The Wensley, Wensleydale via Airbnb
From secluded beaches on rugged coastline to awestriking hiking trails in alpine regions, Victoria boasts a wealth of distinctive drawcards based on its natural world. While the cultural and culinary melting pot of Melbourne is a grand place to kick your heels, sometimes going beyond the city’s reach does wonders for R&R. So when it comes to booking a quiet and peaceful stay in regional Victoria, you’ll want to ensure it hits all the right high notes.
We’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in Victoria to escape to during the warmer months, from romantic getaways to creative retreats to off-grid cabins immersed in nature.
You might also like 7 premium farm stays in Victoria for a luxury homestead experience
GT’s picks: top Airbnbs Victoria for 2026
- The best Airbnb in Victoria for families: Wensley villa
- The best Airbnb in Victoria for couples: Sky Pod
- The best design-forward Airbnb in Victoria: Cape Schanck House
- The best unique Airbnb in Victoria: Liptrap Loft
- The best Airbnb with ocean views: Jacky Winter Waters
- The best farm stay in Victoria: The Cabin
The best Airbnb in Victoria for families
Best for: a intimate, off-grid experience
Sleeps: 10
Just an hour and a half by car from the capital, The Wensley is a bespoke recycled timber house set on rolling hills of 80 acres that was a Best Design Stay finalist in the 2022 Airbnb Host Awards Australia. With high ceilings, a cosy fireplace and a gourmet chef’s kitchen, this countryside stay is one of pure luxe.
“We had an incredibly peaceful and recharging weekend at the Wensley. Highlights were the immaculately equipped kitchen, the outside hot tub and the fireplace,” said one five-star review, adding: “It is obvious that a lot of thought and care has gone into designing and decorating the property.”
Location: Wensleydale
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 1.5-hour drive
Best for: the whole family
Sleeps: 14
Located on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne, Victoria, and just 50 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, this stay is recognised by Airbnb as one of its most luxe, offering a family retreat on the outskirts of the city. Designed by the acclaimed Studio Tom, the home overlooks Port Phillip Bay and Arthurs Seat. With five spacious bedrooms – including a masters suite – open-plan living, two alfresco decks and a poolside terrace, the space offers a contemporary abode amongst the natural landscape.
“Spectacular house, and quite easy to get to the surrounding wineries and beaches,” noted one five-star review on the property, which has a five-star overall rating and is in the top 10% of eligible homes on Airbnb.
Location: Mount Martha
Distance from Melbourne: > one hours drive
Best for: the whimsically-inclined
Sleeps: six
A critically-acclaimed architectural design escape on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Cape Schanck House boasts sustainable foundations and a killer location. Receiving Best House at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Awards, this unique stay is one for the whimsically-inclined. At the home, you’ll find three bedrooms accommodating up to eight guests and six adults, with a private outdoor patio, everyday amenities and is close to 62 local wineries. You can also bring your pup for an extra fee.
“We especially appreciated the fireplace, fully functional kitchen and high quality crockery, cookware and appliances that made cooking favourite dishes and dining in possible,” said one five-star review.
Location: Cape Schanck
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 1.5-hour drive
The best Airbnb in Victoria for couples
Best for: rejuvenation by the grove
Sleeps: two
Set within 1000 and more olive trees, this spacious retreat for two is a private, spacious villa that give a lesson in European elegance. Guests are free to wander the property and take in the lush natural scenery.
One five-star review said it was “easily the highlight of our trip to Phillip Island! It is such an awesome private little getaway from the bustling town, surrounded by beautiful olive trees and a fabulous view of the coast. The house was spotless and had everything we needed for a comfortable two-night stay.
Location: San Remo
Distance from Melbourne: < 2-hour drive
Best for: rugged landscapes
Sleeps: two
For those looking for more of a country-style intimate reprieve from the city bustle, The Lookout by Mt Bellevue is the perfect offering. Architecturally designed and inspired by Australia rural architectural vernacular, enjoy breathtaking views of the King Valley from your own private outdoor bath and fire-pit. Large glazed windows and an elevated alfresco balcony add that extra offering of elevated luxury to your stay.
One five-star review described The Lookout as “a truly special place. The views are spectacular, the accommodation is gorgeous and Tim and Liana are wonderful hosts. We particularly enjoyed feeling like we were sitting up in the clouds.”
Location: Myrrhee
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 3-hour drive
Best for: an agricultural getaway
Sleeps: two
Located on a hobby farm an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this adults-only stay is fit with rustic charm offering an escape from the hustle and bustle. In-house massages, facials, picnic and breakfast hampers and animal feeding sessions can be organised onsite to further elevate your time away.
Location: Emerald
Best for: sea views
Sleeps: two
Luxuriously minimal, this creative Victoria beach rental encourages connection to the natural world and is set among the limestone cliffs of South Gippsland Coastline. Overlooking the beaches that served as inspiration for Alison Lester AM’s classic picture book Magic Beach, this retreat is a nostalgic treasure.
