Swap Sydney’s bustle for a summer escape at these NSW Airbnbs

The best romantic Airbnbs in NSW

The Little Black Shack

Sleeps: Two guests

Love a little romance? Find the spark on a romantic getaway for two at the Little Black Shack. Situated in Ku-ring-gai National Park across from Palm Beach, The Little Black Shack is an original timber and sandstone fisherman’s cottage set metres from the water on Great Mackerel Beach. Fully eco-friendly and furnished with either second hand or handmade pieces, this cottage that is also fit with a gourmet chef’s kitchen and fully stocked pantry, is as eclectic as it comes. Hire a tinny or board Myra, the old timber ferry from Palm Beach and you’re off to a secluded lovers’ paradise.

Location: Great Mackerel Beach, Pittwater

Distance from central Sydney: ~one hour

The Salty Dog

Sleeps: Two guests

Another romantic getaway set in the Northern Beaches’ Pittwater is The Salty Dog boathouse – an idyllic spot to take time out from the big smoke. Spend the day lapping up the sun and salt then share a sunset tipple over a charcuterie board on the deck before crawling into the loft bed and falling asleep to the rocking of waves.

Location: Newport, Pittwater

Distance from central Sydney: ~one hour

The best tiny home Airbnbs in NSW

Gilay Estate

Sleeps: Two guests

You’ll want to spend your entire weekend cosied up at Gilay Estate, drinking wine, soaking in the private hot tub and making pizzas in the wood-fired Gozney oven. But for those wanting to explore the area, nearby Murrurundi offers a couple of good cafés, a gin distillery and local art gallery while Graze at Willow Tree Inn serves up great steaks and gastropub fare.

Location: Quirindi

Distance from central Sydney: ~four hours

Ligo

Sleeps: Two guests

Winner of the Airbnb Host Awards 2025 for best nature stay, this architecturally-designed tiny home encourages calmness and serenity within its natural landscape. Just over two hours from Sydney CBD, this private retreat gives you access to over 100-acres of natural bushland and riverfront, and if nature isn’t enough to bring calm, a private hot tub, hammock and firepit are available for a comfortable, eco-friendly and romantic escape.

Location: Wolgan Valley

Distance from central Sydney: ~three hours

Arabella eco cabin

Sleeps: Three guests

Forgo city concrete for rural rainforest with a stay at eco-cabin Arabella, set on 140 acre farm overlooking the Kangaroo Valley on the fringe of the Cambewarra Ranges. Run on solar power with an award-winning mirrored capsule bathroom, this nature retreat is surrounded by dense bushland in a forest clearing where you may encounter wombats, echidnas, kookaburras and lyrebirds. A true Romanticist’s escape.

Location: Beaumont, Shoalhaven

Distance from central Sydney: ~two hours

The best couples’ retreat Airbnb in NSW

Ground House 107R

Sleeps: Two guests

Ground House 107R is a concrete stay ethereally nestled in the grass, designed to “curate sensory immersion”. Featuring a curving jade shower and hearted magnesium soak tank – plus the option for an in-stay massage therapist and yoga instructor to be present – this conceptual getaway epitomises luxe.

Location: Tintenbar, Ballina Shire

Distance from central Sydney: < eight hours

The Hideaway

Sleeps: Two guests

Set in the middle of a retired native wildflower farm, this tiny home in Jervis Bay is the perfect romantic couples’ retreat. Surround yourself in a grove of old, towering banksia and protea trees, and take in the lingering scent of native wildflowers.

“With Callala Bay so close and a 30-minute drive to Huskinsson you have everything you need on your doorstep. The host was responsive, friendly and a local wine and toblerone on arrival was a nice touch.”

Location: Myola, Jervis Bay

Distance from central Sydney: ~two and a half hours

The best treehouse Airbnb in NSW

Pepper Tree Passive House

Sleeps: Four guests

Winning the Sustainable Architecture Award 2022 from the Institute of Architects, this art eco-house designed by Alexander Symes is set against the striking backdrop of Mount Kembla and is built around a 50-year-old pepper tree. So, why not take a week off the grind and live as the fae do in a treehouse?

