood-fired hot tub and sauna

Sleeps: 4 guests

Located in the township of Alonnah on Bruny Island, The Boathouse is a cosy two-bedroom cabin on the waterfront that is laid-back living at its finest. Enjoy watching as the boats drift past, or head down to the beach for a walk along the waterfront.

The Boathouse’s breathtaking waterfront location, amenities – including an outdoor bath – and friendly host have earned this Airbnb a 4.97-star average rating. “This was, without a doubt, the best Airbnb we’ve stayed in,” one guest said. “It was beautifully decorated with incredible views. It is equipped with everything you could ever need. The outdoor bath at sunset with a fire going was spectacular.”

Reasons to stay:

• Two bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms
• Full kitchen, washing machine
• Outdoor fire pit, outdoor bathtub
• Hamper of local goodies on arrival

Sleeps: 8 people

Overlooking Banky Beach on the idyllic Bremer Bay coastline, this authentic wooden beach home promises “one of the best views in Western Australia.” Boasting three bedrooms and surrounded by unspoilt nature, this Bremer Bay stay offers access to truly incredible beaches and meandering walking trails for true disconnection and relaxation.

“From the moment we arrived we were blown away by the stunning ocean views,” one guest wrote. “The property was presented exactly as described, yet even more special in person. It was cosy, warm with thoughtful amenities making our stay comfortable and relaxing. This is a gem of a property that offers the most spectacular views in all of Bremer Bay.”

Reasons to stay:

• Seven bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Authentic wooden beach house
• Set on 100 oceanfront acres
• Full kitchen, washing machine

Absolute beachfront living awaits at The Nautilus, an architectural three-storey house above Yallingup Beach. Sleeping 10 and with separate living areas on each floor, it’s the perfect accommodation for large groups to come together and enjoy the fresh air and ocean views.

The Nautilus has earned a 4.96-star average rating, with reviews highlighting its impressive interiors, breathtaking ocean views and luxe amenities. “Our stay at The Nautilus was absolutely perfect in every way imaginable,” one guest wrote. “The home was stunning and well appointed, not a single thing was missed which made our stay comfortable, relaxing and easy. The views are breathtaking.”

Reasons to stay:

• Five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms
• Three-level architecturally designed house
• Full kitchen, laundry, arcade games, ping pong table
• Infinity pool, sauna, outdoor kitchen
• Walking distance from the beach

Sleeps: 8 people

Located close to the famous Busselton Jetty, with uninterrupted panoramic views seen from the entertaining deck, this five-bedroom home in West Busselton offers beachfront living at its finest. Sit back, relax and soak in the ocean views.

The Deck House has been named an Airbnb Guest Favourite, owing to its friendly host, amenities and breathtaking beachfront position. “Utterly gorgeous location! We saw dolphins every day we were there,” one guest wrote.

Reasons to stay:

• Five bedrooms, three bathrooms
• Full kitchen, laundry
• Swimming pool
• Expansive covered deck