Local Escapes

15 Of Queensland’s Best Airbnbs That Will Make You Want To Book A Staycay Immediately

By Victoria Patapan

A coastal style cottage, with a pool.

With the holidays quickly approaching, it seems like all of our thoughts are on our next getaway. But instead of heading to the same old holiday house you’ve been staying at every year since you were three, why not take this opportunity to stay someplace new?

While we've got plenty of recommendations on where to find the best Airbnbs in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, you shouldn't limit yourself to your own city. We’ve collated the best stays across the state guaranteed to fill you with wanderlust. Check out 15 of Queensland’s best Airbnbs below, and get booking—before we do. 

The Palm House 

Mooloolaba | Sleeps 4

Styled with furnishings and homewares from everywhere from the ancient cities of Morocco to the shores of India and Indonesia, The Palm House will provide the perfect getaway for those looking for coastal vibes. Sip cocktails as you longue by the pool and admire the cottage’s boutique charm, courtesy of its European oak floors and French doors. This stunning abode is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.  

Interior of a bright cottage, looking into the kitchen.

La Boehme Whitsundays

Jubilee Pocket | Sleeps 4 

Tucked away in the hills of the Whitsunday mainland lies La Boehme, a beautiful open cottage designed with beachgoers in mind. At La Boehme, the Great Barrier Reef is at your doorstep, with world-renowned attractions like Whitehaven Beach just a day trip away. The house itself has its own pool, but don’t pass up the chance to explore the world's largest coral reef system by booking a snorkelling tour. 

A bright red barn cottage, with a small pool out the front.

Little Red Barn 

Doonan | Sleeps 7 

Nestled amongst the countryside of the Noosa Hinterland sits Little Red Barn, a gorgeous barnhouse worthy of any Insta feed. Its soaring vaulted wooden ceiling opens the space to light and air, while its carefully selected furnishings give off a modern vintage vibe. But the true star of the show is the outdoor plunge pool, which gives guests glorious views of the countryside. Don’t worry—the pool is heated, so you can enjoy the views all year round.   

Interior of a small loft-style apartment.

The Pool House 

Mooloolaba | Sleeps 2 

This chic New York style home will give you serious Gossip Girl vibes, and transport you straight to the Humphrey’s loft in Brooklyn—just with a little more natural light. The hand-picked furnishings were sourced from Morocco, Indonesia and even the Greek Islands to give the home an eclectic sense of style. Not only is The Pool House walking distance to the beach, it also features a stunning plunge pool, as well as a fire pit for the cooler months.

A white cottage with a pool in the side yard.

Poinciana House 

Noosa Heads | Sleeps 10 

The luxurious Poinciana House is the perfect base to explore everything Noosa has to offer. Lay back with a book in the reading room, or laze around the pool surrounded by towering palm trees. When evening comes, dine al fresco under the shade of the majestic Poinciana tree and enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool before bed. The house is filled with thoughtful touches, like Saya Skincare products that will make your skin sing. 

A luxe bedroom with double doors opening out onto a deck over the canals.

Waterfront Villa

Surfers Paradise  | Sleeps  8 

It’s all about location with this stunning Waterfront Villa in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Enjoy a picnic on the deck overlooking the river before heading out for a paddle, then take a dip in the heated pool to relax your muscles. The interior of the home is modern and spacious, but be warned—you’re going to walk away with some serious kitchen envy. With three levels of luxury, this villa promises a truly incredible stay. 

A canopied bed in a tree-house style cabin.

Noosa Treetop Eco Retreat 

Noosa | Sleeps 2 

Ever wanted to stay in a treehouse? Now’s your chance. The Noosa Treetop Eco Retreat promises a stay unlike any other. The bedroom is enclosed with glass, timber and bamboo and sits high above the ground, giving you incredible views of the sunset from the comfort of a king size bed. Guests are treated to an outdoor candlelit bath, and can even book an in-house professional massage or yoga class.The beach and shops are all within walking distance, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays you can make the drive to Eumundi to visit the famous Eumundi Markets. 

A white, tent looking cabin overlooking mountains.

Clouds Safari 

Beechmont | Sleeps  2 

Sure, camping is fun and all, but why bother setting up your own tent when you can stroll right into Clouds Safari? In the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Clouds Safari boasts 180 degree views of Springbrook Mountain and Numinbah Valley, and is just a five minute drive from the world-renowned Killarney Glen waterfall. The tent features stunning wood furnishings and homewares reminiscent of African safaris, as well as an enormous four-poster bed, free-standing bath and an outdoor fireplace to keep you nice and cosy.