“The anniversary banner, the wine and chocolates, and all the little touches made us feel so seen and celebrated,” said one guest on their experience at the property for their anniversary.

Location: Unanderra, Wollongong

Distance from central Sydney: ~one and a half hours

The best Airbnb farm stay in NSW

Ocean Farm

Sleeps: 12 guests

A seaside take on the winter getaway. The four-bedroom, four-bath villa is situated on 200 acres of rainforest, giving you easy access to short walking tracks to town or down to Werri Beach. Watch the moon rise over the ocean while taking advantage of the infinity pool or warm yourself by the crackling fire in this modern coastal farmhouse set by the sea on the verdant hills of Gerringong.

“Waking up to the sunrise over the ocean and watching the moonlight shimmer on the water at night was absolutely magical,” said one five-star review.

Location: Gerringong

Distance from central Sydney: < two hours

Luxury farmhouse

Sleeps: 12 guests

Another farm stay that doesn’t stray too far from the water’s edge, Mayfield is a spacious five-bedroom, three-bath home located on a dairy farm in the heart of the NSW South Coast, just a short drive to Culburra and Callala beaches. From lush green paddocks to rustic interiors adorned with period styling and décor, indulge in the local wineries or in a roast dinner made in a fully equipped kitchen. This rural oasis will take you back in time.

“Highlights included a well-stocked kitchen for cooking, great common spaces to gather inside and outside, plus the fire pit and fireplaces which helped warm up the house in the winter (along with heaters in each room).”

Location: Mayfield

Distance from central Sydney: ~two hours

The best off-grid Airbnb in NSW

Gawthorne’s Hut

Sleeps: Two guests

Awarded the Best Unique Stay by Airbnb in 2021, Gawthorne’s Hut is an inviting yet sophisticated eco-hut designed to create a sense of peace in isolation for its visitors of Wilgowrah, the historic rural property on which the hut is set.

One review described the property as “private, peaceful, and perfectly designed for relaxation. We loved the quiet surroundings, the thoughtful touches throughout the space, and the feeling of complete escape. It was exactly the getaway we needed.”

Location: Mudgee

Distance from central Sydney: ~three and a half hours

The best Airbnb in NSW with waterfront views

The Pinnacle

Sleeps: 12 guests

Boasting a 250-degree spectacular panoramic ocean view is The Pinnacle in Salamander Bay. Sleeping up to 12 guests and featuring an outdoor hot tub, this impressive three-storey holiday home makes for the perfect group getaway.

One review described the Airbnb as “a very family friendly home with a well equipped kitchen and comfortable beds. Great location, close to beaches, short drive to shops and a nice spot for walks.”

Location: Salamander Bay

Distance from central Sydney: ~two and a half hours

Swell Studio

Sleeps: two guests

Just a 12-minute drive to the heart of Byron, Swell Studio is a luxurious guest space boasting views of Tallows Creek from the comfort of your private pool, and only a stone’s throw to the beach. Features include a fully equipped kitchen, King bed, and north-east facing deck with a BBQ to relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean.

“Beautiful and modern condo right by the beach. We loved exploring the local restaurants that was recommended in their guide, and spent a lot of time soaking up the sun on the beach, as well as the local hiking trails,” said one five-star review on the property, which has an average 4.99-star rating on 190 reviews.

Location: Suffolk Park

Distance from central Sydney: < eight hours

Fingal Bay beach house

Sleeps: four guests

A luxurious two-bedroom escape across from Fingal Beach, this top-rated stay boasts relaxation and rejuvenation in spades. Enjoy all the modern amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable furnishings, outdoor pool and shower. Only a short distance to Fingal Bay shops, Fingal Bay Surf Club and the Bowling Club, and only a quick ten-minute drive to Shoal Bay, spend your days wandering the coast before taking respite in your private patio overlooking the ocean.

“We had a wonderful stay! The location is absolutely beautiful, with a stunning ocean view that made every moment feel special. The house itself is clean, cosy, and very well maintained,” said one guest who rated their stay five-stars.

Location: Fingal Bay

Distance from central Sydney: < three hours