valentines day airbnb room

Australia’s Top 5 Romantic Airbnb Getaways

 

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you are tired of another overpriced dinner then we’ve got the perfect solution for you. What’s unique about Valentine’s Day 2020 is that it falls on a Friday, giving you the perfect opportunity to take your sweetheart on a weekend getaway! Here are some of the most romantic Airbnbs in Australia that will undoubtedly wow your date.

1. Broken Head Bodhi Treehouse

Coopers Shoot, NSW

This Airbnb is one of the most unique places to stay not only in the Byron region, but the whole of Australia. A beautiful treehouse with ocean and rainforest views, nestled amongst 17 acres of subtropical rainforest and organic gardens, it is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate with your significant other. Enjoy ocean views from the upstairs bedroom and a stone bath in the lower level. The Broken Head Bodhi Treehouse uses organic eco-friendly products as well as washroom facilities that are resource-saving for those that want to enjoy a stayvation without harming the environment.

treehouse airbnb for valentine's day

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5040216 | AUD 155 per night | 4.96 star rating

2. The Deck House

The Deck Wye River, VIC

Specifically designed for two people, this gem of a property boasts luxury, class and absolutely stunning views. If you are drawn to the ocean and have someone special to enjoy a private awe inspiring retreat, then this exquisite love nest is for you. This property is spectacular all year round with a warm wood fire in winter or a large front deck to catch some summer sun, if its a luxurious couples getaway you’re after – then look no further.

ocean view airbnb

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/14242926 | AUD 309 per night | 4.79 star rating

3. Luxury on the water

Docklands, VIC

The first thing that comes to people’s minds when the word Airbnb is mentioned is either houses or apartments, but the spectrum of Airbnb properties is wide and a private boat is a unique stay that will definitely create unforgettable memories. Located in the heart of Melbourne in the prestigious Melbourne City Marina, this 32ft Mustang LE.Sports Cruiser Boat with all the luxuries, provides what you can expect from a 5 star hotel. With an option of varied customised packages to suit such as a chilled bottle of sparkling, fresh flowers and sumptuous chocolates to greet you on your arrival and a continental breakfast hamper for the following morning, you and your date are set for an intimate and romantic weekend of a lifetime. You can also book a dining experience and have your meals prepared and brought to you on board to experience the full lifestyle of luxury living.

yatch airbnb melbourne

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/32341982 | AUD 180 per night | 4.83 star rating

4. Magical Mountain Nest

South Hobart, TAS

If you are looking for a secluded stay then this unique and charming light filled property with its own private entrance, en-suite bathroom, and custom designed, fully functioning kitchen is what you are looking for. The water views of the river Derwent and the looming mountain above are second to none, with sunrises worth setting an alarm for to experience beautiful Tasmania. The land is abundant with wildlife and features vast organic food and flower gardens where you can pick a flower for your lover on the spot. Organic herbal teas grown and prepared on the land and organic fair-trade coffee is provided for a cosy stay.

mountian airbnb tasmania

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5710324 | AUD 120 per night | 4.89 star rating

5. Aquila Nova Retreat – Sol Spa Suite

The Patch, VIC

Last but not least, this luxury accommodation in the Dandenong Ranges with the charm of a Tudor style design is fit for a king and a queen. The Sol suite, categorised as Castle on Airbnb, features a stone balcony, a four poster queen bed and a massive spa bath overlooking a gas log fire. The suite is truly mesmerising with tasteful blend of wood, stone and vibrant colours reminiscent of the sun’s golden palette. When you are not indulging on the generous breakfast hamper which includes chocolates, wine and spa luxuries, you can go out to explore the range of tourist attractions nearby.

castle airbnb australia

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/12293289 | AUD 390 per night | 4.92 star rating

 

Chic Melbourne Airbnb’s

Whether it’s for a weekend or an extended stay, indulge in a little luxury away with three of our top picks for the best Melbourne Airbnb spaces. Melbourne is a buzzing city packed with activities from sporting events to cultural festivals year round.

We chose the below Airbnb’s that you can book right now in Melbourne based on their photos, listed amenities, uniqueness and traveller reviews.

