Brisbane’s best Airbnb and Stayz lodgings

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Check out these 10 short-term rentals in Brisbane with a unique twist.

While an influx of new and innovative hotels has overtaken Brisbane’s city skyline, sometimes it’s nice to have it feel different from a hotel and instead, get into the groove of the city with a stay in someone’s home.

That’s where a getaway to an Airbnb Brisbane or Stayz Brisbane property comes in.

From beach shacks to eco-pods and even a converted church, we’re voting these the best of the river city’s private rentals.

1. The Old Church, Brisbane City

You’ll be hard-pressed to get Hozier out of your head when you step through the ornate breezeways of this heritage-listed church Airbnb in Brisbane City.

Built in the late 1800s, the entire home has been renovated in keeping with the tradition of the church that it once was.

You’ll love the attention to detail – the high ceilings, stained-glass windows, and appropriately themed furnishings blend in beautifully with a modern makeover, including all of the creature comforts that you’d expect from luxury accommodations.

With four beautiful bedrooms and two bathrooms, The Old Church is the ideal place to stay for a Brisbane family holiday. Within walking distance to Suncorp Stadium, South Bank, and the city, this holy abode is for those who want to stay close to the action.

Unique feature: A renovated old church

Price: Three nights minimum at $355 per night

The Old Church at Brisbane City, Airbnb Brisbane
This well-preserved heritage church is perfect for a luxury getaway.

2. Dolphins at Sunset, North Stradbroke Island

Whatever your previous notions of the Cast Away life might have been, scrap them, because this Amity Point beach house on North Stradbroke Island is about to change everything.

Sure, days spent to and fro-ing from the salty seas is enough of a reason to book a chunk of time at this luxury holiday home, but throw in sunset dolphin visits at your own private fishing jetty? Now that’s island living.

Boasting three spacious bedrooms sleeping up to six guests, it’s a home for the whole family to enjoy. Featuring wooden framed sliding windows throughout, along with a great kitchen that leads to an outdoor entertaining area, Dolphins at Sunset brings the outside, inside.

Unique feature: Resident dolphins splash at your backdoor

Price: Two nights minimum at $1020 per night

Dolphins at Sunset on North Stradbroke Island, Airbnb Brisbane
Catch sweeping sea views right outside your windows.

3. Inner City Haven Eco-pod, Spring Hill

An incredible example of enviro-luxury, this architectural masterpiece is one of the greenest homes in Brisbane and is located smack bang in the beating heart of the city.

Decked out with all things eco-friendly and sustainable, you’ll find patterned solar screens, organic oils in the bathrooms, and open-air light rooms. This is your chance to live the life of luxury, and to see how sustainability looks and feels.

The eco-pod is designed to be intimate and romantic – don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of your partner in the shower while you’re lazing around in the comfortable king-sized bed. You’re invited to embrace and revel in this openness.

There’s also an eco-plunge pool; superb on those steamy Brisbane summer nights.

Unique feature: Demonstrates the principles of sustainable housing

Price: Two nights minimum at $272 per night.

Inner City Haven Eco-pod at Spring Hill, Airbnb Brisbane
Experience sustainable living at Inner City Haven Eco-pod.

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4. River House, Norman Park

Located just 4km from the CBD, this tropical Queenslander riverfront house has a beautiful lawn and deck entertaining areas right on the river with amazing city views and stunning sunsets.

With six bedrooms and three living sections, there is plenty of space without feeling like you’re on top of anyone. Add this house to your list if you have a group get-together coming up.

Unique feature: Tropical Queenslander with riverfront views

Price: Three nights minimum at $1200 per night

whitewashed interior at River House Norman Park, Airbnb Brisbane
Live your beach Boho fantasy at the River House, Norman Park.

5. Homey, Restored Queenslander Cottage, Auchenflower

If it’s a dose of history you’re looking for, kick back on the verandah of this 110-year-old heritage-listed Queenslander’s working cottage with stunning bird’s-eye city views and modern perks.

Boasting beautifully detailed features like paneling, ornate ceilings, and antique furniture abound, mixed in with bright, woven rugs on stripped wood floors, together they complete the vintage look. This charming, restored Queenslander is a wonderful option for friends and families.

