Holiday Homes of the Year 2026

Stayz is proud to shine a spotlight on Australia’s most outstanding properties with the 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year. These stunning holiday homes deliver exceptional quality, comfort, and unforgettable experiences for travellers. Each home was carefully chosen by Stayz based on key criteria, including a stellar rating of 9.4 or above, glowing guest reviews, and standout features designed for creating special moments with family and friends.

From stunning coastal escapes and striking architectural hideaways to cosy lodges in sought-after destinations, the 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year offer something for every style of getaway.

"For nearly two decades, Collins Street House has been a rare Red Hill gem, where families and large groups can walk to some of the region’s best vineyards, settle in with their pets, and feel right at home."

Kim S.

"We designed Skibo House, named after our chocolate labrador, to be a place everyone could enjoy. Families and their pets love the five acres of space, with country views, large firepit area, play park and telescope, for nights under the stars."

Eleanor H.

"Leighton House is deeply connected to Tasmania’s equine history and has been part of the Campbell family for generations. Restoring the homestead and opening it to guests has been about honouring our legacy while creating a place of connection and celebration for everyone to enjoy. Seeing guests fall in love with the homestead has been incredibly rewarding."

Genevieve C.

"The home is a beautiful place to switch off and slow down. Sun-drenched living spaces, dips in the pool, and quiet moments soaking in views of the nature reserve make it easy to relax and reconnect."

Julie R.

FAQ

How are the 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year chosen?

Selected from over 50,000 Stayz listings, these properties represent standout holiday homes for travellers seeking space, privacy, and reliable hosts. Stayz used the following criteria to determine this year’s list of Holiday Homes of the Year:

1. Exceptional Guest Ratings and Reviews: Dozens of positive reviews from former guests and 9.4/10 ratings or above.
2. Premier Host status: Stayz hosts with a consistent track record of earning excellent reviews and providing outstanding experiences for their guests.
3. Popular Amenities ideal for group travel: Features that guests value most such as pools, hot tubs, outdoor living spaces, and ample space for gathering.

What is the “Loved by Guests” badge?

The “Loved by Guests” badge indicates top-rated, quality listings on Stayz. This badge is given to listings with 9.4+ ratings for cleanliness, location, listing accuracy, and ease of check-in. Travellers can use the “Loved by Guests” filter to find these properties in their searches.

What is a Premier Host?

Premier Hosts are experienced Stayz hosts with a strong track record of earning excellent reviews and providing outstanding experiences for guests. To earn Premier Host status on Stayz, properties must earn a 9.2+ overall review rating, have a booking acceptance rate of 99% or higher, zero host-initiated cancellations, at least 5 bookings or 60 booked nights, and at least 5 Stayz reviews. Travellers can use the “Premier Host” filter to find these properties in their searches.

What do the Holiday Homes of the Year have in common?

Though no two Holiday Homes of the Year are alike and each has their own unique story and attributes, quality, consistency, and reliability are what earn guests’ trust and positive feedback. Every property enables groups to spend time together without giving up comfort. The standout homes are located in Stayz’s most popular leisure destinations and feature ‘stay-here-all-day’ amenities like pools and large living areas. Just as important: strong guest reviews and reliable hosting continue to be a big part of what helps people book with confidence.

How do I book a top-rated holiday home on Stayz?

The 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year exemplify the best-of-the-best properties available to book on Stayz. It’s incredibly easy to find other standout homes for your next group getaway with family or friends. Use the “Loved by Guests”, “Premier Host” and “Wonderful 9+” filters to narrow your search to the highest-quality, trusted stays. Then, consider the amenities most important to you and your family. Stayz has dozens of filters where you can easily search for holiday homes with pools, beachfront or oceanfront locations, as well as homes that are pet-friendly or great for families.

Why should I book a holiday home with Stayz?

Stayz provides travellers with one of the widest selections of holiday homes in Australia and around the world. With Stayz, guests can expect quality homes, trusted reviews, transparent pricing, and booking protections. Additionally, Stayz is the ideal accommodation choice when travelling with groups – whether you’re going on a multi-generational family vacation or a weekend getaway with friends. Stayz holiday homes offer the space and privacy for everyone to stay together and spend quality time. Stayz holiday homes also have convenient family-friendly and pet-friendly amenities you may not get during a hotel stay, like a full kitchen to cook and prepare meals or washers and dryers for doing laundry.