34 Summer Holiday Homes You Need to Book Right Now

While its name conjures up images of a rustic shack, The Barns on the outskirts of Berry, NSW, is anything but. The contemporary homestead, which look over to Mount Hay, is a two-hour drive south of Sydney and can accommodate up to 10 guests. While the pool is especially attractive to summer visitors, the double-sided fireplace makes The Barns an unrivalled winter bolthole.

Fly 240 kilometres north of Cairns by charter plane to reach The House, an award-winning holiday home on Lizard Island. Here you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the Great Barrier Reef as well as meals prepared by a private chef, daily spa treatments and an evening sunset cruise. Travelling with extended family? Be sure to reserve The Cottage for the ultimate get-together – combined with The House, up to eight guests will be able to stay.

A ’70s inspired sunken lounge, sleek modern interiors and a 10-minute drive from Buderim’s award-winning Headland Golf Club make this luxury retreat in Mooloolaba the perfect base for a golfing trip for up to six guests. When not on the green, take a two-minute walk to Mooloolaba Spit Beach, fire up the barbecue or make reservations at Spice Bar Restaurant followed by kick-on drinks at Boston Shaker Bar.

Naiko Retreat, a luxury homestead cantilevered on the edge of a remote cliff on the Fleurieu Peninsula gives the phrase “living on the edge” a whole new meaning. Breathe in the crisp seaside air as you meditate on the retreat deck at sunrise. The property may be secluded but there are plenty of onsite experiences available to enjoy, including cooking classes and indulgent pamper packages.

Can’t decide between a beach break and a country getaway? Enjoy both in this sprawling four-bedroom house set amid 260 hectares of bushland near Wilsons Promontory. You may spy passing wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, deer or even wedge-tailed eagles, but the main draw is the beautiful Morgans Beach, just seven minutes away on foot.

Rising early for a refreshing surf feels fabulous – but so does lying back in the comfort of your bed, watching other people ride the waves. Both options are on offer at Roozen Residence, where each of the three bedrooms – tucked into two separate guest wings – looks out to the ocean beyond. But that’s just one reason to love this stylish hideaway; others include the polished interiors finished with copper and concrete, plus the cantilevered deck that delivers more stellar photo-ready moments.

A tropical resort may not be on the cards but this five-bedroom house makes a strong case for a holiday on the sunny Central Coast. An easy drive from Sydney, it has plenty of family appeal – including a gym, pool and games room – and it’s pet-friendly, too.

It’s hard to guess who’ll be more excited by this four-bedroom villa: aesthetes are bound to appreciate the clean lines of its cantilevered pavilions, while those looking for luxury will adore bespoke touches including a personal outdoor cinema. Prefer the simple pleasures? Cool off in the pool, stretch your legs on the coastal trail that winds past the property or explore the 60 hectares of beautiful South Coast farmland.

Make treasured family holiday memories at Stokes, a spacious, five-bedroom holiday home in the coastal town of Flinders on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Keeping kids entertained here is a cinch. Not only is the beach just minutes away, there’s also a private swimming pool, play equipment and trampoline on site.

Slip away to Somnium, a 17-hectare property on NSW’s South Coast where the only neighbours you’ll run into are resident kangaroos. Architect Eoghan Lewis was charged with designing the Main House, an eco-homestead that is low on carbon emissions but big on creature comforts. After exploring the estate on mountain bikes, kayaking Coila Lake or walking barefoot across Bingie Beach, unwind with a soak in the freestanding tub which overlooks the picturesque estate.

There is a sense of isolation to the Scandi-style Marion Bay House, looking out to both bush and bay, yet this three-bedder is within easy reach of many of eastern Tasmania’s best attractions. From wineries to oyster farms, there’s adventure around every corner – if you can tear yourself away from the home’s designer comforts, which include Eames chairs, a Focus fireplace and lighting by Arne Jacobsen.

When you step inside Mykonos Luxury Villa, located within walking distance of Sunshine Beach, east of Noosa Heads, you’ll feel instantly transported to the Greek islands. Couples will enjoy the secluded atmosphere as well as the romantic rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. The four-bedroom villa will also make families feel at home, with table tennis, an outdoor pool and board games available to keep the little ones occupied.

Rediscover a zest for life at The Greenway, Byron Bay, where you can stroll through the lime orchard, play a spot of tennis, or visit the villa’s own wellness centre which is equipped with a sauna, outdoor spa and steam room. The house itself, located 30 minutes outside of Byron Bay, is equally impressive, with an entertainer’s kitchen and spacious dining room with views overlooking the meticulously maintained garden.

There is no better location to host a long-awaited family reunion than The Range, a sprawling 48-hectare estate in Byron Bay’s idyllic hinterland. The Spanish-inspired buildings can accommodate up to 12 guests and are flanked by Canary Island Palms that sway gently in the breeze. Transfers to the property from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport are included with each stay.

Before embarking on a trip along the Great Ocean Road, spend time at Ella’s Rest in Torquay. The minimalist, off-grid home is the perfect base for active couples seeking to explore the coast by bicycle or those who want to hit the waves at iconic Bells Beach. Feeling up to an adventure? Put on comfy sneakers and set out on the Surf Coast Walk, a 44-kilometre trail from Torquay to Aireys Inlet.

With a private beach, helipad and marina, Aqua is the ultimate in waterfront luxury: the infinity pool even appears to meld with the glittering waters of the Coral Sea. As a guest of the residence, create a personalised itinerary, with options including a helicopter arrival to the property or a teppanyaki feast prepared onsite by a private chef.

Perched upon a steep slope overlooking Louttit Bay, Ocean House is an award-winning holiday home in Lorne, 140 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Designed by architect Rob Mills, the house features concrete forms and floor-to-ceiling glazing which creates a breezy atmosphere. Take a 30-minute drive to Birregurra, home of the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant Brae.

Few Sydney suburbs match the energy and vibrancy of Darlinghurst. By day, shop along Oxford Street, and by night, dance your heart out at one of the city’s many iconic clubs. Then, retreat to your own private sanctuary at The Glass House, a glamorous inner-city townhouse with interiors by designer Nina Maya. Couples can enjoy an intimate dinner at Bon Vin, an atmospheric French restaurant on nearby Stanley Lane.