Unique feature: A 110-year-old heritage-listed Queenslander

Price: 1 night minimum at $250 per night

charming cottage at Homey, Restored Queenslander Cottage, Auchenflower
A quintessential country cottage that conveys rustic comfort.

6. The Boho Hut Anstead Tiny House, Anstead

Set on three acres of bushland, gardens, and lawn, the Boho Hut is a unique timber slab hut that will encourage you to reconnect with nature.

With just one bedroom, an indoor log fireplace, and elegant decking with luxury and vintage pieces to furnish, it’s a cosy retreat for couples.

Wallabies graze on the grass most early mornings and king parrots, owls and kookaburras will be your visitors.

Unique feature: Timber slab hunt furnished with luxury pieces

Price: One night minimum at $175 per night

rustic home, The Boho Hut Anstead Tiny House, Anstead
A tiny rustic home in the middle of the forest.

7. Brookfield Retreat, Brookfield

This large 60’s inspired sanctuary is a huge resort-style home designed for entertaining and having fun on 2.5 acres, down a quiet lane.

You’ll find a log-burning fireplace and a wonderfully large retro Games Room equipped with a tournament-size billiard table (12ft) and a connecting cinema room.

Equipped with a bar, indoor heated spa, pool, outside entertainment area, and seven bedrooms, this space is best suited to corporate groups, friends, and families wanting to relax whilst surrounded by nature in a tranquil location.

Unique feature: A large 60’s inspired sanctuary surrounded by nature

Price: Five nights minimum at $1281 per night

swimming pool at Brookfield Retreat, Airbnb Brisbane
Loung by the side of the pool at Brookfield Retreat.

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8. Iconic pad with infinity pool overlooking city, Fortitude Valley

For a taste of luxury, head to this five-star resort in one of Brisbane city’s most iconic buildings, FV by Pepper.

The stylish and conveniently positioned apartment (moments from Brisbane’s best nightlife) comfortably accommodates up to four people and has access to the heated pool overlooking the city.

With fabulous restaurants and cafes on your doorstep, this city escape is a dreamy option for couples.

Unique feature: Set in a five-star resort right on the edge of the city,

Price: Three nights minimum at $159 per night

Iconic pad with infinity pool overlooking city, Fortitude Valley
Escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

9. Sea Cottage, Beachmere

Situated in the coastal village of Beachmere on the peaceful waters of Moreton Bay, the interior decoration of Sea Cottage is inspired by sea shells, driftwood, and the wandering beachcomber, designed to bring inside the surrounding white sandy beach and sea views.

With five bedrooms including a large sea-facing veranda and a ten-seater table, the house is cosy for one family but just as good for two families or friends.

Guests are encouraged to swim, kayak, windsurf, boat, paddleboard, fish, take a relaxing stroll, or sun-bake on the white sandy beach. This is a pet-friendly Airbnb in Brisbane.

Unique feature: Seaside theme, next to the beach.

Price: Three nights minimum at $195 per night

beachfront restaurant at Sea Cottage, Beachmere
Beachfront dining overlooking the gorgeous seascape.

10. African Escape, South Bank

If you’re looking for an Airbnb in South Bank Brisbane, check out this luxury home in the clouds filled with African charm.

With breathtaking views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge from the 38th level, floor-to-ceiling glass which opens onto the balcony, and a convenient location near all the local attractions – this is the city accommodation jackpot.

The African decor is truly unique, adding a fun and interesting vibe. It’s the perfect romantic city break.

Unique feature: Luxury home on level 38 with African charm.

Price: One night minimum at $371 per night

bedroom with city views at African Escape, South Bank
Catch stunning views of the city from your cosy bedroom.
For more places to lay your head, check out this Brisbane accommodation guide.

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Jemma Fletcher
Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)
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Embrace that Sunday feeling at Hamilton Island‘s newest resort

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island
Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays
Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays
Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach
Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club.

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays
Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island
Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin.

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island
Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

Best Brisbane Airbnb And Stayz Lodgings | Australian Traveller