When winter descends on Australian cities, it’s natural to start planning an escape – and there are a few destinations around the country that capture our hearts more than others. The getaway experts at Airbnb are in the know when it comes to trending holiday spots, and they’ve just revealed the 10 trending domestic destinations for Aussie travellers this winter.
Unsurprisingly, the country’s consistently sunny beachside spots took the top places – with Queensland’s seaside towns dominating the list. Not prepared to travel interstate? You’re not alone – three coastal towns right here in NSW made the cut, with more travellers booking stays in Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and Wollongong for the winter of 2025 than anywhere else in the state.
These are Airbnb’s trending winter destinations in Australia for 2025:
- Gold Coast, Queensland
- Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Townsville, Queensland
- Broome, Western Australia
- Newcastle, New South Wales
- Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
- Wollongong, New South Wales
- Albany, Western Australia
- Esperance, Western Australia
- Mackay, Queensland
Wondering where to stay in these trending destinations? We’re here to help. The team at Airbnb crunched the numbers to reveal the most popular stays in our state’s top holiday towns – these are the most sought-after winter stays in NSW’s favourite hotspots.
These are the three most popular Airbnbs in Newcastle
As the name suggests, the key draw of this beachy stay is the rooftop – an “entertainer’s delight” with a huge outdoor dining table for long, alfresco winter lunches.
Charming Coastal Cottage and Inner City Retreat
This adorable converted 1890s cottage is hidden right in the heart of Newcastle – the perfect base if you’re visiting for a foodie escape (you can check out our guide to the best places to eat in Newcastle here).
The Gumnut Cottage
Another historic inner-city stay, the Gumnut Cottage is as cute as its name. The city’s beaches, cafés and restaurants are within easy reach, or you can stay on site and soak up the winter sunshine from the sheltered private deck.
These are the three most popular Airbnbs in Coffs Harbour
Executive Style – Diggers Beach Villa
This intimate coastal escape is a five-minute walk from some of the town’s favourite surfing beaches, making it a popular option for surfers heading up the coast towards Byron in search of winter waves. It’s located in a quiet residential cul-de-sac, so definitely not a party house.
Tranquil Treetop Haven
As the name suggests, this one isn’t a party house either – but you’ll definitely want to clink a glass as the sun sets over the forest from the beautiful, rustic deck. The stunning timber-clad home is architecturally striking and surrounded by nature – just a short five-minute drive from the beach.
Central Luxury
These well-connected apartments are right in the heart of Coffs, making them a popular choice for travellers without a car. The aesthetic is beachy-chic: all neutral tones and calming, natural fibres.
These are the three most popular Airbnbs in Wollongong
Modern Coastal Living
The top pick for travellers visiting Wollongong is a sky-high apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows and access to a huge shared barbecue space.
High Rise Ocean View Apartment
Sticking with the hyper-modern theme, the second most popular stay in the Gong is another super-sleek apartment – this time complete with stunning ocean views and access to a rooftop pool.
Tranquil One Bedroom Garden Apartment
The third most popular pick in Wollongong is an architecturally designed apartment tucked among the trees in a quiet yet easily accessible corner of the city.
