Local Escapes

The Best Beach Houses In NSW For Your 2026 Vacay

21st Aug 2026
Written by:
Katherine Davison
Contributor | Urban List Lifestyle
Contributors: Urban List Writers

Here in NSW, we are blessed with some spectacular coastline. North and south of Sydney are tonnes of bustling and quaint beach villages, some ultra-famous (we're looking at you Byron Bay), some on the up (oh hey, Yamba), and some undiscovered spots perfect for quiet summer holidays or cosy winter beach escapes. 

Sure, you could stay at home and elbow your way to a spot on the sand at Bondi and Tamarama this season, but sometimes a trip away, sand in your toes and sea breeze through your hair, can make all the difference. On that note, keep scrolling for the best beach houses in NSW to book this summer. 

Scotland Island | Sleeps 6

The Sea Shanty

  • A view of the water from the bed at The Sea Shanty best NSW beach house Airbnbs
    Image Credit: The Sea Shanty | Airbnb

Call this uber cute fisherman's cottage on Scotland Island your holiday home for a while, and you’ll be treated to a water access-only spot where you can slow down and breathe. 

The Sea Shanty is your very own one-bedroom NSW beach house where you can wake in a Queen bed, peep through trailing plants and enjoy an epic water view. Got a boat? This is the pad for you, as it has its own private jetty and the hosts can even provide a deep water swing mooring for an additional fee should you need it (just give them advance notice).

We love that you can bring the doggo here, and the spacious deck has gates at each end, so you don’t need to worry about the fluffy escape artists. There’s a private sandy beach to laze for a few hours on too, plus kayaks, paddleboard and fishing gear to make use of. (Oh, and there's a waterfront fire pit where you can snack on marshmallows while breathing in the salty air come sunset.)

Currarong | Sleeps 6

Nomaya Waterfront Getaway

  • The water view from Nomaya Waterfront Getaway best NSW beach house Airbnbs
    Image Credit: Nomaya Waterfront Getaway | Airbnb

With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two self-contained levels, Nomaya Waterfront Retreat is a top place to book if you’ve got a small crew to cater for. This New South Wales beach house sits right on the Currarong shoreline and each of its levels has its own entrance, full kitchen, living and dining space.

We bagsy the upper deck, which offers a King bedroom with ensuite and some fabulous water views. Bring your swimmers because you can literally mosey on outside and dip your toes in the water here. There’s comfy couches outside too, so you can relax with a cuppa and a good book if that’s more your thing.

We love the sculptural white dining table on the ground floor. It's a top spot for family feasts, and there's a barbecue zone out here with enough space for the chef to do all that pre-meal chopping without missing out on the chat.

Soldiers Point | Sleeps 8

Fifty Five Sunrise Beach

  • The water view from the deck at Fifty Five Sunrise Beach best NSW beach house Airbnbs
    Image Credit: Fifty Five Sunrise Beach | Airbnb

Dog-friendly and deliciously styled, Fifty Five Sunrise Beach is the NSW beach house you've been waiting to book. Tucked away on the shores of Nelson Bay, just two and a half hours from Sydney, this family home has been lovingly restored over the last 20 years. 

Inside, you'll find it filled with treasures from your host's lifelong travels, and there's fun stuff they leave you too, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, so you can make the most of your waterfront location. 

Grab the picnic set provided, and pop on out to Sunset Beach, where you can enjoy a tipple as you watch the sun set. We love how small people are catered for perfectly here too, with heaps of books and board games, plus beach toys for fun days on the sand. (P.S. Keep an eye out for dolphins, as they can be spotted here most days as they head across the bay.)

Rosedale | Sleeps 8

Rosedale Beach House

  • The view from the dining table at Rosedale Beach House best NSW beach houses
    Image Credit: Rosedale Beach House | Airbnb

Make the New South Wales South Coast your base for your 2026 beach getaway, at this four-bedroom family home that comes with the bonus of a one-bedroom apartment. The main space here offers open-plan living, which rolls on out to a big deck with fabulous views of Rosedale Beach and Jimmies Island. 