“The place was exactly as described and had the most gorgeous views . It was quiet, peaceful, and private . The Walkerville beach was beautiful and just a few mins away. The highlight of our stay was spotting a whale in the ocean when we were sipping coffee from the deck!”
Location: Walkerville
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 2.5-hour drive
Best for: adventure in spades
Sleeps: two
Located in the centre of Halls Gap at the heart of the magnificent Grampians National Park, this contemporary cabin offers a perfect base for couples with an adventurous spirit. Hike the mountains, abseil, rock climb, visit local galleries, and explore the local, award-winning wineries. In the evenings, watch the sunset fall behind the mountains and enjoy a warm bottle of red by the fire.
With an average five-star rating on over 150 reviews, guest love this stay for its well-appointed amenities and cosy, contemporary vibe. “The cabin itself exceeded all expectations – beautifully presented with thoughtful touches and little treats that made us feel so comfortable and cared for. Its location, just a short stroll to the town centre, was perfect,” said one guest,
Location: Halls Gap
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 3-hour drive
The most unique stays in Victoria
Best for: uninterrupted serenity
Sleeps: two
This self-contained pod is nestled on 200-acres of private grounds on the rugged coast of Cape Otway. Private, spacious, and fully-equipped with basic, modern amenities, spend the day reading with views of the ocean or wandering the centuries-old Manna Gums before enjoying the sunset from the comfort of your Queen bed. Additionally, Station Beach and The Great Ocean Walk track are only moments away.
With a 4.97-star rating on over 200 reviews, one guest said: “Our stay at Sky Pods was nothing short of magical. The pod was clean, stylish, and well-equipped, with stunning views all around. We saw wild kangaroos during the day and stargazed at night.”
Location: Cape Otway
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 3-hour drive
Best for: a rustic escape
Sleeps: six
Set on five acres of bushland two hours out of Melbourne, Liptrap Loft is a handmade home of recycled materials with Japanese-influenced architecture. With its own bathhouse, this stay is a true oasis that is also not too far from the secluded beaches of Wilson’s Promontory National Park. A finalist for Best Design Stay on Airbnb in 2023, this two-bedroom abode will be celebrated amongst family and friends for years.
“Arriving at Liptrap Loft felt like stepping into a calming oasis surrounded by nature. We loved watching the cows and sheep in the paddocks. The bathhouse was sublime, especially for an early morning soak, and the bed was incredibly comfortable. Waking to the sound of birds each morning was bliss,” said one five-star review on the property, which has an average rating of 4.96-stars on 260 reviews.
Location: South Gippsland
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 2-hour drive
Best for: treetop luxury
Sleeps: two
Rugged on the outside but filled with contemporary comforts, this unique stay is ideal for an intimate getaway for two. Made from converted containers, this tiny home has limited resources and is intended for those who wish to ignore the call of the big smoke.
“The space feels calm and private among the trees, beautifully designed and spotless, with everything we needed for a really comfortable stay. Self-check-in with the key safe was super easy, parking was convenient, and Hollie’s communication was warm and very quick. The location is perfect for switching off, listening to birdsong and just unwinding, we’d come back in a heartbeat,” said one five-star review.
Location: Sawmill Settlement
Distance from Melbourne: ~ 3-hour drive
Airbnb accommodation has become increasingly popular among tourists and locals alike as it provides more than just a base to sleep. Unlike traditional hotels, this form of residence can feel more personal and authentic. Whether you’re looking to experience the regional charm of a classic Victorian homestead, or to gather with friends for an intimate evening of cooking and conversation, Airbnbs provide a sanctuary to luxuriate, accommodate and provide a unique experience like no other.
“Travellers to Victoria are seeking unique and authentic stays,” says Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb Country Manager for Australia. “From design-led homes to off-grid retreats, there’s something for everyone.”
It’s a sentiment echoed across the state, where local hosts are opening their doors to showcase the charm of their communities while meeting the growing appetite for dispersed, regional travel. The impact is more than experiential: according to the latest Oxford Economics report, Airbnb activity in Victoria alone contributed $5.4 billion to Gross State Product, supported 30,900 jobs and generated $1.8 billion in wages.
Your choice of Airbnb entirely depends of the contents of your stay. While city lovers may gravitate toward vibrant hubs like Melbourne and Sydney, regional Victoria stands out with its unique blend of natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and authentic local stays as laid out above. From beachfront escapes along the South Gippsland Coastline to tranquil off-grid cabins near Mount Buller, Victoria offers options that cater to romantic getaways, family holidays, or solo adventures seeking peace and quiet.
With Victoria’s diverse collection of unique and elusive retreats, the challenge isn’t finding the right one – it’s choosing which to indulge in first. Your next Australian escape awaits.
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