The 11 best holiday rentals and Airbnbs in Noosa

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Not all holiday rentals are created equal which is why we’ve uncovered the full range of stand-out Airbnbs in Noosa for your easy booking reference.

Noosa’s upmarket hotels and ritzy resorts will always attract luxury-seeking travellers, but true charms lie in the impeccable collection of laidback Airbnb in Noosa.

Providing a private sanctuary fitted with state-of-the-art appliances, family-friendly facilities and ample space to sloth around, find the perfect base for easy, breezy holidaying.

1. Domic, Sunshine Beach

Dominic graced the cover of Australian Traveller’s Spring 2021 issue dedicated to 100 Unique Stays and it still leads our list of the best holiday rentals and Airbnbs in Noosa.

Domic, which means ‘place of domes’ in Russian, resembles a Brutalist hornet’s nest, or Hobbiton-inspired display home for eco-friendly Hempcrete, which was invented by owner Evgeny Skigin. All aspects of the holiday home designed by the Russian tycoon blend luxury with sustainability.

The property, which fronts Sunshine Beach and adjoins Noosa National Park, features six suites and ten bathrooms (yes, seriously, one for absolutely everybody), a 25-metre infinity pool, its own ‘day spa’ complete with a steam room, sauna, lounge area, locker room, ice bath and showers, a cinema, a gym, a personal concierge service, car parking for seven vehicles including two electric cars and a bar with a pool table. Domic is endlessly elegant with an eco-conscious edge and we all want to live there.

Domic, Sunshine Beach, Noosa
Opt for sustainable living at Domic, Sunshine Beach.

2. Eh Frame, Noosa National Park

Eh Frame is a Mid Century-inspired A Frame Canadian-style log cabin named after the short phrase Canadians are stereotyped for ending their sentences with. It’s the kind of love shack a bona fide lumberjack might stumble across while hiking the Canadian Rockies and we, like, totally love it, eh?

The two-bedroom Airbnb in Noosa, with exposed timber beams, has a warm amber glow and is kitted out with top-of-the-line appliances and a dreamy loft as one of the bedrooms. A serene chill zone awaits guests out back where fires are allowed in its firepit during winter, however, you must seek approval from the owners.

While the space itself is tight, there is a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen, and a closet for extra storage so families will feel right at home. Although Eh Frame is in the middle of the forest, the only bears you are likely to see are koalas.

a look inside an A-frame log cabin at Eh Frame, Noosa National Park
Wake up to nature views at this log cabin in Eh Frame, Noosa National Park.

3. Sabi Suite, Noosa Heads

Oozing enviable whitewash and timber coastal vibes, Sabi Suite is a picture-perfect one-bedroom apartment ideal for couples.

The second-floor open-plan one-bedroom space is located about 500 metres from Hasting Street’s impressive collection of boutiques and eateries, so lovebirds won’t have to venture far to get their retail fix.

Dialling up the romance even further, it features a two-person spa bath, private balcony and king bed, while the apartment block’s facilities include a steam room, another spa, gym and swimming pool.

There’s also a cafe located on-site in case leaving the love nest for an extended period is just too painful. A kitchenette fitted with a dishwasher and basic crockery should do the trick otherwise.

a cosy bedroom interior at Sabi Suite, Noosa Heads
Sabi Suite is ideal for couples.

4. Luxury Afloat Noosa, Diyan Street Memorial Park Jetty, Tewantin

Enjoy the buttery-skied break of a day onboard a Luxury Afloat Noosa houseboat where you can take your foot off the accelerator in favour of chugging along Noosa’s network of watery highways.

Choose between a six-berth, eight-berth and 10-berth Noosa holiday rental, fully kitted out with kitchen and BBQ and all linen and towels. Plus you’re all good to bring bubs from the age of six months along for the adventure.

Drop anchor off Noosaville, watch the lights wink on and ask the fisherperson cruising past in their tinnie for tips on how to hook a big one. What better way to get to know the curves of the Noosa River than by meandering through to Lake Cooroibah?

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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5. Hale Douglas, Sunshine Beach

Still in awe of the tiny house phenomenon? Us too. The itty bitty Hale Douglas is an Airbnb in Noosa that may only feature one bedroom in a loft above the kitchenette but also a distinct personality, maximised.

Themed ‘retro Hawaiian’, the space is dotted with a subtle scattering of hula girl figurines and pineapples, while earthy rattan and exposed timber beams go hand in hand with cream furnishings and stark white finishes.

An outdoor deck overlooking a tropical garden offers a flood of sunlight and a little outdoor setting has been popped out there to help you bask in the adorableness of it all.

terrace area at Hale Douglas, Sunshine Beach
Experience an unhurried, laid-back lifestyle at Hale Douglas, Sunshine Beach.

6. The Lodge, Noosa Heads

Three-bedroom, two-bathroom beach house, The Lodge, is geared toward the al fresco lifestyle Noosa is known for.

a close-up shot of the pool with two lounge chairs at The Lodge, Noosa Heads
Relax by the pool at The Lodge, Noosa Heads.

The groovy beach shack opens onto a sun-splashed deck with a heated plunge pool surrounded by palm trees. It’s ridiculously idyllic. Dangle your feet in the pool, enjoy breakfast on the deck or loll on the lawn in the back garden. Otherwise, stay indoors and camp out on the living room couch, a space that vibes off the classic Aussie beach-chic blueprint.