Art Deco, Rooftop Garden in South Yarra

melbourne airbnb

South Yarra, VIC, Australia
Price:$281 per night

Looking for a chic and spacious Melbourne Airbnb experience? This Art Deco, Rooftop Garden is our #1 pick for a stay with style.

Featuring furniture by celebrated designers, the property also boasts cable TV, WiFi, free parking, and complete privacy for a maximum of 3 guests.

Picturesque views and plenty of fresh air are available right here in the suburb of South Yarra.

A mix of vintage, modern, antique and industrial interior design is a promise to make your stay in this apartment memorable.

Guests say:

  • “Leon’s top floor apartment is a charming, delightful Art Deco masterpiece with the most incredible rooftop with sweeping views… we enjoyed our stay so much that we decided to extend it. Leon is a pleasure to communicate with.”
  • “The apartment was in a great location in South Yarra close to public transport and shops. The apartment was beautifully furnished, comfortable and clean and Leon provided us with breakfast ingredients which was fantastic. The roof garden was an added bonus.”
  • “The apartment was fantastic in every respect and a joy to stay in.”
  • “Have recommended this beautiful place to friends already.”

Book it today on Airbnb.

The Canvas Barn B&B

Warburton, VIC, Australia
Price: $196 per night

Craving for some quality time with family and loved ones? This sophisticated barn that accommodates 9 people is unbeatable.

Reconnect with nature and undergo the uniqueness of this self-sustainable Airbnb topped off with nearby biking and walking trails for a digital detox.

Set in the Yarra state forest, this owner-built barn is prime for bonding with family and friends.

Get domestic in this rustic environment and experiment with the wood fire pizza oven and barbeque, or take advantage of the outdoor entertainment area.

Enjoy the calm and soothing back-to-nature facilities without having to forgo the comfort of heating and internet connection.

Guests say:

  • “The accommodation is beautifully equipped with everything you need.”
  • “The fireplace was great with plenty of wood handy.”
  • “Family friendly, quiet and away from the usual distractions of tv and mobile phones.”
  • “This is such a beautiful part of the world.”
  • “The host made us feel very welcome, and the house was incredible to explore.”

Chic, Modern Apartment in Richmond

melbourne airbnb apartment

Renowned for its proximity to bars and restaurants, tram lines and sporting grounds, Richmond is an ideal area to call home while staying in Melbourne. And within Richmond, you can’t look past one of the best Airbnb’s in Melbourne CBD, a modern apartment and secret lair. The two bedroom, two bathroom home features tasteful art pieces throughout, appreciated homely touches such as flowers and organic soap, plus your own private sun-filled patio.

Light floods into the living area with a full sized floor to ceiling sliding glass door. The wood accent feaure wall is a highlight of the property’s interior design.

Quirky and Cool Sydney Airbnbs

Heading to Sydney but seeking a different accommodation experience?

At Airbnb Genius, we’ve handpicked four unique Airbnb experiences located in different areas of the city, from the harbour to the Blue Mountains.

 

Stay on a yacht with the best views of Sydney

There’s no better way to experience Sydney than to float on its famous harbour, and this Airbnb listing offers the opportunity to do just that.

The boat is a 40-foot Jeanneau yacht moored directly in front of the Harbour Bridge.

Despite being on a boat, this Airbnb does have some room to move around with two full sized beds, plus a drop down saloon table into a 3rd full size bed, two bathrooms, kitchen and dining area.

The listing even boasts a laptop friendly workspace if you need to get a quick bit of work done during your holiday.

airbnb boat
Here’s what guests are saying about this Sydney Airbnb:

Million dollar view and a lovely boat with everything we needed onboard. Would definitely recommend as a unique and enjoyable way to experience the harbour!

The boat was in the most mind blowing position on the harbour, literally next to Luna park and the harbour bridge. The boat it’s self was stunning with huge beds and every ammenity you could need.”

Book it on Airbnb.

Bondi Beach Perched by the Sea

Enjoy waking up to a sea breeze directly overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Just a short troll down to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, this Airbnb is in a prime location for a beachside holiday. While the balcony and view steal the show, the rest of the home is similarly spectacular and stylishly decorated.

