Six of the funkiest Airbnbs in Australia

25 Jun 2024 5 mins read

From tiny houses to private islands, there are plenty of booking choices for holidaymakers looking for something a little different…

When it comes to holiday accommodation, some love to ‘rough it’ and need nothing more than a swag to roll out under the stars. Others look to the luxe life and wouldn’t contemplate anything less than five stars.

For other holidaymakers, feeling ‘at home’ when they’re away from theirs is the dream. And accommodation platforms like Airbnb, Stayz and Homestay cater to this market. In fact, it’s estimated that there are 169,000 active short-term rentals across the nation.

The platforms offer inner city apartments, houses in the ‘burbs and holiday homes along the coast and in the bush. But what about those travellers looking for something a bit more unusual? They’re covered too! Just take a look below…

Itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny

Tiny homes are proving to be popular choices for holidaymakers. And one of the most popular is the Bruny Island Hideaway. At just 28m2 and surrounded by 99 acres of conservation forest, the cabin is completely off the grid and guests need a 4WD to access the property. The cabin is Located in Alonnah, on Tasmania’s Bruny Island.

For those with big bucks

We are going to be honest… guests will need a few bucks to stay on Makepeace Island. Located within the estuary of Lake Cootharaba on the Sunshine Coast, the private island is accessible by a short private boat ride from the nearby Noosa Heads. Featuring a spacious villa which has a multi-channel pool, hacienda style halls and lush gardens, there are 11 bedrooms in total. The island and its several villas can sleep up to 22 comfortably, and are decorated with tropical decor reminiscent of a far-flung island. Oh, and it costs more than $24,700 a night…

It’s written in the stars

Australia boasts several ‘dome houses’ and none more impressive than Bubble Retreat in Agnes (Victoria). The winner of Airbnb's Global 'OMG' category competition, the star gazing Bubbles are located high on a mountain top overlooking the rolling mountains and ocean below. The Bubbles are located on a working farm with cattle and sheep, and feature a transparent canopy allowing (adults only) guests to feel like they are sleeping under the stars. 

Beach and bush hideaway

Aussies’ love of the beach means shacks often top accommodation wish-lists. And the Little Black Shack on Mackerel Beach (NSW) tops many a list. Balanced right on the water’s edge, the renovated fishermen’s shack is a secluded beach and bush hideaway which is only accessible from the water via a small wooden ferry from Palm Beach. Surrounded by the Ku-ring-gai National Park, the shack has uninterrupted views of Mackerel Beach, Pittwater, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach and beyond.

Off grid

Re-purposing old shipping containers into homes is an increasingly popular pursuit and, with their small footprint, they’re ideal for some of the country’s best locations. And they’re a growing category on Airbnb. River’s End Retreat in Kalgan (WA) is a favourite among guests. Completely self-contained and set on a working farm, the converted shipping container is for those looking to go off-grid and get back to nature.

Fit for a King

The Manor Basket Range is a fairy tale castle in the Adelaide Hills. Formerly known as Camelot Castle, the manor has 12 townhouse style villas available with sleeping, living and kitchen areas. Built in 1928 of local Basket Range stone, The Manor Basket Range is a unique property (there aren’t many medieval castles in Oz!) and popular wedding venue.

No matter whether it is an apartment, a house or a unique place to stay, if the property is rented on the short-stay market, it needs a specialist insurance policy.

EBM RentCover ShortTerm is designed for those offering a property for short stays (between one day and six months), either through traditional holiday home listings or via an accommodation platform such as Airbnb.

The cover is intended to protect short-stay landlords from the common risks that come with letting property on the short stay market including damage caused by guests (accidental, malicious and pet), loss of rent (when a confirmed booking is cancelled due to an insured event), damage from natural disasters, water and fire, and legal liability.

Chat to a member of our Expert Care team about whether RentCover ShortTerm is right for your investment property – 1800 661 662.

*While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you need us we are here, contact 1800 661 662 if you have any questions.