Yahoo Finance The best Airbnb weekend getaways for under $130 a night
Weekend getaways can often feel like you’re not getting much bang for your buck – particularly if you can’t find cheap accommodation.
But with finding the right Airbnb often extremely time-consuming, sometimes you give up on your weekend getaway altogether.
In light of this, Yahoo Finance reached out to Airbnb to find out their top affordable picks that are perfect for a brief road trip for those who want to get away from the big smoke, no matter which state in Australia you’re in.
Here are the cheap getaways that are three hours or less from the state’s capital city:
New South Wales
Strawbale cottage set in bush garden, Leura: $105 per night
There’s something so rustic about Strawbale Cottage. Despite the fact that it’s an open-plan loft-style pad, the timber, old-school furnishings and exposed walls gives the Blue Mountains-based cottage a distinct vibe. You’ll be in the heart of the Blue Mountains, with Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls just a stone’s throw away.
SkyView Villa - WOW Views & Comfort, Kangaroo Valley: $120 per night
If you’re looking to keep the entire family entertained without busting the hole in the family budget, SkyView Villa is set on 150 acres of rolling green hills and is part of the Kangaroo Valley Golf and Country Resort. Entertain the kids with golf or visit the nearby Kangaroo River for a spot of swimming or canoeing. If you’re not the adventurous type, go for a bushwalk nearby; make use of the swimming pool, volleyball court, and tennis courts; go for a game of giant chess; or just make yourself a feast and enjoy the view from the kitchen.
The Tree House, Grays Point: $115 per night
You’d be forgiven for thinking this glass-encased home looks precarious from the outset. The Tree House is literally built on a bed of rock and offers true floor-to-ceiling views of the Royal National Park in southern Sydney. The design of the home has won awards, but more than that, it’s impeccably furnished and will make you feel like you’re staying in a serviced apartment. With the Park at your literal doorstep, you’ve got endless options between mountain biking, bushwalking kayaking, swimming and fishing – and you’re barely 40 minutes from Sydney CBD.
Victoria
Phillip Island: Private tree house near the beach: $95 per night
This home is a real treehouse amongst the trees. Shaded by a eucalyptus tree, you’ll have total privacy while being a stone’s throw away from the beach. With the surf so close, fall asleep to the sound of the waves – without breaking a bank.
St Andrews Beach Bungalow: $98 per night
This one-bedroom bungalow is a perfect couple’s retreat. You’ll feel like you’re living in a treehouse with the wooden walls and ceilings, but you won’t be spoilt for entertainment with a fireplace, mini library, and close access to golf courses, wineries and the beach.
Queensland
French Style Bed&Breakfast on the Gold Coast, Tugan: $78 per night
You’ll forget that you’re on the east coast of Australia at this little Parisian-style b&b. The home comes with a stunning infinity pool amongst a tropical garden, is only a speedy two-minute drive away from Gold Coast Airport, and to top it off, a home-made breakfast is included.
Maleny: "The Bower" - 'couple's cabin', Wootha: $125 per night
If you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, this is it: in true cabin style, the home is a cosy yet comfortable getaway in the woods. You’ll be able to warm yourself with a fireplace on cold winter nights, or cool yourself in summer in the ‘bush pool’.
Western Australia
Vintage Railway Carriage: $50 per night
If you’re looking for somewhere cheap to stay right by Perth Airport, this converted railway carriage was the passion project project of couple Nikki & Aran. Bassendean is literally right by the airport, and Swan River is only a 10 minute walk away, with cafes, pubs and wine bars also a stone’s throw away. At $50, the carriage-turned-Airbnb is a steal.
Plywood box on hyde: $80 per night
‘Plywood box on hyde’ is an apt description for this minimalist designer Airbnb. You’ll have views overlooking Perth’s skyline from atop Hyde Park, and comes equipped with free wifi, Netflix and a long bench that doubles as a study, meaning it’s the perfect blend of work, play and rest. Situated in stylish Mount Lawley, you’re right in the heart of central Perth.
South Australia
Bushland Bell Tent - a cosy Australian eco stay: $105 per night
South Australia has been hard-hit by bushfires, meaning it’s the perfect time to visit to give local tourism a boost. If you’ve never been glamping, the Bushland Bell Tent is an affordable option at just $105 a night for two people. You’ll be nestled in Adelaide Hills, which sits between a number of conservation and holiday parks, but is close enough to be 20 minutes away from central Adelaide.
Bandicoot Springs: $115 per night
Those looking to get back to nature but want all the convenience of modern living will find a cosy cabin in Ironbank. The tiny house is surrounded by natural bushland which is home to koalas, bandicoots and echidnas, and is right by a natural spring that runs into Sturt River – all while being less than half an hour away from Adelaide CBD.
Australian Capital Territory
Wendy's Cottage: $99 per night
Wendy’s Cottage is home away from home for friends or small families visiting Canberra, with whimsical details, wall art, colourful throws, plenty of natural light and a small private courtyard garden. You’ll be right by Mount Majura Nature Reserve, yet remain a stone’s throw away from the heart of Canberra.
Charming Tiny House in the heart of Old Griffith: $97 per night
If you’re looking to stay in inner Canberra yet steer clear of hotel rooms, this home in Griffith has plenty of character and colour. But the real jewel of the home is the swimming pool, framed by a red brick outdoor deck and vine-covered pillars. You’ll also be within walking distance of Manuka’s shops, cafes and restaurants.
Tasmania
UNIQUE TASSIE Air BnB EXPERIENCE: $99 per night
Explore Mount Wellington by day; live in a treehouse by night. This small wooden cabin is full of natural light and comes with a wraparound deck that’s perfect for viewing the splendour that is South Hobart. You’ll feel right at home yet feel like you’re living in an adult treehouse with the exposed timber pillars and staircases in the small home. Cosy up to the fireplace at night and throw open all the doors in summer. Just beware: venturing out to the backyard might mean wallaby sightings.
Beautiful design retreat on the Tasman Peninsula: $100 per night
This three-bedroom sleeps six adults, making it perfect for a group getaway. You’ll be wanting to spend all your time outdoors on the outdoor hammock, or knocking back cold ones on the 9-metre long deck with ocean views. The pristine Pirates Bay and White Beach are just a few minutes’ drive away. But if you’re more of an indoors person, cook up a storm in the kitchen (though there’s no microwave) and enjoy a book in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and soak up the view.
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