Sometimes it's nice to be spoilt for choice. Music, love interests, weekend plans... But other times it's nothing more than a huge inconvenience, masquerading as something positive. I, for one, have found that when it comes to making travel plans, choosing where to stay can be an overwhelming task – especially when you're as picky about interiors as I am.
No one wants to go on a vacation to stay in an ugly, cramped, low-energy spot in a poorly situated locale. Location, location, location is not an age-old adage for nothing – and it's gotten to the point where I practically plan trips around the Airbnb or hotel find – not the other way around.
And, like you, I've done the hard yards, trawling through 87+ pages of search results trying to find the perfect holiday rental for my next trip. But if you're tired of the endless scrolling, the RUSSH team have decided to share their insider intel, and pass along our curated list of the best NSW Airbnbs to book for your next trip.
1. Luxury Beach Home (Clareville, NSW)
At a glance: 12 guests, 6 bedrooms, 6 beds, 4 baths
Best for: This luxurious, recently renovated home right on Taylors Beach is our best NSW Airbnbs pick for larger family getaways and group retreats. It features six spacious bedrooms – including two master suites with ensuites – and the other rooms can easily switch between king and single beds. You'll be able to make ample use of the fully equipped kitchen, cozy living areas, and have some outdoor fun with kayaks and a hot tub on premises.
2. Panoramic Views & Beach Front Fairy Bower (Manly, NSW)
At a glance: 6 guests, 2 bedrooms,4 beds, 1 bath
Best for: This top-floor apartment in the heart of Manly is our premier choice for our next beachside retreat, boasting breathtaking panoramic views over Manly, Fairy Bower, and Shelly Beach. It features a charming two-bedroom layout, with every room offering uninterrupted vistas of the pristine Northern Beaches, a spacious original kitchen, and an open plan living area that effortlessly flows into a versatile lounge with a fold-out sofa bed for extra guests. Step out onto the balcony to enjoy al fresco dining at a six-seater table, all while soaking up the relaxed coastal vibe and direct access to the promenade and beach.
3. Sandstone Cottage (Great Mackerel Beach, NSW)
At a glance: 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, 2 baths
Best for: This sunlit sandstone cottage on Mackerel Beach is a timeless coastal retreat – a literal 10 metres from the water and only an hour's drive from Sydney CBD. You'll have access to both the main house and a separate studio that comfortably accommodate up to six adults, and enjoy panoramic views of Pittwater, Lion Island, and Palm Beach.
4. Solina (Ettalong Beach, NSW)
At a glance: 8 guests, 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 2 baths
Best for: If you've ever dreamed of hosting cocktail hour in a sunburnt 70s-style conversation pit, then Solina, an ultra-modern new waterfront property at Ettalong Beach might just be your speed. With a name that translates to “Little Sun”, this three-bedroom home inspired by mid-century architecture, features teak décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, a sunken living area with smart TV and Sonos, a premium kitchen and dining area, manicured gardens, an off-street car space, and has all linens provided (just mind the tenant upstairs).
5. The Longhouse: Suite 2 (Pokolbin, NSW)
At a glance: 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 2 baths
Best for: This is one I'd bookmarked for a girls trip to the Hunter Valley region – just think: long days spent in the vineyards, cool nights spent fireside overlooking the mountains, quiet mornings taking in the lake from the kitchen with a coffee. It's got all the luxuries your girls trip could want – professionally laundered linens, a private BBQ area, a firepit with wood and lighters provided. No off-roading, no bush-bashing, just serenity and a glass of local wine.
6. Ground House 107R (Tintenbar, NSW)
At a glance: 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 2 baths
Best for: This is the type of place I'd save for impressing my design-minded friends – the architects, artists and graphic designers in your life. This lineal studio space is meditative and designed to "curate sensory immersion". The stone-walled courtyard offers a sanctuary for afternoon hors d'oeuvres, while the spaces inside offer a quiet fire side lounging area for drinks and an open dining space to play host in. This is the ideal Airbnb for the sophisticates, the intellectuals and the Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts.
7. Fishcakes (Seal Rocks, NSW)
At a glance: 7 guests, 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1 bath
Best for: Seaside getaways don't get more pristine than this spot perched on a sand dune at Seal Rocks – about two hours' drive from Newcastle. Designed by award-winning architects, this spot features three separate sleeping pavilions that encircle a private, wind-protected courtyard. For the cooks, there's an understated open kitchen with gas cooking, and a nostalgic combustion fireplace. This place is also pet-friendly – so feel free to bring the pups in tow.
8. Mill Cabin (Crackenback, NSW)
At a glance: 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
Best for: A wintery couples retreat is best set in this luxury granite cabin overlooking the Snowy Mountains. For the ultimate retreat, this spot is completely off the grid and harnesses its own energy supply from solar and catches rainfall for water supply – perfect for those committed to treading lightly. Outfitted with Hunter Lab soaps and creams, Cultiver linens, custom ceramic dinnerware and a fully equipped kitchen with a gas cooktop and electric oven, you'll find you're not lacking in any luxuries here.
Looking for more than just the best NSW Airbnbs? Check out our curated accommodation lists for the coolest retro motels or the boutique hotels in Sydney to visit.