If you've got rellies to cater for, the additional one-bedroom studio apartment sits on a separate lower level with its own entrance. It can be booked separately or as part of the whole place. We love the two entertaining areas at this Airbnb. They come with a barbecue and outdoor shower, plus you’ve got private beach access so you can get those toes sandy if you so wish. 

Need to get provisions during your beach house getaway? You're just two minutes' drive from Malua Bay, where there's cafes, bottle shops, a supermarket, and more.

Mollymook | Sleeps 8

The Shack

  • The Shack Mollymook
    Image Credit: The Shack | Airbnb

Boasting one of the best views in Mollymook Beach, The Shack might just be right on the money. It's one of the few homes to sit atop a hill on Mitchell Parade which means you get a pretty fancy 180-degree vista of the sand from your own private balcony.

Sit up here on one of the comfy couches, or potter down your own private staircase to the beach below. There's a rear driveway which means getting the luggage out the car won't be a hassle, and you're mere moments from great eateries and beautiful coastal walks too.

Dangar Island | Sleeps 2

Banksia Boathouse

  • A river-side airbnb, Banskia Boathouse, looks out onto the waters of the Hawkesbury
    Image Credit: Banskia Boathouse | Airbnb

Perched right on the sand, Banksia Boathouse is a waterfront hideaway for two on Dangar Island—a car-free slice of paradise on the Hawkesbury River, just an hour from Sydney. Wake to the sound of the tide, sip your morning coffee with river views, and slip easily into island time.

Inside, you’ll find a light-filled studio with a plush queen bed, air-conditioning, heating, and a cosy lounge with Smart TV and Netflix. The compact kitchenette has everything you need for relaxed meals—stovetop, air fryer, mini fridge, toaster and all the essentials.

This boathouse is perfect for couples, solo travellers, or anyone chasing a slow-paced, nature-soaked escape from reality. Swim at high tide, wander the island’s bush tracks, or simply let the river breeze do its thing.

Palm Beach | Sleeps 9

Whale Watch

  • beach house accommodation airbnb near sydney palm beach whale watch
    Image Credit: Whale Watch | Airbnb

Just one hour from Sydney CBD, Whale Watch in Palm Beach offers the ultimate stay-cay. Perfect for up to nine guests, this beach house boasts four breezy bedrooms with sweeping ocean views from every angle. The property has a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area, providing plenty of room to spread out and relax.  

Outdoors, the expansive sun-drenched decks, vanishing-edge pool and open fire pit are ideal hangout spots, overlooking the whole of Whale Beach.

Patonga | Sleeps 5

The Oyster Lodge

  • Oyster Lodge Patonga
    Image Credit: Oyster Lodge | Airbnb

Nothing says ocean-front holiday like water access and your very own private beach—and The Oyster Lodge truly has it all, and it's only an hour outside of Sydney. A tinnie is provided for the short trip across the creek (only about 100m), and you'll have direct access to the lagoon, where you can swim, fish and kayak. 

There are three spacious bedrooms, making it ideal for families wanting to immerse themselves in the national park surrounds. There's no TV, but that's all the more reason to take some time to touch grass (and decompress from city living).

Anna Bay | Sleeps 10

Talm Beach House

  • talm beach house airbnb best NSW stays accommodations summer
    Image Credit: Talm Beach House | Airbnb

This beach house in Anna Bay takes its name from the Afrikaans word "to linger", Talm’s unobstructed ocean and rockpool views will definitely beckon you out from breezy light-filled interiors.

With two living areas, a private courtyard, and panoramic coastal views, this double-storey home offers up the best indoor-outdoor getaways for families, a couples retreat, or road trips with friends.

