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Australia’s top 10 Holiday Homes of the Year for 2025 feature plenty of hidden gems

Stayz has revealed the most incredible private properties to rent around Australia

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Holiday house on secluded land with pool
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz | Braeside
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Solo trips are a blast, romantic getaways are sweet, but nothing beats a big group getaway with your closest friends or family. The first thing you need to fire up the group chat is the perfect holiday home – and that’s where Stayz’s 2025 Holiday Homes of Year awards come in. 

Every year, the holiday rental site sifts through more than 50,000 holiday homes to handpick the ten standout stays in Australia’s most sought-after destinations. The selection process is thorough: each home must feature three to eight bedrooms, nightly rates ranging from $600 and $1,500, and exceptional guest ratings, host reviews and amenities. From the Gold Coast to the Kangaroo Valley and Margaret River, here are their top picks of the best holiday homes in Australia for 2025. 

Carpe Mykonos, Margaret River, WA

Escape to the Mediterranean with a stay at Carpe Mykonos – a Greek-inspired holiday home for up to ten guests. You can relax on the spacious outdoor deck, with stunning views of the private tennis court, fire pit and the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Mykono-inspired house
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

The Cape House, Dover, TAS

Picture yourself soaking in a hot tub, taking in panoramic views of untouched wilderness, wildlife and water. This is everyday life at The Cape House, an exclusive hideaway on a private peninsula in Tassie.

House with hot tub
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

Abercorn, Buckaroo, NSW

Located just outside of Mudgee, this charming farm stay was designed and built by a husband-and-wife duo. It’s spacious, stylish and sleeps up to eight guests.

Country farmhouse
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

The Hamptons Hinterland Retreat, QLD

Live it up Hamptons style at this stunning six-bedroom property, set on a 1.7-hectare block just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast. Just look at that 16-metre saltwater pool!

Pool with lounge chairs
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

Braeside, Kangaroo Valley, NSW

For the ultimate peace and quiet, book out this impressive five-acre retreat in the Kangaroo Valley. Spend your days dipping into the 12-metre pool, lounging on the expansive lawns and snuggling up by the fire pit.

Holiday house on farm with pool
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

Oliver’s Cottage, Yarra Glen, VIC

Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, this new cottage has all the most desired amenities. Think a farmhouse-style kitchen, fireplace, built-in barbecue, spa, cedar wood barrel sauna and fire-pit. 

Outside of white cottage
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

Frogwell Hollow, Stirling, SA

Step into a fairytale dream at this English countryside cottage in the Adelaide Hills. This holiday home features a sunlit conservatory, a wildlife-rich garden and a study overlooking a flowing creek, with a woodfired oven and fire pit outside.

Autumn leaves outside house
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

The Bahama House, Port Douglas, QLD

If you’re after a luxe beachside holiday, The Bahama House has you covered. This Caribbean-inspired architectural gem sleeps up to ten guests and is just steps from the famous Four Mile Beach.

Pool at night
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

Le Chateau, Holgate, NSW

This secluded hinterland retreat on the Central Coast is perfect for big groups, sleeping up to 18 guests across three levels. With a large infinity pool, hot tub and billiards table, it’s sure to get the group chat buzzing.

Hot tub indoors
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

Luxury Mountain Lodge, Sassafras, VIC

Just an hour from Melbourne in the gorgeous Dandenong Ranges, this four-bedroom property is the perfect weekend getaway. Cosy up by the fireplace inside or watch the sun go down from the rooftop viewing deck, hidden among the treetops.

Living room at Luxury Mountain Lodge
Photograph: Supplied | Stayz

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