Across the road is Sydney’s famous Bondi Icebergs, and easy transport by bus to other locations around the city.

 

bondi beach airbnb

Massive Warehouse Loft Apartment

Marrickville is one inner Sydney’s trendiest suburbs, and this large warehouse conversion is the ideal spot to take in the area’s local charm and character.

Located above a working art studio, this is one of Australia’s most interesting and quirky Airbnb listings.

Here’s what guests say about the apartment:

This is an amazing space – arty & very roomy – we felt st home as soon as we entered. It’s in a great neighbourhood with plenty of on street parking. The space itself has everything you could possibly need & more

Scott’s place is a hidden gem. The loft space allows you to relax in the open and without feeling confined as many hotel rooms do. The eclectic mix of furniture and accessories capture your imagination and you will discover new things throughout your stay.
loft apartment

The Enchanted Cave

Bilpin

This one’s a little bit of a drive outside of Sydney, but still easily accessible from the city. We’re talking caves. Like hole in a rock kind of thing. This cliff top stay is built into a natural rock platform and has a small front door opening (Hobbit style) which means you’ll score front seats to the best damn view anyone could ever lay eyes on and a unique spa experience.

Here’s what guests are saying about this unique space:

A very special place with its own piece of the Blue Mountains escarpment in its backyard! Simply breathtaking.

oceanfront airbnb

Best Beachside Airbnb Escapes

Looking for a unique coastal escape this summer? Here’s the best beachside Airbnb properties in Australia, as rated by the Airbnb Genius team.

There’s nothing more iconic that a hot Australian summer Christmas by the beach or water, and with Airbnb you can now pick from a variety of unique homes that bring out the best the coast has to offer.

1. The Little Black Shack

Great Mackerel Beach, NSW

For lovers of both water and land, this little beachside oasis really packs a punch. Perfectly positioned, you’ll wake up in the Little Black Shack to the sun rising over Palm Beach headland. The shack can comfortably accommodate up to four guests so is the perfect option for small groups and families.

A generous deck area creates the perfect setting for outdoor meals to enjoy the waterviews.

airbnb beaches

Thought it couldn’t get any better? Located in easy walking distance from the water, you’ll have all the opportunities in the world to swim, kayak and snorkel in the pristine waters, before returning to relax in the hammock hanging from a large Frangipani tree.

2. Camel Beach House, South Australia

A seven-hour drive from Adelaide, Mt Camel Beach hosts this 250-acre heritage property, which boasts panoramic views of untouched, coastal wilderness. Sitting on the southern tip of the Chain of Bays (a breathtaking coastal area on the Eyre Peninsula that serves as a home to a number of endangered species, including the Australian Sea Lion, White Bellied Eagle and Osprey), the architecturally designed eco-home that operates entirely off the grid embodies the rugged minimalism of the area.

 

 

3. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, New South Wales

sugar loaf point

Seal Rocks, New South Wales. Get your Round the Twist on with a lighthouse stay. There are two heritage-listed Assistant Lighthouse Keepers’ cottages available that have each been comfortably restored for groups of six to stay. The quaint dwellings (built in 1875) offer access to walking tracks aplenty, as well as sweeping views of the surrounding Seal Rocks and Myall Lakes National Park.

 

4. The Guesthouse: Absolute Oceanfront Cottage

oceanfront airbnb

A contemporary furnished cottage perched on Bannister Head, Mollymook Beach – absolute oceanfront property. The cottage is within short walking distance to “Bannisters By The Sea”, “Rick Stein’s” and Jones’s Beach.

Adjacent to the property is a public walkway that leads you directly onto the cliff face of Bannister Heads. Although lots of anglers do make the journey down, we do see a lot of empty buckets on the way back up (note that fishing is better at Ulladulla Wharf and Narrewallee Inlet…). During your stay we recommend that you take the walk down onto Bannister Head. It’s a great place to take in the beauty of Mollymook and you may be lucky enough to spot some dolphins, whales and seals!

