Right about now – when mid-year momentum is at an all-time high and we’ve been running on coffee, deadline adrenaline, and the love of what we do – the urge to pack a weekend bag and hit the road is pretty hard to ignore.

Ahead, the RUSSH team unearths our most-saved travel wishlists: the secluded mountain cabins, coastal sanctuaries, and off-grid Airbnb hideaways we’re booking to slow down and reset for a killer finish to the year.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

I’m about to unearth my most precious Airbnb wish list – something I normally keep close to my chest. But first up is Night Sky in Blackheath – it’s just extraordinary in all the best ways. It’s fully self-sustaining with water tanks and solar power, and fully equipped with a kitchen, complimentary firewood, and even a garden with a reflection pond.

For couples, I would suggest Mountain Top Bilpin – an off-grid one bedroom retreat in the Blue Mountains with panoramic views, a yoga pavilion and some insane artwork. My other dream Airbnb visit this winter is Rye Cave House right at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula. It’s pretty one‑of‑a‑kind – even with its own tatami room accessed by a plank.

Mia Steiber 

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

I adore a short and local getaway. I think it’s the best way to reset mentally, if you have the ability to do it. Probably my two favourite spots are Shoal Bay and Byron Bay. Shoal Bay is so delightfully pretty, and it’s still relatively quiet. Last time I was there, I saw dolphins swimming around the shore, it was magical. I’ve always wanted to stay at Salt. It has the best views in the area.

As for Byron Bay, I am a fairly frequent visitor. I’ve stayed in most of the boutique hotels in the area already. But a locale that is still on my list is Joints. I discovered it as I was doing research for an article. There’s three residences, my first pick is the Friday Hut as it’s the right size for couples. But one day I want to stay in the big one, I think it’s one of the most beautifully curated holiday properties.

Alys Hale

Music Editor and Creative Producer

I am endlessly amazed at how beautiful it is to explore Australia. I love being a tourist in Sydney, but equally getting out of town to see the magic somewhere else can be so refreshing and inspiring. There are multiple approaches to the dream getaway, and for a big retreat with friends, I am so fond of Shoal and Nelson bay. This gorgeous new Spanish style home sleeps 11, which makes it both fun, luxurious and, given the group size, affordable. Who doesn’t want to sit in a hot tub with their dear ones by the beach? However, for something a little more romantic and intimate, there is a beautiful spot to stay by the river, a little further north, in Old Bar. Even though it is a tiny home, it is incredibly well appointed with a sauna and a delicious looking bath to get in after some kayaking.

What could be better than a luxury tiny home by the river? A tiny home with animals perhaps? I am such a sucker for a farm stay, so this beautiful property in Cooranbong is on my list, they had me with the photos of their baby goats. I’m manifesting having an outdoor bath and watching them frolic in the field. Last time I had family over from Cambridge, we drove up to Bellingen so I have really happy memories of that part of the world, of the waterfalls (and hair pin bends!) I would love to revisit for a romantic retreat and stay at the Pool House, it looks exquisite. 

Jaime Carmody 

Digital Marketing Specialist 

I never take travel for granted, whether close to home or overseas. It's a privilege I'm incredibly grateful for. I have a rather extensive Airbnb wishlist that's constantly growing, and at the very top is Butterwood Ranch, nestled on the rich soils of Bundjalung Country. Having grown up in the Northern Rivers, there's a natural pull back to the region, but beyond the nostalgia, it feels like the ultimate romantic, off-grid escape. Coincidentally, it's also hosted by a RUSSH alumni.

Next on my list is Provider House in Hobart. Tucked away in the quiet of Lenah Valley, it feels like a place designed entirely for rest and restoration. Even better, it's located directly across the road from the walking trails of New Town Falls. Lastly, I was lucky enough to stay at Woodlands Cabin, part of Mt Kanimbla Retreats, earlier this year, and it's a hidden pocket of wilderness tucked away in the Blue Mountains. With the entire studio cabin and its surrounding bushland all to yourself, it's an invitation to truly slow down.

Stacey Gaskin

Consumer Revenue Manager

An ever-popular Airbnb I still dream of staying at is Captains Rest in Tasmania. If you haven't already, see the imagery for yourself. A true dream destination.

As a Kiwi, I can't skip a couple of New Zealand spots. For a luxe family getaway, this Brookbank lakefront villa in Queenstown would be absolutely incredible – just standing and looking at that view next to a warm fire. If an off-grid hut for two interests you, this Hut in Mount Somers should be a bucket list location to visit. My hubby would love the added fun of the mountain bikes. Not to mention the compounding benefits of all-night stargazing – which might actually fix my desk posture.

Western Australia has some incredible stays that I have saved. The Hide at La Foret, Margaret River is high up on the list. And lastly, if one truly wants to escape the rat race to hide under a rock for a weekend, there's no better place than The Enchanted Cave in Bilpin, New South Wales.

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• Artist Kitty Callaghan sends postcards from Hong Kong Art March
• ‘RUSSH’ Beauty Editor Emily Algar sends postcards from Jumeirah, Uluwatu
• The NSW South Coast has some of the most lust-worthy hotels

Feature Images: one, two