Standout holiday rentals: Stayz reveals its 2025 Holiday Homes of the Year

Stayz has announced its 2025 Holiday Homes of the Year, highlighting ten of Australia’s most exceptional short-term rental properties.

Recognised for their guest appeal, high ratings, and sought-after amenities, these properties set a benchmark in the industry for premium holiday accommodations.

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Raising the bar in short term rentals

With more than 50,000 properties listed on Stayz, the annual selection process evaluates top-performing rentals based on guest satisfaction, standout features, and host excellence. The properties chosen for 2025 showcase high occupancy potential and strong demand from travellers seeking premium group accommodations.

Sarah King, Stayz Travel Expert, emphasised the significance of these properties, stating, “The Stayz Holiday Homes of the Year celebrate properties that offer exceptional guest experiences. With strong ratings, in-demand amenities, and committed hosts, these homes reflect the evolving expectations of today’s travellers.”

High-performing holiday homes across Australia

This year’s recognised properties, located in prime travel destinations, serve as industry benchmarks for short-term rental success:

• Buckaroo, NSW – Abercorn is a beautiful, architect-designed country house set on a picturesque farm, just outside of Mudgee. Designed and built by a husband-and-wife duo, the house is spacious and stylish with light-filled interiors – many handmade or individually sourced. Sleeping up to eight, guests can make use of the property’s veggie garden and admire the property’s small herd of Belted Galloway cows.
  

  

• Sassafras, VIC – Just one hour from Melbourne, in the Dandenong Ranges, Mountain Lodge is an outstanding setting for a weekend away. Sleeping up to eight guests, the house is a great option year-round, with a state-of-the-art hydronic heating system. While outside, the roof top viewing deck puts you high among the treetops and is a spectacular place for evening drinks.
• Margaret River, WA – Bringing a piece of the Mediterranean to Margaret River, Carpe Mykonos is set across eight acres and perfectly positioned between the Margaret River town centre, and family friendly Gnarabup beach. This beautifully appointed home accommodates up to 10 with a large outdoor deck overlooking the private tennis court, fire pit and Indian Ocean.
  

  

• Dover, TAS – The Cape House offers an exclusive hideaway on a private peninsula with 250 acres of wilderness, wildlife, and water. This stunningly renovated turn-of-the-century farmhouse blends old-world charm with modern décor, sleeping up to six adults. The expansive timber deck is perfect for alfresco dining, and the heated outdoor hot tub provides panoramic water views.
• Gold Coast, QLD – Epitomising relaxed luxury, The Hamptons Hinterland Retreat sleeps up to 14 guests. Set on a 1.7-hectare block, it boasts a 16m saltwater pool, three lounge areas and a designer kitchen, perfect for family reunions and retreats. All while being located just 20 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast.
  

  

• Stirling, SA – Nestled in the hills of Piccadilly Valley, Frogwell Hollow blends the charm of an English cottage with countryside tranquility. This retreat features a sunlit conservatory, a wildlife-rich garden, and a study overlooking a flowing creek, while outside guests are drawn to the wood fired oven and fire pit. The double-storey house accommodates six is the perfect base to explore the Adelaide Hills.
• Port Douglas, QLD – The Bahama House offers the ultimate tropical holiday experience just steps from Four Mile Beach. This family, friendly home sleeps 10 and features five bedrooms, a large pool, gourmet chef’s kitchen and alfresco dining space with built in BBQ and outdoor bar fridge. The ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Bahama Style with its Caribbean-inspired architecture, is your dream getaway in the tropical north.
• Yarra Glen, VIC – Blending classic charm with luxury amenities, Oliver’s Cottage in the Yarra Valley is perfect for families or groups of up to 13. This house includes six bedrooms, a fully equipped farmhouse-style kitchen, and cozy indoor living areas with a gas fireplace. Outside, guests can also enjoy the fire-pit, built-in BBQ, a 6-seater spa and a cedar wood barrel sauna, along with stunning views of the rolling mountains.
  

  

• Kangaroo Valley, NSW – Braeside is an impressive 5-acre retreat offering privacy, tranquility, and stunning views, just 7 minutes from Kangaroo Valley village. The home sleeps eight, features a 12m saltwater swimming pool, wrap-around decking, and four large ensuite bedrooms. Wildlife spotting, an outdoor firepit and expansive lawns add to the charm, making Braeside the perfect destination for a peaceful escape.
  

  

• Holgate, NSW – Le Chateau, in the Central Coast hinterland is a secluded, luxurious retreat designed for relaxation and quality time. This French chateau-inspired property is set over three levels and accommodates up to 18 guests. It includes a billiard room, a large infinity-edge pool surrounded by lush greenery and an exquisite art collection.

The selected properties also align with key trends from Stayz’s Unpack ‘25 report, highlighting the increasing demand for private, high-quality stays that cater to relaxation and group travel experiences.

The role of premier hosts

Many of the featured properties are managed by Premier Hosts, an invite-only Stayz program recognising property managers who consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences. Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Partner Success at Stayz, commented on the value of Premier Hosts in driving industry standards, stating, “Our Premier Hosts represent the best in short-term rental management, ensuring reliability, professionalism, and high guest satisfaction.”

Industry implications and market insights

The Stayz Holiday Homes of the Year not only celebrate top-performing properties but also provide insights into what makes a holiday rental successful in today’s competitive landscape. From premium amenities to high guest ratings and strategic location choices, these properties offer a blueprint for operators looking to enhance their offerings and meet evolving traveller expectations.

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