There’s also a laundry, fireplace, laptop workspace and complimentary cruiser bicycles. It’s just 20 minutes to the beach (speaking of, here’s our guide to the best Sunshine Coast beaches) so the peacefulness of this Noosa holiday rental makes it all the better for those craving a well-earned break.

a bed beside a chair at The Lodge, Noosa Heads
Settle in your cosy bed at The Lodge, Noosa Heads.

7. Makepeace Island, Noosa River

Makepeace Island is a small heart-shaped island located on the Noosa River, not to be confused with the other heart-shaped spot in the Great Barrier Reef, owned by Virgin Australia founding partners Sir Richard Branson and Brett Godfrey.

Accessed by a private boat from Noosa Marina, the elaborate Noosa holiday rental sleeps up to 20 people, making it perfect for small wedding parties. There are three villas, a four-bedroom Island House, a one-bedroom Boathouse and eight bathrooms at this private island sanctuary.

A mammoth lagoon pool, 15-seater spa, tennis court and gym have been built on-site, and there are spectacular walking trails to explore plus kayaks and paddle boards.

Those with extra cash to splash will also have their own hatted chef, Zeb Gilbert (ex-Wasabi Group) on hand to curate bespoke menus. This is decadence on every level and quite possibly Australia’s ultimate extended family accommodation offering.

an aerial view of the villas and pool at Makepeace Island, Noosa River
Stay in a tropical haven at Makepeace Island. (Image: Richard Branson)

8. Little Red Barn, Doonan

Dishing up a slice of hinterland heaven, the Little Red Barn is a three-bedroom Airbnb in Noosa that manages to evoke remote farmyard vibes without totally isolating its guests.

The suburb of Doonan is home to the stellar food and entertainment venue The Doonan, easily one of the best restaurants in Noosa, and the Little Red Barn is only the start of what we predict will boom as a tourist destination.

The star of the show is the heated plunge pool, creating an incredible spot to catch a sunset with a glass in hand. A fireplace, freestanding cast iron bathtub on the spacious veranda and comfortable bedrooms make this cosy country living you’ll struggle to part with.

a black and white bathroom interior at Little Red Barn, Doonan
Escape to Little Red Barn and soak in a relaxing bathtub.

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9. Poinciana House, Sunshine Beach

Be sure to take comprehensive style notes at Poinciana House as you will want to use this Art Deco villa’s breezy interiors as design inspiration.

Pack your best loose white linen outfits so you fit effortlessly into the colour scheme at this four-bedroom Airbnb in Noosa, where the flame-red flowers of the poinciana tree will stop you in your tracks over summer.

The garden has an outdoor shower and plunge pool, an enormous day bed in the reading room and an open-plan living room designed for relaxation. It sleeps up to 10 guests so keeping the kids in tow, sadly, won’t be an issue.

a look inside the living room interior at Poinciana House, Sunshine Beach
Poinciana House comes with fully equipped amenities.

10. Hamptons of Noosa, Tewantin

The owners have affectionately dubbed this spot Hamptons of Noosa, and they speak accurately of their reimagining of the northern hemisphere hot spot.

It’s awash with nautical-themed furnishings, woven textures and plush white on white, and with that magical Noosa River backdrop off its wraparound deck, this Aussie homage might just be better than the real thing.

The three-bedroom renovated Queenslander features open-plan living (so those soothing views follow you everywhere), an undercover al fresco dining area with a barbecue, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry and it’s within walking distance to Noosa Marina and Noosaville’s shops and eateries.

a cosy living room interior at Hamptons of Noosa, Tewantin
Get cosy at Hamptons of Noosa, Tewantin.

11. Noosa Junction Cottage, Noosa Heads

A little bit Palm Springs and a little bit country, Noosa Junction Cottage blends homely vintage pieces with a solid dose of the desert resort city’s signature cool.

The two-bedroom rental, which is a 20-minute walk from the action of Hastings Street, is a tranquil oasis featuring an oval-shaped pool speckled by lush, sometimes spikey, greenery and a daybed.

A private deck is decorated with a barbecue and outdoor setting, and a beach umbrella and towels are on hand if you’ve planned a beach day. Come nightfall, queen beds fill uncluttered bedrooms and there’s a double sofa bed in the living room if you’ve got guests.

an outdoor pool at Noosa Junction Cottage, Noosa Heads
Take a plunge into the outdoor pool at Noosa Junction Cottage, Noosa Heads.

The original article was written by Carla Grossetti and has been updated by Kristie Lau-Adams.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

    This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

    Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

    Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central, enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

    aerial view of bribie island
    Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

    In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

    Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

    table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
    Refuel at Park & Cove.

    Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

    Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

    After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg. If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

    baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
    Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

    Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

    Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

    Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art, which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

    Rockhampton Museum of Art
    Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

    Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

    Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay. Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

    woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
    Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

    Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying. Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon, before heading north to Townsville.

    Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort. Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

    aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
    Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

    After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

    Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

    Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove, where the pool has its very own beach.

    two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
    Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

    Day 8: To Port Douglas

    No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

    Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar, widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

    aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
    Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

     Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

    The Best Airbnb & Holiday Rentals In Noosa - Australian Traveller