The 9 best Airbnbs in Hobart

Light the fire, dim the lights and cue “Lumiere, darling”. In fact, play Ed Sheeran on repeat because those words echo through the walls at Lumierè Lodge, a beautiful Victorian-style homestead in the leafy foothills of West Hobart. Rich in colour and character, this three-bedroom lodge is a perfect escape from big city life – yet it’s only a five minute drive from Hobart’s city centre. Making yourself at home in Lumierè’s open-plan kitchen and dining area is almost too easy, especially with its seamless flow through bi-fold doors to a sunny courtyard. When the noise dies down, you can cosy up with complimentary whisky beside the crackling flames of the traditional baker’s oven fire, or retreat to one of the two clawfoot baths where you can melt away under the warm glow of the stained glass window. 

Beds? One king bed and two queen beds. Sleeps six.

Location perks? It feels like you're worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Hobart's CBD, but you're really only a five minute drive away. 

You’ll find lots of beautifully decorated seaside shacks in Tasmania, but not all of them are owned by renowned chefs. Since Driftwood Cabin is the brainchild of Tassie-born chef Sarah Glover, you can bet it boasts a ridiculously stacked kitchen (and custom-built firepit) for the travelling foodies among us. Boasting panoramic water views from the massive deck and impeccable nautically-themed vintage decor, you’ll be politely asking if you can stay forever.

Beds? Two beds (one queen). Sleeps three guests.

Location perks? Primrose Sands is handily located between major tourist spots: it’s about 30-ish minutes to the Tasman Peninsula and is a 40-ish minute drive to Hobart.

Budget range? Cheaper than most bougie beach shacks in Tassie.

Slow Beam has been featured in basically every global design and architecture publication, and it’s obvious why. This Hobart Airbnb is dramatic and stark, yet also cosy and luxurious, perched on a hill surrounded by rugged bush overlooking the city. You’ll simultaneously feel like you’re in a magazine but also at one with nature, and as a bonus, you’ll find fancy touches like Le Labo toiletries, Market Lane coffee beans and most importantly, Tassie gin.

Beds? One king bed. Sleeps up to two guests.

Location perks? Slow Beam might feel remote, but it’s just a quick eight-minute drive to Hobart’s famous waterfront.

Budget range? It’s not a cheap getaway, but quiet luxury costs less here than on the mainland.

On the smaller end of rural retreats is this adorable space in Dulcot, situated in the Coal River Valley. Ideal for a couple (or even just you, if you really want to escape reality), this simple yet chic purpose-built cottage has a loft bedroom, walls lined with Tassie oak, a cute little fireplace and massive windows looking out to nothing but nature. There’s no TV, but who needs that when you’ve got a view like this?

Beds? One king bed (and optional sofa bed in the living room). Sleeps up to four people.

Location perks? While it looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere, this Airbnb is just six minutes away from the charming historic town of Richmond, close to loads of wineries and 25 minutes from Hobart.

Budget range? For something so charming and in such a prime bush location, it’s a right steal.

You don’t have to travel far from Hobart to find peaceful farmland – the picturesque Huon Valley is only about half an hour away. This spacious, family-friendly retreat is set high on a hill and is beautifully decorated in moody hues of deep green and burgundy to reflect the landscape outside. The house is completely private and comes with its own on-site bushwalking track and an outdoor hot tub purpose-built to take in the valley views. Pick up a bottle of local pinot noir and make the most of it.

Beds? Two queen beds (and an optional extra double bed in one of the bedrooms). Sleeps up to six people.

Location perks? Perfect if you want to balance rural serenity with doing touristy things. The Huon Valley is the gateway to the Far South which is full of places to explore – but is still just 30 minutes away from Hobart.

Budget range? For the size, location and amenities, this place is a really good deal.

Formerly accommodation deemed only suitable for horses, The Stables has had quite the glow-up since it was first built circa 1850. Now completely renovated, rejuvenated and without a single piece of hay in sight, this space is elegant and luxuriously furnished, while still showing off original features, like the rough stone walls and perfectly imperfect timber floors. In winter, you’ll have to be peeled away from the toasty fireplace.

Beds? One queen bed. Sleeps up to two guests.

Location perks? These horses were living in a prime location on the city fringe towards South Hobart. The Stables is on one of the major roads of Hobart, meaning easy access via car to anywhere you need to go.

Budget range? Standard inner-Hobart pricing for a getaway with a luxe vintage feel.

Obviously “getting back to nature” is high on your list if you’re coming down to Tasmania, and The Container is the place to do it. While it’s not in Hobart, we couldn’t resist including this tranquil nature getaway on the list. This eco-cabin is a recycled shipping container turned upscale with welcome touches, like an organic breakfast hamper, outdoor bath, flax linen, Aesop bath products, a record library – and even a Fender guitar to strum on as you enjoy the view of the rolling green hills before you. 

Beds? One king bed. Sleeps up to two guests.

Location perks? Incredibly serene and totally private, The Container is located in Lilydale, a spot in the Tamar Valley near plenty of wineries and less than a 30-minute drive from Launceston.

Budget range? Not the cheapest accommodation, especially in this rural area, but the views are pretty priceless.

For Scandinavian living that is more elevated than Ikea, try West Hobart’s White Barn on for size. Perfect for a family or couple’s trip, it’s bright, airy and spacious, with clean lines and an open-plan kitchen and living area. If you need a quiet moment to yourself, spread out on one of the window benches and soak up the morning rays with a coffee and a book to truly disassociate from your non-holiday reality.

Beds? Two queen beds. Sleeps up to four guests.

Location perks? Couldn’t be in a better spot. While it’s technically in lovely and historic West Hobart, it’s on the fringes of North Hobart – a quick walk to some of the best cafés and restaurants in the city.

Budget range? A total steal considering its size and location. If four of you are splitting the cost, even better.

Another cleverly converted farm building, this barn rather incongruously sits smack in the CBD of Hobart. The quaint yet upmarket stay is owned by two architects who came up with the award-winning conversion themselves. As a result, it makes genus use of its relatively small space, showcasing original timber beams and sandstone walls while offering all the modern perks (wi-fi, a laundry, a TV, fancy bedlinen) that one has come to expect from a top-rated Airbnb.

Beds? One queen bed. Sleeps up to two guests.

Location perks? We’re not lying when we say it’s right in the CBD. This location is unbeatable if you want to make the most of sightseeing in central Hobart, which you could do entirely on foot from here.

Budget range? On the higher end for one-bed places in Hobart, but considering its location and award-winning reputation, the price tag makes sense.