Other than a generous living space, the cottage features two bedrooms, one featuring a king sized bed and, the other, two singles. The bathroom features a shower, basin, toilet and washing machine/dryer combo (note that there is no bath tub).

airbnb travel

Airbnb Travel Tips

From saving money on the road to getting more value with your accommodation such as kitchen amenities, there are many reasons to choose Airbnb for accommodation on your next trip.

In this article, we list eight essential tips and facts about Airbnb before you book your next holiday.

1. Travel safely

One of the biggest concerns travelers have about Airbnb is the idea of staying in a stranger’s home, instead of the security of a hotel or commercial accommodation. However the safety issues are actually rare, relative to the high number of bookings that take place every day across the world.

Airbnb does perform background checks on both hosts and guests, but it’s still worth to do your research but checking out past reviews of properties for red flags, and reading the profile of hosts which can indicate how comfortable you would be staying in their home (assuming it is a shared space).

Some shared home Airbnb listings also do not have interior locks on all bedrooms, so it can be worth buying a temporary internal door lock to travel with – these are cheap and can easily be fitted to a door without tools, as an added precaution while you are sleeping.

2. Read the reviews

Airbnb user profiles, like most online marketplaces, rely on building a reputation through reviews, recommendations, and ratings. Take the time to look these through, as they can tell you a huge amount about a property and its host.

Importantly, users can only leave a review if they have a confirmed stay at the place in question, so profiles can’t be padded out with fakes. If the reviews are bad, look elsewhere.

3. Look for watermarked and verified photos

Every profile should come complete with photos of the place you’re staying, so that you know it has important things like walls and a floor.

If a photo features a triangular “A” watermark in the top right hand corner, it means it was taken by professional Airbnb photographers brought in by the host. It’s by no means a prerequisite, but the watermark is a good sign that what you see is what you’ll get.

In 2019, Airbnb announced it was undertaking a program to verify all Airbnb listings, and have also started asking guests to verify the accuracy of listings. Properties with verified photos now indicate this in their listing captions.

aribnb room

4. Don’t be afraid to contact your host

Alongside its reviewing suite, Airbnb’s website comes equipped with a messaging service that allows you to contact a host without having to request a booking.

Making contact and building rapport before booking is a good way to put both you and the host at ease; remember, the host is often giving up their personal space to a total stranger.

They don’t have to accept your booking request, but chatting beforehand gives you a much better chance of getting the accommodation you want.

5. Read the cancellation policy

Airbnb hosts can abide by one of five different cancellation policies, ranging from ‘Flexible’ to ‘Super Strict.’ The former allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance without losing too much money, while anything on the strict end of the spectrum can see you badly out of pocket, depending when you cancel.
Needless to say, Airbnb isn’t quite as flexible as hostel accommodation. Before you make a booking, make sure you’ve read the cancellation policy closely to avoid nasty surprises somewhere down the line.

6. Don’t think about your Airbnb as a hotel

Your host has to be at the property when you arrive to let you inside and hand over the keys. So when you give them your time of arrival, make sure you stick to it. If you’re running late, do your best to let them know as soon as possible.
Don’t expect all the amenities of a hotel. No one’s going to be turning up your bed while you’re out on the town. Enjoy your privacy instead, and do your best to keep things tidy. Many hosts charge a flat cleaning fee, and take a security deposit. So you’re paying for any damage.

7. What’s it likely to cost?

Rates vary widely depending on location and the type of accommodation. A room in an apartment will cost less than a converted railway car, which will cost less than a medieval castle. You get the idea.
An Airbnb is unlikely to ever be cheaper than a hostel, but it can often cost far less than a hotel, and you’re probably getting somewhere with a lot more personality. It’s also worth noting that rates aren’t fixed. Don’t be afraid to haggle (respectfully) with hosts.

8. Take advantage of your host’s local knowledge

Your host will be local to wherever you’re visiting, and many are happy to help make your stay in their city a good one. They’ll know the best attractions, bars, and restaurants, and can help out with transport and directions. Some might even invite you to dinner.
Don’t be afraid to ask their expertise, but always remember that a host has no obligation to provide it.