While metropolitan Sydney – with an expressive dining scene and iconic harbour – may be the most famed spot in New South Wales, the eastern state also boasts a bounty of lowkey gems hidden by bush and beach.
From true Romanticist escapes in the natural world to award-winning architectural experimentations, we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in New South Wales to book and explore regions yonder the big smoke.
And with the air becoming crisper, there’s no better time to enquire about a sojourn away from the city. Read on for our curated edit of luxury stays.
The best romantic Airbnb getaways in NSW
The Little Black Shack
Location: Great Mackerel Beach, Pittwater
Sleeps: Two guests
Situated in Ku-ring-gai National Park across from Palm Beach, The Little Black Shack is an original timber and sandstone fisherman’s cottage set metres from the water on Great Mackerel Beach. Fully eco-friendly and furnished with either second hand or handmade pieces, this cottage that is also fit with a gourmet chef’s kitchen and fully stocked pantry, is as eclectic as it comes. Hire a tinny or board Myra, the old timber ferry from Palm Beach and you’re off to a secluded lovers’ paradise.
Reasons to stay:
- Hand-built sandstone open fireplace
- Window box seat
- Views from each room
- Gourmet chef’s kitchen
- Floor-to-ceiling bookcase
- Stone bath and copper shower
- Sun deck with wood fired oven and fireplace
- Hammock
The Salty Dog
Location: Newport, Pittwater
Sleeps: Two guests
Another romantic getaway set in the Northern Beaches’ Pittwater is The Salty Dog boathouse – an idyllic spot to take time out from the big smoke. Spend the day lapping up the sun and salt then share a sunset tipple over a charcuterie board on the deck before crawling into the loft bed and falling asleep to the rocking of waves.
Reasons to stay:
- Wooden boathouse design
- Off grid
- Large opening skylight window
- Dinghy
- Outdoor shower
- Deck
- Bluetooth sound system
- Coffee machine
- Breakfast included
The best tiny house Airbnb in NSW
Arabella eco cabin
Location: Beaumont, Shoalhaven
Sleeps: Three guests
Forgo city concrete for rural rainforest with a stay at eco-cabin Arabella, set on 140 acre farm overlooking the Kangaroo Valley on the fringe of the Cambewarra Ranges. Run on solar power with an award-winning mirrored capsule bathroom, this nature retreat is surrounded by dense bushland in a forest clearing where you may encounter wombats, echidnas, kookaburras and lyrebirds. A true Romanticist’s escape.
Reasons to stay:
- Off grid design
- Outdoor fire pit
- Gas barbecue
- Award-winning glass bathroom
- Runs on solar energy
- Bathtub
- Mountain view
- Indoor fireplace
The best treehouse Airbnb in NSW
Pepper Tree Passive House
Location: Unanderra, Wollongong
Sleeps: Four guests
Winning the Sustainable Architecture Award 2022 from the Institute of Architects, this art eco-house designed by Alexander Symes is set against the striking backdrop of Mount Kembla and is built around a 50-year-old pepper tree. So, why not take a week off the grind and live as the fae do in a treehouse?
Reasons to stay:
- Mountain view
- Samsung Bluetooth sound system
- Central air conditioning and heating
- Coffee maker
- Electric vehicle charger
The best couple’s retreat Airbnb in NSW
Ground House 107R
Location: Tintenbar, Ballina Shire
Sleeps: Two guests
Ground House 107R is a concrete stay ethereally nestled in the grass, designed to “curate sensory immersion”. Featuring a curving jade shower and hearted magnesium soak tank – plus the option for an in-stay massage therapist and yoga instructor to be present – this conceptual getaway epitomises luxe.
Reasons to stay:
- Stone walled courtyard with water feature
- Brass kitchen
- Double sided fireplace
- Curving jade shower
- Magnesium soak tank
- Plunge pool
- Barbecue grill
The best farm stay Airbnb in NSW
Mulberry Barn
Location: Far Meadow, City of Shoalhaven
Sleeps: Two guests
Between the town of Berry and the sea lies Mulberry Barn, a converted barn set on a farm on Coolangatta Mountain. Neighbouring the stables with bush tracks beginning through the back gate, this is an ideal getaway for those wanting to relish in the soundscapes of nature.
Reasons to stay:
- Indoor fireplace
- Large bath
- Mood lighting
- Underfloor bathroom heating
- Breakfast provided
- Barbecue
- On five acres of paddocks
The best off grid Airbnb in NSW
Gawthorne’s Hut
Location: Mudgee
Sleeps: Two guests
Awarded the Best Unique Stay by Airbnb in 2021, Gawthorne’s Hut is an inviting yet sophisticated eco-hut designed to create a sense of peace in isolation for its visitors of Wilgowrah, the historic rural property on which the hut is set.
Reasons to stay:
- King bed
- Fire pit
- Air conditioning
- JB Bluetooth sound system
- Indoor fireplace
- Waterfront location
The best ocean view Airbnb in NSW
The Pinnacle
Location: Salamander Bay
Sleeps: 12 guests
Boasting a 250-degree spectacular panoramic ocean view is The Pinnacle in Salamander Bay. Sleeping up to 12 guests and featuring an outdoor hot tub, this impressive three-storey holiday home makes for the perfect group getaway.
Reasons to stay:
- 250° panoramic water views
- Built-in heated spa on balcony
- Elongated fireplace
- Fully equipped chef’s kitchen
- Dual sink butler’s pantry
- Integrated coffee machine
- Pizza oven fireplace
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- 6 luxe Sydney stays to book for your harbour city stint
- 6 luxe Airbnbs in Jindabyne to retreat to this snow season
