Sea, sand and endless sunshine, what’s not to love about an Australian vacay? For that real-deal Aussie experience with your family and friends, forgo hotels and book your own private luxury home instead. Founder of Luxuosa Residences, Joanna White, shares her handpicked selection of homes to book for your next Australian holiday.
Water & Waves, Palm Beach, Sydney
Good for: Multigenerational families and groups of friends
Conjure up an image of an Australian coastline, and chances are Sydney’s Palm Beach is what you’ll see, with its crescent-shaped strip of sand sandwiched between dark-green foliage and cerulean waters. Located in the Northern Suburbs, this is a quintessential Aussie holiday destination, whether in high summer or for a long weekend throughout the year, Water & Waves is one of the greats. Situ’d a mere 5-min shuffle from the beach (and its shops and cafes), this sun-drenched, four-bedroom house set amid expansive gardens has stunning views of Pittwater and beyond. Having recently undergone a nip/tuck, the chic blue and white interior is complemented by one-off pieces from the owner’s African tribal collection. Sleeps up to 8.
Ayindi Beach House, Byron Bay
Good for: Multi-gen families, groups of friends, surfers, yoga buffs
With its luxe-hippie atmos, vibrant foodie scene and spectacular scenery, Byron Bay has long been a weekend getaway for Sydneysiders. Overlooking Clarkes Beach, Ayindi Beach House combines a pic-perfect posi with effortlessly styled, open-plan interiors. There are four bedrooms and a kids playroom, multiple living/eating areas plus a pool and lawn; the well-spaced layout makes it ideal for two families sharing. Ayindi is a 5-min walk down a bush track to surfer haven The Pass beach, a 15-minute stroll to Byron town centre and a 15-minute hike to Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point. Sleeps up to 8.
Bilyarra, Margaret River
Good for: Families and groups of friends, plus children of all ages
Standout for its spectacular location, design and the attentive service you can expect from host Private Properties, Bilyarra is one street back from the beach and a 10-minute drive to Dunsborough – the go-to for groceries and top-notch retail therapy at fashion and homewares boutiques like Milc, One Palm and Hyper Luxe. Perched in tranquil native bushland, with wide vistas over Eagle Bay, the house has almost an acre of lawns on which kids can run riot, and a 20m infinity pool in which to cool down afterwards. The neutral palette of the decor, replete with wooden floors and natural-weave rugs creates a warm and homely feel, a compliment to the dramatic turquoise ocean out front. Sleeps up to 8.
GOR1200, Lorne, Victoria
Good for: Groups of friends, foodies, families with older kids (12+), nature lovers, hikers
Well, hello gorgeous! Racking it up a notch or few is this uber-luxe architectural property on the Great Ocean Road. Custom designed to the very last inch, with lavish living spaces harmonising with the surrounding bushland, GOR1200’s amenities rival that of a luxury hotel, with 25m indoor pool, sauna and rejuvenating rock-pool spa plus a bespoke Miele kitchen and in-house chef from Melbourne’s starry Vue du Monde. Should you leave your pleasure pad (though frankly, why would you?) it’s a 10-min drive to the town of Lorne and the famous surf spot Bell’s Beach is only 30 mins away. Sleeps up to 8.
Costa Rica in Byron, Byron Bay
Good for: Families, 2-3 couples sharing
Exuding the laidback breezy, rustic-chic charm of its surroundings, Costa Rica Byron Bay is a sure-fire Insta-hit, with its in/out layout and lofty ceilinged, white-walled interior backdropping Mid-Century furniture, pops of colour and feature lighting. The real hero of this home is the garden, with its outdoor bath, copper shower, fire pit, boat, swing and veggie patch, not to mention absolute privacy. Clarkes Beach is a 15-min amble – hire a bike for easy exploring of the beach and town. Equipped with highchair, cot, toys, baby bath and play mat, Costa Rica is perfect for young families. Sleeps up to 12.
Balmoral Beach View, Balmoral Beach, Sydney
Good for: Large, multi-gen families with older children
It’s va-va views aplenty at this fabulous 4-bed home overlooking Sydney’s Balmoral Beach. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the kitchen, dining area and lounge room beyond; the expansive balcony is just perf for BBQs and brekkie in the sun, and the lower level is designed for pure leisure with a fully equipped gym, 20m pool, entertainment room and wine cellar. It’s a 2-min tiptoe to the beach, and chic Mosman is 5 mins drive up the road. A top pick for a beach-side luxury abode without leaving the city. Sleeps up to 8.
From Noosa all the way round to Albany, there are endless homes to rent for the summer in Australia. But if you’re looking to cut through the faff of hours spent searching online, Luxuosa Residences is your answer. Founder Joanna White has personally inspected every single property listed, from celeb-ready private estates to family-friendly retreats, so whether you’re looking for a small and intimate escape or lavish leisure pad, Joanna will create your perfect getaway.
Get all the desti-essential intel for your Aussie vacay with the LUXE Australia guides…
