Holiday Home of the Year Awards 2022

The best holiday homes in the country have been decided for 2022, and these best-in-class holiday homes – all stunning private holiday homes across Australia – are ideal places for families to spend quality time and make holiday memories together.

The top rated homes boast stellar star ratings and rave guest reviews, are owned or managed by hosts who do a great job, and feature some of the most sought-after amenities that make moments with loved ones special.

We know every family has different preferences, so in addition to meeting high-quality standards, this list of holiday homes also includes a variety of property types in popular destinations across Australia.

So whether you prefer a retreat to the country, a home with ocean views or a rustic pet-friendly cottage, you and whoever you call family can have a memorable stay at any of our Holiday Home Award medalists and finalists.

Save these properties to a Trip Board for inspiration when planning your next holiday.

ATTUNGA KV, KANGAROO VALLEY, NSW

7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 18

Perfectly positioned on 150 acres of lush rainforest above Kangaroo Valley, you’ll have uninterrupted views from every direction. Sit by the outdoor fire pit at dawn or dusk and witness wombats, kangaroos, rock wallabies, and lyrebirds roam around the homestead.

The Entertainers Barn is perfect for those looking to celebrate a special occasion, and the resort-style pool offers endless fun. The barn is complete with a spit roast, a traditional Aussie BBQ, and an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven. Or, why not avail of the complimentary butler service, so all you’ll need to do is sit back and relax with your favourite people.

5 star review: “Great holiday for multiple families” – Tracey H.

Go for gold and stay at this winning home

BUDERIM RAINFOREST RETREAT, BUDERIM, QLD

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6

Buderim Rainforest Retreat sits amongst a lush tropical garden on the Sunshine Coast. Start your morning at the breakfast bar, and then enjoy the tranquil pool with a luxe cabana and the huge backyard complete with a gorgeous cubby house. Indoors, there’s even more fun with a media room and drawers of toys for kids of all ages. Unwind in the luxurious freestanding tub in the ensuite or simply bask in the stylish indoor and outdoor living spaces the whole family will enjoy.

5 star review: “A great place to stay. Excellent for families with children” – Anita P.

Find this family friendly home here

BOOTMAKERS COTTAGE, BIRREGURRA, VIC

3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 6

Steeped in rich history, this former bootmakers cottage is a truly unique place to stay at the gateway to the Otway Ranges and Great Ocean Road. From the inviting outdoor areas adorned in festoon lights (and hello, outdoor bathtub!) to the character-filled indoor spaces, your people (including pets) will enjoy a holiday here. Entertain at the bar area with darts, board games and toys or gather everyone around the alfresco dining area for a BBQ and unwind by the relaxing fire pit.

5 star review: “We had a lovely time in this little cottage with two young families – very peaceful, beautiful outdoor areas, and surprisingly comfortable fitted out authentically to its 19th-century origins” – Anna S.

Image credit – Renee Thurston

Travel back in time at this historic stay

FINALISTS

FLYNN’S HILL, KYNETON, VIC

4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sleeps 10

Flynn’s Hill is a modern style home that has four well-appointed bedrooms, two with luxury ensuites and many other features, including an open fireplace, sunken library and beautifully curated gardens for entertaining. The property is perched overlooking a valley in Kyneton, an area that’s developed into a mecca for culture, relaxation and a destination for the serious foodie. Guests rave about the twin baths and Scottish Highland Cows that live on the land of the property.

Book your Flynn’s Hill getaway here

HAMPTONS HILL, BUDERIM, QLD

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 10

This Sunshine Coast beauty is the second home in our top ten list in Buderim, a short drive from the beaches of Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. Hamptons Hill is a five bedroom, three-bathroom private acreage block in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. It boasts divine entertaining and living spaces, a stunning pool area and an entertainers fire pit. There’s a playground with swings, a slide and a trampoline for the little ones.

In the master suite, you’ll have his and her sinks and a soaking bathtub and all bedrooms are stylishly decorated and fitted with comfort in mind. The home is chic, yet warm and inviting, and provides the ultimate family holiday experience.

Head to Hamptons Hill here

THE NEW YORKER, YAHL, SA

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6

The New Yorker, a 10 minute drive from Mount Gambier in South Australia, has a quirky warehouse feel and is perfect for creative travellers on the road who want to transport themselves to the lofts of Tribeca in New York City. There’s a glass roof shower, a well-equipped kitchen area, and a large decked outside entertainment area overlooking the lawn and trees. Special mention goes to the unique mezzanine library that towers over the main living area.

Go to the Big Apple in the heart of SA

MAISON DU LAC, MARGARET RIVER, WA

3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, sleeps 8

Maison du Lac sits on the edge of a picturesque lake in the heart of Margaret River, 400 metres from the town centre. There are three spacious bedrooms with private ensuites, open-plan living spaces and brand-new furnishings throughout the home. The views from the outdoor deck are breathtaking with the water to forest backdrop adding to the tranquil and peaceful ambience this whole home offers.

Let’s go to this lakeside home

THE GREENHOUSE RETREAT, PEARL BEACH, NSW

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8

The Greenhouse Retreat in Pearl Beach lives up to the name, being one block from the beach and offering all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury retreat while having the intimacy of a whole private home. Spread across three dwellings, your group can be together with plenty of space to spread out. The heated pool, outdoor deck chairs, cosy fire and SUP boards are just some of what you can look forward to. Oh, and bring your beloved furry four-legged friends to this paradise pad too!

Check out this pet-friendly property

THE SHED, GERROA, NSW

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8

Image credit – @davey_rogers

A stay at The Shed, a 90 minute drive from Sydney, offers the best of two worlds with ocean and farm views. Architecturally designed and set on 100 acres of farmland, the home offers late checkout, subject to availability, as they know you won’t want to leave. The plunge pool is a guest favourite, while the double-sided fireplace is a hit in winter. The industrial-style galley kitchen is generously stocked and has everything you need for a family feast, while the bunk room for kids has a Sony PlayStation and games to keep them entertained.

Image credit – @tombutterworthtv

Stay at The Shed here

TRANQUILITY BY THE LAKE, PORT DOUGLAS, QLD

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8

This stunning home is in a prime location sitting directly lakeside in Port Douglas. Enjoy your afternoons swimming in the large, private pool overlooking the lake and take in this property’s tranquil surroundings. Indoors is open plan living and dining with a separate media room for those wanting to enjoy a movie. The outdoor dining area is an entertainer’s delight, with views over the heated pool and lake. It has a great BBQ, kitchenette and comfy seating (even a hammock!). As the home is part of the private and gated Lake Estate, you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet during your stay!

Explore Tranquility by the Lake here

Selection Criteria: The 2022 Holiday Home Awards were determined by Stayz using a variety of selection criteria including star rating, guest reviews, availability of amenities for family and groups and location.