Ground House 107R
While metropolitan Sydney – with an impressive dining scene and iconic harbour – may be the most famed spot in New South Wales, this eastern state also boasts a bounty of glittering and hidden gems by the beach and in the bush. If you’re looking to escape this season, the best Airbnbs in New South Wales offer a wealth of choice for all kinds of travellers.
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 beyond the big smoke.
Whether you’re looking for an off-grid tiny home escape in regional New South Wales, or you’re a fan of the coast and are keen to retreat into home-away-from-home comfort further north around Byron Bay or along the gorgeous South Coast, these Airbnbs in New South Wales bring a little bit of everything. From pet-friendly remote stays to self-contained architect-designed accommodation, we have a stay perfect for you.
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a sojourn away from the city – and we’ve even included the distance from central Sydney to make it easier. Read on for our curated edit of luxurious, romantic and unique NSW Airbnb stays.
You might also like: 13 of the best farm stays in NSW for a rustic escape
GT‘s top airbnbs in New South Wales for 2026
- Best stay for families or groups: The Pinnacle
- Best stay for couples: Ground House 107R
- Best tiny homes: Gilay Estate | Ligo
- Best treehouse stay: Pepper Tree Passive House
- Best farm stay: Ocean Farm
- Best off-grid stay: Gawthorne’s Hut
- Best stay with ocean views: Magnificence of Gerroa
The best romantic Airbnbs in NSW
The Little Black Shack
Sleeps: Two guests
Love a little romance? Find the spark on a romantic getaway for two at the Little Black Shack. 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.
Location: Great Mackerel Beach, Pittwater
Distance from central Sydney: ~one hour
The Salty Dog
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.
Location: Newport, Pittwater
Distance from central Sydney: ~one hour
The best tiny home Airbnbs in NSW
Gilay Estate
Sleeps: Two guests
You’ll want to spend your entire weekend cosied up at Gilay Estate, drinking wine, soaking in the private hot tub and making pizzas in the wood-fired Gozney oven. But for those wanting to explore the area, nearby Murrurundi offers a couple of good cafés, a gin distillery and local art gallery while Graze at Willow Tree Inn serves up great steaks and gastropub fare.
Location: Quirindi
Distance from central Sydney: ~four hours
Ligo
Sleeps: Two guests
Winner of the Airbnb Host Awards 2025 for best nature stay, this architecturally-designed tiny home encourages calmness and serenity within its natural landscape. Just over two hours from Sydney CBD, between the Blue Mountains and Wollemi national parks, this private retreat gives you access to over 100-acres of natural bushland and riverfront. And if nature isn’t enough to bring calm, a private hot tub, hammock and firepit are available for a comfortable, eco-friendly and romantic escape.
Location: Wolgan Valley
Distance from central Sydney: ~three hours
Arabella eco cabin
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.
Location: Beaumont, Shoalhaven
Distance from central Sydney: ~two hours
The best couples’ retreat Airbnb in NSW
Ground House 107R
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.
Location: Tintenbar, Ballina Shire
Distance from central Sydney: < eight hours
The Hideaway
Sleeps: Two guests
Set in the middle of a retired native wildflower farm, this tiny home in Jervis Bay is the perfect romantic couples’ retreat. Surround yourself in a grove of old, towering banksia and protea trees, and take in the lingering scent of native wildflowers.
“With Callala Bay so close and a 30-minute drive to Huskinsson you have everything you need on your doorstep. The host was responsive, friendly and a local wine and toblerone on arrival was a nice touch.”
Location: Myola, Jervis Bay
Distance from central Sydney: ~two and a half hours
The best treehouse Airbnb in NSW
Pepper Tree Passive House
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?
“The anniversary banner, the wine and chocolates, and all the little touches made us feel so seen and celebrated,” said one guest on their experience at the property for their anniversary.
Location: Unanderra, Wollongong
Distance from central Sydney: ~one and a half hours
The best Airbnb farm stay in NSW
Ocean Farm
Sleeps: 12 guests
A seaside take on the winter getaway. The four-bedroom, four-bath villa is situated on 200 acres of rainforest, giving you easy access to short walking tracks to town or down to Werri Beach. Watch the moon rise over the ocean while taking advantage of the infinity pool or warm yourself by the crackling fire in this modern coastal farmhouse set by the sea on the verdant hills of Gerringong.
“Waking up to the sunrise over the ocean and watching the moonlight shimmer on the water at night was absolutely magical,” said one five-star review.