A white cottage in the middle of a farm paddock.

The Cottage At Conondale Station 

Conondale | Sleeps  6

Hidden on a hill surrounded by mountain ranges lies Conondale Cottage, a quaint country home offering incredible 360 views. Just a 20 minute drive from Maleny, the cottage promises absolute privacy, with no noise other than the sounds of baby calves and bellbirds. The small but blissful farmhouse offers a breath of fresh air, with simple yet modern stylings that allow guests to really connect with the nature around them. 

interior of a luxe boat

Luxury Apartment On The Water

Gold Coast | Sleeps 8

So, when we say “Luxury Apartment On The Water”, we literally mean on the water because we’re talking deluxe accommodation on a boat. Introduce yourself to the sweet life on deck—literally—because you’ll have the entire place to yourselves on this three-level luxury motor yacht. The boat is in the heart of the marina, just a quick trip to Surfers Paradise. A short cruise to a section of the Gold Coast at either Wave Break Island or South Stradbroke Island is also included in the package so whether you’re feeling like a day on land or on the sea, this package has got you covered. Live la vida loca in style, this is your one-way ticket to holidaying like a baller.

a large luxe tent in a paddock

Kanimbia Luxury Glamping

Obi Obi | Sleeps 2

By now, we’re all well aware of glamping and how it one-ups camping in every way, but this Kanimbia Luxury Glamping site has taken the idea to the next level, putting the “glam” in camping (times 100). If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors away from anyone else, you’re in luck because this luxury safari tent is surrounded by 50 acres of land. Recharge in the bathtub, watch movies from the day bed and stargaze by the firepit at night. You can also open up the sides of the tent for a full open living plan so you’ll truly be at one with nature.

interior of an all black living room

Shackpalace Noosa Home

Noosa Heads | Sleeps 2

When you imagine architectural perfection, what comes to mind is probably something close to Shackpalace in Noosa Heads. Inside these modern walls are the sleekest interiors you’ll ever see. The dark wooden furniture and liquorice-coloured walls create a truly immersive holiday experience where you’ll feel calm, cosy, and disconnected from the world. You can also admire the mountain views from the connecting deck and open-air showers. Shackpalace—aka dreamy beachside sanctuary—embodies “Zen” which is exactly what the doctor ordered for your holiday.

view above a bed to a glass roof

Stargazer

Beechmont | Sleeps 5

If you want to fall asleep under the stars but in the comfort and warmth of a bed, Stargazer house has you covered. The house’s glass ceilings make stargazing possible from rooms all over the house and glass walls make watching the sunset possible from the bathtub. Apart from the stunning glass ceilings and walls, there’s an outdoor fireplace, entertainment deck and a pizza oven. Yes, a pizza oven, you read that correctly. Enjoy the views of rolling hills and ridges and the starry night sky with a woodfired slice of pizza in hand—it’s only right.

a bath next to a window overlooking mountains

Glass on Glasshouse Luxury Retreat

Glasshouse Mountains | Sleeps 2

Glass on Glasshouse Luxury Retreat, as the name suggests, is an actual glass house which features two walls of three-metre-high glass walls to maximise the views of the Glasshouse Mountains. Did someone say breakfast, lunch, dinner and a bath with a view? Well, it’s something you’ll need to get used to thanks to this luxury retreat’s glass walls. The modern retreat offers decadence and luxury all nestled in the serene green landscape of the Glasshouse Mountains. Glass walls aside, say hello to an indoor fireplace and a private pool­—this spot ticks off all the holiday essentials and more.

A huge silver lodge with 'wings' stretching out over a lake.

Alkira Award Winning Luxury Beachfront 

Cape Tribulation  | Sleeps 12  

Yep, you can stay in this epic, space age looking house, though you might need to sell a kidney to do it. The award-winning Alkira Award Winning Luxury Beachfront is located in the heart of the Daintree, on a private 600 metre beachstrip along the Great Barrier Reef. Everything about this place is truly magnificent, including the five separate bedrooms wings (yes, this house has wings) each with its own ensuite, and its own gym. Oh, and did we mention the helicopter pad? To top it all off, Alkira is made of sustainable materials that are designed to become part of the surrounding environment over time.

Looking for more vacation inspo? Grab the camera, here are seven jaw-dropping places you had no idea were in Queensland.

Image credit: Airbnb 

Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.