Byron Bay | Sleeps 11

Sway

  • byron bay sway beach house accommodation nsw summer holidays
    Image Credit: Sway | Airbnb

You’ll never want to leave this Byron Bay beauty. Sway is a breathtaking beachside villa with jaw-dropping ocean and mountain views, accommodating eleven guests in five bedrooms.

It has everything you could ever want in a bnb and more, including a massive entertaining deck, a sparkling infinity pool, an exterior shower, an outdoor bar, a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ, a kids zone, plenty of board games, and air conditioning, which is an absolute must in Summer. 

The host even provides beach essentials like towels, an umbrella, snorkelling gear, surfboards, and bikes, perfect for ducking out for a morning coffee run from one of these best cafes in Byron Bay.

Jervis Bay | Sleeps 10

Barranca: Marlu House

  • best NSW beach house stays accommodation summer jervis bay
    Image Credit: Marlu House | Airbnb

From the same team behind Barranca farm stay in Kangaroo Valley, this beach house on the South Coast is a magical spot to base yourself for a summer getaway. Perfect for big groups and families, there are five bedrooms divided into two self-contained areas.

The property sits on 20 acres of beautiful bushland—and you'll be treated to a vista of peaceful towering gums, visiting birdlife, and the occasional wallaby or two. The home has been kitted out with MCM House furniture, Beefeater BBQ, and an outdoor shower to rinse off after a day at the beach. Speaking of, you're a quick drive or bike ride away from the famous white sands of Jervis Bay.  

Forresters Beach | Sleeps 8

Kalakau Beach

  • best beach houses nsw kalakau house
    Image Credit: Kalakau House | Airbnb

Under two hours from Sydney, this incredible house was designed with the Japanese principle of wabi sabi in mind, so it was literally built for you to appreciate the beauty of the stunning beach that it looks out to.

It sleeps up to eight guests (with three bedrooms in the main house, and a fourth in a standalone space) and has a 12.5-metre mineral pool, private beach access though the beautiful Wyrrablong National Park, and plenty of space for hanging out in the incredible outdoors. 

Blueys Beach | Sleeps 8

Annie's

  • best nsw beach house accommodation annies blueys beach
    Image Credit: Annie's | Airbnb

A few hours' drive north of Sydney, Annie's in Blueys Beach is a stunning beachfront stay with room for eight guests and an outdoor hot tub for ultimate chillaxing.

The modern, luxe home has unbroken ocean views towards Seal Rocks on one side and hinterland views on the other, with private beach access, an indoor-outdoor layout perfect for breezy days, and plenty of lounge and living spaces to soak it all in.

Yamba | Sleeps 6

Beach House Yamba

  • beach house yamba nsw accommodation summer holiday
    Image Credit: Beach House Yamba | Airbnb

With unmatched views of Main Beach and Lovers Point, this Yamba beach house feels like something out of a 90s-era rom-com or a Taylor Swift album cover. We're already singing the words to Cruel Summer

Built back in the 1950s it's packed with retro beach charm, you can soak up the sea breeze and all the summertime nostalgia while you sip Chardonnay on the balcony at sunset. As well as the view and the vibes, there's a roomy lounge and kitchen, one bedroom with a queen bed, and the second with kids' bunkbeds.

Scotts Head | Sleeps 11

Scotts Lighthouse

  • scotts lighthouse airbnb best beach houses nsw near sydney scotts head south west rocks coffs harbour
    Image Credit: Scotts Lighthouse | Airbnb

This coastal gem will make you feel like you’re holidaying in a lighthouse with 270-degree views of Scotts Head towards South West Rocks. Ideal for up to eleven guests or three families with six adults and five children, this stay strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and entertainment.  

Timber decks wrap around both sides of the house, inviting you to enjoy the morning sea breeze, check the surf, or marvel at pink sunset hues. The super-sized backyard is perfect for family cricket games, while the table tennis table in the garage provides endless indoor fun. Plus, with the headland, beaches, shops, cafes and parks just a short walk away, you’ll never run out of exciting things to do.