Location: Gerringong
Distance from central Sydney: < two hours
Luxury farmhouse
Sleeps: 12 guests
Another farm stay that doesn’t stray too far from the water’s edge, Mayfield is a spacious five-bedroom, three-bath home located on a dairy farm in the heart of the NSW South Coast, just a short drive to Culburra and Callala beaches. From lush green paddocks to rustic interiors adorned with period styling and décor, indulge in the local wineries or in a roast dinner made in a fully equipped kitchen. This rural oasis will take you back in time.
“Highlights included a well-stocked kitchen for cooking, great common spaces to gather inside and outside, plus the fire pit and fireplaces which helped warm up the house in the winter (along with heaters in each room).”
Location: Mayfield
Distance from central Sydney: ~two hours
The best off-grid Airbnb in NSW
Gawthorne’s Hut
Sleeps: Two guests
Leave the coast for the rolling hills and wine country around Mudgee with an escape to Gawthorne’s Hut. Awarded the Best Unique Stay by Airbnb in 2021, this 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.
One review described the property as “private, peaceful, and perfectly designed for relaxation. We loved the quiet surroundings, the thoughtful touches throughout the space, and the feeling of complete escape. It was exactly the getaway we needed.”
Location: Mudgee
Distance from central Sydney: ~three and a half hours
The best Airbnb in NSW with waterfront views
The Pinnacle
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.
One review described the Airbnb as “a very family friendly home with a well equipped kitchen and comfortable beds. Great location, close to beaches, short drive to shops and a nice spot for walks.”
Location: Salamander Bay
Distance from central Sydney: ~two and a half hours
Swell Studio
Sleeps: two guests
Just a 12-minute drive to the heart of Byron, Swell Studio is a luxurious guest space boasting views of Tallows Creek from the comfort of your private pool, and only a stone’s throw to the beach. Features include a fully equipped kitchen, King bed, and north-east facing deck with a BBQ to relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean.
“Beautiful and modern condo right by the beach. We loved exploring the local restaurants that was recommended in their guide, and spent a lot of time soaking up the sun on the beach, as well as the local hiking trails,” said one five-star review on the property, which has an average 4.99-star rating on 190 reviews.
Location: Suffolk Park
Distance from central Sydney: < eight hours
Fingal Bay beach house
Sleeps: four guests
A luxurious two-bedroom escape across from Fingal Beach, this top-rated stay boasts relaxation and rejuvenation in spades. Enjoy all the modern amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable furnishings, outdoor pool and shower. Only a short distance to Fingal Bay shops, Fingal Bay Surf Club and the Bowling Club, and only a quick ten-minute drive to Shoal Bay, spend your days wandering the coast before taking respite in your private patio overlooking the ocean.
“We had a wonderful stay! The location is absolutely beautiful, with a stunning ocean view that made every moment feel special. The house itself is clean, cosy, and very well maintained,” said one guest who rated their stay five-stars.
Location: Fingal Bay
Distance from central Sydney: < three hours
Beach Shack on Main
Sleeps: 10 guests
With elevated views of the ocean and beaches of Yamba, this tastefully renovated and updated 1950s beach shack is a dream for large families or friends, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and vast outdoor decks that almost seem to transport you straight to the water.
Location: Yamba
Distance from central Sydney: ~ seven hours
While luxury hotels in Australia offer a valuable and exclusive experience, choosing an Airbnb can often be more flexible, personalised and immersive, reflecting the local experience. Think designer beach houses, rustic homesteads, or off-grid cabins that connect you to the natural environment. Many Airbnbs in New South Wales also come with special features such as fully stocked kitchens, private outdoor spaces, hot tubs, fireplaces, and luxury amenities, granting you greater flexibility and comfort during your stay.
While Airbnb is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable platforms for unique stays in Australia, many hotels and resorts offer equally immersive escapes – not just through location, but through thoughtful design, culinary homages, and a deep connection to place. From architecture that mirrors the surrounding landscape to interiors that honour local craftsmanship, these stays can offer a myriad of experience. Discover our full 2025 guide to Gourmet Traveller-approved hotels here.
The off-grid Gawthorne’s Hut, houseboat The Salty Dog and architectural Ground House 107R are some of the NSW Airbnbs that have caught our eye for their unique features. But the best Airbnb properties in NSW all have elements you won’t find anywhere else – from original designs and luxury features to one-of-a-kind views.
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