Clifftop mansions to country estates: Australia's top holiday homes for 2026 unveiled

As flight prices rise, more Aussies are considering holidaying close to home - and what better way to do this than holidaying in a holiday home?

From luxurious coastal escapes to charming farm stays, holiday homes booking engine Stayz has named its top 10 Holiday Homes of the Year for 2026.

This year's list spans Launceston, Margaret River, Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Montville.

These holiday homes are more than just a room for the night, they are experiences, such as the South Australian clifftop mansion with a cinema and infinity pool, and the Berry farm with resident chickens and horses.

And while the homes that made the top-10 list are on the pricier side, averaging from $600 to $4000 a night, there are many holiday homes out there with a more affordable price tag - these are just to get you dreaming.

Many of the listed homes achieved a 10/10 guest rating. Homes that made the cut were good for groups, had top guest reviews and ratings.

These are the top-10 holiday homes of the year on Stayz.

Gather your friends for a stay at a country retreat sleeping 18, complete with a games room, expansive grounds with resident chickens and mini horses, a vine-covered outdoor dining area and a grand fireplace. The Homestead at Bundara Farm has multiple places to gather and catch up, including the Long Table in the vine-covered outdoor space.

A storybook-style, steeple-roofed house, Collins Street House, is the type of light-filled and airy home that would suit a winter or summer stay. A wood-burning fireplace, outdoor entertaining area and modern kitchen would suit families and friendship groups playing board games. The home sleeps 14 across six bedrooms and is a three-minute drive to local wineries.

Another home close to a well-renowned wine region, Skibo House is set on a sprawling five acres with lawn games, an outdoor fire pit and cubby house for the kids. Visit the renowned Leeuwin Estate winery, take a bushwalk on the Wadandi Track, or whip up a feast i the modern kitchen with butler's pantry.

If farm stays are your style, you'll love Leighton House, a restored 1840s Georgian homestead on 300 private acres in Northern Tasmania. The cottage features its original study and fireplace, allowing guests to image they live in a bygone era. The estate sleeps 12 and offers an outdoor cooking area with pizza oven, and an outdoor sauna and spa, with South Esk River and Ben Lomond Mountain views.

Aminya is a serene escape surrounded by rolling lawns, native forest and wildlife, with sweeping valley views. The restored American-style lodge blends rustic charm with luxury amenities like a year-round heated swimming pool, private lake, recycled beams and designer furniture.

Set in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, The Jasmine at Montville is the perfect spot for a photo shoot - or a weekend away with your besties. The estate overlooks country scenery and the ocean beyond, and features an ample kitchen and entertaining area, landscaped gardens, a cocktail bar, cosy fireplace and sleeps eight across four bedrooms.

The Berry Luxury Barn House is a private retreat overlooking farmland, with a waterslide, heated pool, sauna and kids playground. The property sleeps 20, so grab your mates and settle around the outdoor fire, or visit Berry township for coffee or take a day trip to Jamberoo.

Southwinds looks like a home from a movie set, with an infinity pool home above the Hamilton Island Marina, and a huge deck with panoramic views. The property sleeps 16, and comes with the use of two golf buggies for exploring the island.

A Shore Thing offers the best of beach-side living in Noosa, with open-plan living and bi-fold doors, dreamy deck spaces and a neutral colour scheme. Just minutes from Noosa's famous cafes and restaurants, the property sleeps six.