Nelson Bay | Sleeps 10

The Beach Abode

  • beach abode airbnb NSW accommodation near sydney summer holidays nelson bay port stephens
    Image Credit: The Beach Abode | Airbnb

Perfectly positioned in Nelson Bay across from Bagnalls Beach, The Beach Abode is an architecturally stunning retreat with elegant arches and smooth surfaces that create a calming holiday vibe. This luxurious villa comfortably accommodates 10 guests with five bedrooms and four bathrooms. 

Designed for relaxation, the open-plan living area flows into a covered alfresco deck, while a dedicated kids’ rumpus room—with an indoor swing, wall climbers, toys, and books—adds a fun touch.

The fully-equipped kitchen has a curved island bench that makes cooking a pleasure, complemented by a built-in BBQ and bar just outside. An outdoor shower, laundry facilities, and a circular soaking tub provide added luxury, making this thoughtfully crafted villa the perfect coastal escape.

Central Coast | Sleeps 6

Kalani at Killcare

  • beach house nsw airbnb accommodation near sydney summer holiday kalani at killcare central coast bouddi national park
    Image Credit: Kalani at Killcare | Airbnb

Perched above Killcare Beach in Bouddi National Park, this three-bed stay is perfect for six guests with one king bed and two queen beds. 

The accommodation boasts airy indoor and outdoor areas with an ocean-facing deck, luxe swimming pool, lush garden, modern kitchen, and a light-filled living room, with split system air conditioning keeping the entire house nice and cool. 

There’s heaps to do nearby with walking trails, beaches, fishing spots, mountain biking tracks, great cafes and restaurants just a stone's throw away.

Jervis Bay | Sleeps 12

Mandala Beach House

  • beach house airbnb mandala house accommodation near sydney jervis bay callala bay summer holidays
    Image Credit: Mandala Beach House | Airbnb

Nestled in the serene Callala Bay, Mandala Beach House feels like an exclusive resort, comfortably accommodating up to 12 guests with six bedrooms and five ensuites. Featured in Vogue Australia, this stunning property offers airy island-inspired living, dining, kitchen, and outdoor spaces—perfect for family holidays, group getaways, or an unforgettable girls’ trip. 

Stroll down to the sand, just steps from your door, or delight in complete privacy in the fully fenced backyard, where a heated saltwater pool awaits your relaxation. Plus, with Jervis Bay nearby, you’ll have easy access to the area’s best activities, cafes, and restaurants.

Callala Beach | Sleeps 12

Shearwater

  • shearwater jervis bay beach house nsw
    Image Credit: Shearwater | Airbnb

With a cool Hamptons aesthetic and a huge backyard opening out onto the sands of Callala Beach, this sprawling coastal abode is another beach house to add to your wishlist.

Shearwater can accommodate up to 12 over five bedrooms, and your hosts throw in useful stuff like complimentary paddle boards, kids’ games, and beach essentials so you can really make the most of your NSW beach getaway.

Throw open the big glass doors in the living space and let that fresh salty air breeze right through. Morning coffee on the deck while dolphin spotting is definitely on the cards, as is a cheeky sunset vino paired with a crackling blaze on the outdoor fire pit.

Wooli | Sleeps 4

The Slow

  • the slow nsw beach house accommodation
    Image Credit: The Slow | Airbnb

This upgraded NSW beach shack is the ultimate escape, with an ocean view from almost every single window. If you prefer your beach houses cosy and full of character, The Slow is the pad for you—she's got flexible bedding configurations too, including a room with a double and a bunk, and a Queen Murphy bed which is tucked away in the living space.

Trundle on inside and you'll be greeted by a welcome hamper and handy stuff like beach chairs and toys, outdoor games and a picnic basket. There's sun-soaked living spaces for relaxing in and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after beach swims.

Main image credit: Sway Beach House | Airbnb

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