Eight of the Most Extraordinary Airbnb Stays You Can Book Around Australia

How better to temporarily break free from the everyday routine than by heading on a holiday escape somewhere worlds apart from your normal life. Imagine swapping life in the city for a few nights soaking up some spectacular coastline or enveloping yourself in lush rainforest. Well, if it's a unique getaway you're after, you'll find a smorgasbord of unconventional Airbnb options dotted all across Australia. A luxe Blue Mountains treehouse for two, a converted vintage bus nestled in the Tamar Valley and even a historic French provincial castle tower in Rutherglen are all options at your fingertips. Whether you're planning that post-lockdown trip, or still in the dreaming stages, here are eight of Australia's most unique Airbnb stays.

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THE BUS HIDEAWAY, TASMANIA

This vintage bus has been retired from the roads, but it's living a pretty happy life reborn as a cosy getaway for two, moored on a remote farm in peaceful Tamar Valley bushland. It's an eco-friendly hideaway, crafted from lots of upcycled materials, heated by a cosy wood fire and stocked with organic, locally sourced goodies — right through to the luxurious linens on the comfy king-size bed. This little gem is kitted out with a full modern kitchen, proper gas-fuelled shower and a composting loo that won't have you feeling like you're roughing it too hard. And with zero wi-fi, it's the perfect excuse to unplug and unwind — the book collection, DVD player and acres of Tassie wilderness are sure to keep you happily entertained.

How much? From $192 a night, sleeps two.

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DINKY DI'S DUGOUT, SA

Ever wanted to indulge your inner earthworm with a subterranean stay? Best put Coober Pedy on your holiday radar. The South Australian town is famed both for its opal mining and its underground dwellings, built to withstand the area's scorching temperatures. And you can call one of these 'dugouts' home for a few nights — namely this two-bedroom, two-bathroom number that's carved into the earth just north of the town centre. It's got all the trimmings you'll need for a comfy cave getaway, with full kitchen, laundry and an outdoor barbecue area. This underground beauty even comes with a healthy dose of natural light, thanks to the windows set right across its front.

How much? From $185 a night, sleeps seven.

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THE TREEHOUSE, NSW

Imagine a nature-lover's dream escape and it'd look a lot like this stunning treehouse set high among the pristine forest of the Blue Mountains. With sweeping views across the treetops from your very own deck and 600 acres of secluded wilderness as your private backyard, the timber-filled couples' retreat will have you reconnecting with nature the moment you step through the door. It's a splurge-worthy stay, kitted out with a queen-size bed, crackling wood fire, lounge and kitchenette. But it's the hot tub that'll really steal your heart, surrounded by windows and skylights, and promising some of the best views of any bath you've ever soaked in before.

How much? From $1095 a night, sleeps two.

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THE SHED AT BROGERS END, NSW

Occupying a quaint patch of green between the Kangaroo River and Brogers Creek in NSW's southern highlands, this former machinery shed has been given new life as a rustic country escape. And it's got unplugged group getaway written all over it. The low-footprint, sun-powered home features lots of recycled materials, boasting a sprawling but cosy living area with vintage furniture pieces throughout. And you'll find no shortage of nifty extras to help elevate your down time here — think, woodfired pizza oven, firepit, expansive herb garden, onsite chooks laying fresh eggs for brekkie and even an outdoor bath for soaking under the stars. Hit the river for activities, or go wildlife-spotting on one of the many kilometres of nearby walking trails.

How much? From $704 a night, sleeps seven.

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THE TOWER AT MOUNT OPHIR ESTATE, VICTORIA

If you've ever fantasised about living it up in a fairytale castle, you can quit dreaming and lock in a stay at this 115-year-old French provincial-style tower, located at Mount Ophir Estate in the heart of Rutherglen winemaking country. As far as couples' escapes go, this one comes with a fairly exxy pricetag...though it also boasts three separate levels, some truly gorgeous interiors, a library, and a lavish top floor bedroom suite with 360-degree views. Breakfast is included with your stay — we get the feeling it'll be top-shelf — plus you've got access to the property's bikes whenever you're in the mood for some exploring. And of course, don't forget all those wineries right on the doorstep.

How much? From $633 a night, sleeps two.

Image: Airbnb

ALKIRA ECO-GLAMPING RETREAT, VICTORIA

Tucked away among scenic Dandenong Ranges forest, this straw-bale yurt is the ultimate antidote to all that big city craziness, with space to sleep two nature-seekers and a unique design that keeps things comfy all year round. Hang out in the wilderness of this 40-acre property, revelling in nature, getting acquainted with the farm animals or just clocking in some off-grid time in this beautifully appointed former artist's studio. There's a firepit, a rustic outdoor kitchen and a light-filled bedroom stacked with soft furnishings collected from all across the country. Hiking trails abound in this pocket of Melbourne, though you'll also find a healthy stock of books and board games for cosy days spent lounging at base camp.

How much? $205 a night, sleeps two.

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THE LITTLE RED BARN, QUEENSLAND

Secure your own little patch of leafy, Noosa Hinterland wilderness with a stay in this cheerfully restored red timber barnhouse. With space to sleep seven, it's working a stylish old-meets-new fit-out, where timber floors and soaring vaulted ceilings complement plush white linens and contemporary bathroom features. Depending on the weather, you can snuggle up by the living room's fireplace, take a soak in the old-school claw-foot bath out on the deck, or unwind with a dip in the concrete water tank swimming pool overlooking the rolling green hills. Put this one on the list for your next group getaway — it's got a big, open living area, plus roomy wrap-around verandahs for those outdoor hangs.

How much? From $414 a night, sleeps seven.

THE BEACH DOME, QUEENSLAND

This quirky beachside dome has a look that's as cheery as its tropical Far North Queensland surrounds, nestled among palm trees just metres from the sands of Cairns' Trinity Beach. The self-contained, two-bedroom bubble is like a cool, coastal oasis, decked out in plenty of bright whites and upbeat pastel tones. Though it's compact, it's got space for four guests (plus an extra, if you use the rollout bed), a modern kitchen and bathroom, and even a cute front porch primed for afternoon wines overlooking the ocean. In addition to four other domes, the property's also home to its own pool, just in case you want to shake things up between beach sessions.

How much? From $130 a night, sleeps five.

Top image: The Treehouse courtesy of Airbnb.

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