Stayz unveils Australia’s top holiday homes for 2026

Stayz has announced its 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year, a collection of standout private holiday homes across Australia. Now in its fifteenth year, the annual list recognises properties that exemplify exceptional quality, reliability, and Stayz’s high standards for holiday homes travellers can trust.

In fact, several of the homes have earned 10/10 guest ratings, reflecting the positive experiences guests can expect every time they book a Stayz. This year’s list includes a Berry farm with horses and resident chickens, a South Australian clifftop mansion with a 25-metre infinity pool and cinema, and a historic Tasmanian homestead with a sauna and spa.

“Our Holiday Homes of the Year showcase some of the finest holiday homes on Stayz, with many of the homes being managed by Premier Hosts – hosts who have a proven track record of reliability and great hospitality, including a 99 percent booking acceptance rate and 0 percent host cancellation rate,” said Sarah King, Stayz Travel Expert.

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“This list should inspire travellers to take their next group getaway and demonstrates how easy it is to find a trusted, high-quality holiday rental every time they plan a trip.”

This year’s properties are located in a number of popular holiday destinations across Australia, including Margaret River, Berry, Mornington Peninsula, Hamilton Island and Noosa.

Stayz’s Holiday Homes of the Year were selected based on criteria that exemplify high-quality stays and give guests confidence when booking their next trip.

What makes the Holiday Homes of the Year stand out

• Premier Host: many of the properties are managed by hosts with a proven track record of reliability and great hospitality, including a 99% booking acceptance rate and 0% host cancellation rate• Ratings and reviews: ratings of 9.4 or above and stellar reviews from former guests

• Location: properties in a variety of popular leisure destinations, often steps from beaches, farms, or vineyards

• Great for groups: spacious homes with attractive amenities like private pools, spas, and cinemas, ideal for families and multi-generational groups

“This year’s list reflects just how far traveller expectations have evolved and how our partners continue to rise to the occasion,” said Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Holiday Home Partnerships at Stayz.

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“From unique design and standout amenities to the small, thoughtful touches that build trust, these homes deliver the kind of exceptional experiences that today’s travellers don’t just appreciate, they expect. We’re proud to celebrate hosts who are setting a new standard for quality and helping shape the future of holiday homes.”

2026 Holiday Homes of the Year

• Red Hill, VIC — “Collins Street House” offers a modern kitchen, wood fireplace, easy outdoor entertaining, and two generous lounges ideal for board games and family feasts. This home sleeps 14 across six bedrooms and is set on a quiet street within walking distance of cafés, markets, and wine region stays.

• Margaret River, WA — “Skibo House” spreads across five acres with a cubby house, lawn games, and a seasonal outdoor fire pit. This country home sleeps 10 with light-filled living, three bathrooms, a kids’ playroom, and a kitchen with butler’s pantry, located near farmers markets, cellar doors, the Wadandi Track for bushwalk access, and Margaret River wine region stays.

• Marino, SA — “One Eighty Marino” showcases an infinity-edge 25-metre pool, cinema, gym, and 180-degree ocean views. This architectural coastal escape sleeps 10 across six bedrooms and six bathrooms, with beach access and within easy reach of Adelaide and McLaren Vale.

• Berry, NSW — “The Homestead at Bundara Farm” is a beautifully designed country retreat, perfect for gathering friends or family. Sleeping up to 18, it offers a vine-covered outdoor dining area, a grand fireplace, games room, expansive grounds for play, and resident chickens and mini horses — all just minutes from Berry and Seven Mile Beach.

• Kangaroo Valley, NSW — “Aminya” is a restored American-inspired lodge with a year-round heated pool, private lake, and rich Oregon and Pyrmont wharf timbers. Surrounded by native forest and wildlife, it sleeps eight with sweeping valley views, setting the scene for tranquil days in Kangaroo Valley.

• Berry, NSW — “Berry Luxury Barn House” is a purpose-built retreat set on a private acre overlooking farmland. It sleeps 20 across more than six bedrooms and features a heated pool with a 3.8-metre waterslide, indoor sauna, outdoor firepit, kids’ playground, and expansive dining for entertaining.

• Hamilton Island, QLD — “Southwinds” delivers an infinity pool home above the Hamilton Island Marina, a vast deck with panoramic views, dual kitchens, and two living areas. The family-friendly home sleeps 16 across eight bedrooms and four bathrooms, with two golf buggies for easy island exploring.

• Montville, QLD — “The Jasmine at Montville” features a serene main home and self-contained studio with expansive decks, landscaped gardens, and countryside-to-ocean views. It sleeps eight across four bedrooms and offers elegant interiors, a wine and cocktail bar, and a cosy lounge with fireplace, perfect for slow Sunshine Coast hinterland escapes.

• Sunrise Beach, QLD — “A Shore Thing” showcases modern architectural design with light-filled open-plan living, sloping ceilings, bi-fold doors, and a private pool. It sleeps six across three bedrooms and blends coastal style with contemporary comforts just a five-minute stroll from Sunrise Beach and minutes from Noosa’s cafés and boutiques.

• Evandale, TAS — “Leighton House” is a restored 1840s Georgian homestead set on 300 private acres and sleeps 12 across four bedrooms. This luxury farm stay offers curated interiors, an outdoor sauna and spa, and a protected central courtyard with an outdoor cooking area featuring a pizza oven, all with breathtaking river and mountain views.

Stayz’s Holiday Homes of the Year highlights extraordinary properties around the world, with more than 50 honourees. The full list includes homes across the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.

View the full list of the 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year, along with photos and booking details, at stayz.com.au/holiday-homes-of-the-year.