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Airbnb has revealed the winners of its host awards.
They’re Australia’s best holiday homes – ranging from a rainforest retreat to a train converted into a home, along with party pads with everything from old school arcade games to fully equipped cinemas.
The best of Australia’s Airbnb hosts have been recognised as part of the platform’s annual Host Awards, with the winners released today.
The awards included categories such as Best Design Stay, Best Nature Stay and a new category for Best Family Friendly stay.
Apollo Bay House in Tasmania was a finalist in the awards.
Airbnb country manager for Australia Susan Wheeldon said the winners were the hosts who went the extra mile.
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Winning hosts were selected based on Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews with oversight from a panel of judges including Ms Wheeldon and Host Advisory Board members Felicity Stevens and Sarah Huang.
The properties included:
BEST NEW HOST
Redhens, Blewitt Springs, SA
Carly and Andrew Shiel’s unique Airbnb property is a retired Redhen train situated in a vineyard with views of McLaren Vale.
The converted train carriage.
Hosts Carly and Andrew Shiel added a lot of personal touches.
Guests were reported to have liked the personal touches such as flowers, welcome snacks, local wine and ingredients for a fresh breakfast.
The couple said guests frequently commented on how unique the train was.
“Our favourite comment in any review is ‘can’t wait to come back’, which we read so often,” they said.
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BEST DESIGN STAY
Palm Pavilion, Church Point, NSW
Rebecca Angel’s Palm Pavilion is an award-winning architectural retreat on the edge of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in northern Sydney.
The luxury container home was designed with sustainability in mind and has floor-to-ceiling rainforest views.
The house has been compared to a treehouse.
Palm Pavilion in Church Point, NSW.
Ms Angel said staying in the house felt like “you’re in a treehouse with views of the sparkling water through the trees”.
Panel judge Sarah Huang said the tree house property was “a gem”.
“The views of the rainforest are breathtaking, and the modern design … makes for a luxurious stay,” she said. “This blend of nature and contemporary comfort makes the property exceptional.”
BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY STAY
Yo Caba Caba, Bogangar, NSW
Yo Caba Caba is a Palm Springs-inspired beach house. It has an open-plan living area and outdoor entertaining space with a resort-style pool and BBQ area. The house includes a fun bunk room for kids.
The Bogangar was deemed the best family friendly accommodation.
The interior is full of bright colours.
Host Gemma Peanut said the experience was designed with kids in mind.
“We converted the garage into a Kid-Mecca, with playful built-in bunk beds and play lounge,” she said.
“The house has a colourful twist, inviting a breath of fresh air in contrast to the classic neutral-toned coastal Airbnb homes that populate our area.
“It boasts an oversized pool fit with pool toys, as well as a flat backyard for outdoor games. The front yard is Palm Springs-inspired with a fire pit for toasting marshmallows.”
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BEST NATURE STAY
Serendip “Shack” Glamping, Bermagui, NSW
Rachel Wallbank and Brian Logue’s “The Shack” offers a secluded glamping experience on the shores of Wallaga Lake and Batemans Marine Reserve.
Serendip “Shack” Glamping in Bermagui, NSW.
Rachel Wallbank and Brian Logue’s accommodation is known as “The Shack”.
There’s an outdoor hot tub, shower and a sun-drenched queen bed with stunning sunrise views. The house is made with recycled materials and has solar power and rainwater tanks.
HOST OF THE YEAR
Private Lakeside Studio, Sunshine Coast, Qld
Tracey and Adrian Ketterer offer a pristine, private getaway on the Sunshine Coast.
The couple said they liked to provide studio guests with lots of extras such as a personalised welcome messages upon their check-in, along with complimentary chocolate, biscuits and bottled water.
Tracey and Adrian Ketterer won ‘Host of the year’.
The Sunshine Coast property comes with lots of extras.
They also provided complimentary use of their kayaks and safety vests for paddling down to the beach or exploring the many waterways nearby.
Ms Huang said guests returning for their fourth or fifth stay was a strong testament to the excellent experiences.
BEST ROOM STAY
Room in Lower Plenty, Victoria
Shiyanti Daniels provides an inviting and memorable stay in her tastefully styled home, known for its cleanliness, comfort and vibrant original artworks.
The Airbnb was deemed best room stay.
Airbnb revealed that guests often praised her warm hospitality, home-cooked family meals and scenic day trips.
“My favourite part about hosting is inviting guests to have a home-cooked family meal, taking them out on day trips to a winery or a scenic drive to an historical town,” Ms Daniels said.
AIRBNB AWARDS FINALISTS
THE KEEP – Goulds Country, Tasmania
The Keep is a luxury couples escape.
BEACHFRONT HIDEAWAY – Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Coast, QLD
The Airbnb comes with a lot of entertainment options.
LOW HEAD CHAPEL: Low Head, Tasmania
The chapel is near the beach.
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