Australia’s harbors and rivers are visually significant staples of the overall landscape, offering plenty of outdoor adventures, including boating. Sure, you can walk to the edge and take in the beauty, or you can book a floating Airbnb for a literally immersive experience. Stay in vessels that are tucked beside bustling cities, or opt for nature enveloped abodes that come equipped with kayaks. Some of our picks allow folks to dip their toes into both nature and the city. Australia has some pretty stellar boat Airbnbs, but we think these are the coolest.
Close to The Sydney Harbour Bridge - Lavender Bay
No doubt, the views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge might be the very best from this Lavender Bay accommodation. The stay is simplistic and quite private as the captain leaves you to enjoy the night on your own aboard the 40 foot Bavaria yacht. Wood finishes, a kitchen for prepping food and skylights for constant natural light are some of the exciting features. But be aware that you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and food to avoid extra fees.
Hindmarsh Island Escape Onboard 'Eliza Jane' - Hindmarsh Island
The Eliza Jane is like a water boutique hotel. Built out of beautiful woods with immense craftsmanship all the way back in the 1940s, much of that vibrant character is carried through to this day. Of course, the hosts have done a spectacular job of making things feel even more luxurious. Sink into ultra-plush bedding and relax on the deck in lounge chairs.
Luxury on the Water - Docklands
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live like the rich and famous? Spending days on a boat, with lavish features, all while being served delicious food, chilled champagne, and so on? The hosts for this Airbnb have designed the experience to be just that. Different packages can be customized to fulfill your dreams.
Taylor Made Escapes - Palm Beach
Literally made for fun in the sun, guests can leap off the side platform to swim in the ocean. Snorkels and goggles are included! This boat is simply stunning and has a cozy feel. While being compact, the aesthetics still have a significant glamorous vibe.
Luxury Floating Eco Villa - Noosa Heads
Oasis Noosa is less of a houseboat and more of a floating, luxurious eco-villa. Taking all traditional notions of staying on a boat and throwing them swiftly out of the window, a stay on this houseboat is like nothing you’ve experienced before. Oasis Noosa has space for two guests in its one bedroom, making this houseboat a great romantic spot for you and your other half to enjoy for a few nights. Located on the beautiful Noosa River, it’s perfectly balanced and small yet spacious, providing all the modern amenities of a home – but water-based. Wake up to the sound of gentle lapping water and take in the beautiful sunrise or dive off the large ray deck for a morning swim. Staying here is a truly picturesque experience, and includes complimentary use of a rowboat, two kayaks, paddleboard, masks, snorkels, and fishing rods. In addition to the bedroom with its queen-size bed, there’s a kitchen, bathroom, and communal area.
Drift Flotel, Luxury Houseboat Experience - Steiglitz
Drift Flotel is a luxury houseboat designed for slightly larger groups, with two bedrooms and space for up to six guests in total. The best thing about this boat? Its spacious design ensures you’ll never feel crowded even when you’re all having fun in the same room together. This three-story, 12-meter, tri-hull boat features everything you’d expect from a fully self-contained luxury home, surrounded by 360-degree water and national park views. Unlike many boats which feel a little cramped, here you’ll find two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, lounge room, rooftop garden, a walkaround deck and even separate balconies. The downstairs bedroom features an ensuite while the upstairs bedroom has direct access to the second bathroom. The stand-out part is the rooftop garden, with its comfortable lounging areas and unbeatable views, which you’ll enjoy as you’re cruising along.
“Oh Buoy” 1970s Houseboat on a Private Island - Berowra
Rustic and charming, this 1970s houseboat offers a one-of-a-kind experience with access to a private island and plenty of other fun things throughout your stay. Floating amongst the Bushlands and magical river of Berowra Waters, this houseboat comes with not only access to the boat itself but also access to a motorboat, kayak, and paddleboard whilst aboard. Relax in the hammock by day, gaze at the stars from your bed at night or explore the surrounding areas for a vacation to remember. The Oh Buoy will take you back to the 70s with its mid-century vibe but also keeps things firmly in the modern-day with all of its 21st-century amenities. Check out the Italian designer Verzelloni leather bean bags, designed to laze into, or cook up a feast in the fully equipped kitchen. You’ll also get complimentary welcome drinks and a cheese board on arrival.
Boats and Beds "Moving Waters" Moored Houseboat - Renmark
Ever thought you could squeeze 10 people onto a houseboat, comfortably? Here’s your answer. This Renmark-based houseboat is huge on the inside – despite how compact it looks from afar – and has four bedrooms and seven beds to sleep 10 people in total. This self-contained moored houseboat is perfect for those wanting to experience all the fun of a houseboat holiday, but without having to actually drive the boat. It’s all of the fun but none of the stress. Bonus points: you won’t ever feel the need to move when you’ve admired those stunning views outside. As well as all the usuals here – a spacious, open-plan living and dining area, a kitchen, a spacious outdoor deck, and suitably sized bedrooms, it’s got access to extra kayaks, so you’re free to explore the water while returning comfortably back onboard at the end of your day.
Swamp Fox Modern Luxury 2 Bedroom Dutch Barge - Goolwa
This Dutch barge is one of the most spacious boat-based Airbnbs around, with stylish interiors that’ll have you second-guessing whether you really ever need to return to land, after all. With two bedrooms and room for four guests, this barge sets the scene for a wonderful family vacation in the Goolwa, South Australia area. Everything about this barge was designed for easy relaxation, with open-plan, modern designs that keep everyone comfortable. Enjoy dining inside or outside on the back deck BBQ area. There’s also an enormous rooftop lounge and dining space for al fresco dinners as the sun goes down. In addition to the large bedrooms, you’ll have access to a designer bathroom complete with a brass rain shower, a gourmet caterer’s kitchen with a custom made gas oven, and even a smart TV, BOSE sound system and hundreds of DVDs, games and books to keep you entertained.
Luxury on The Water (Stylish Boat, Entire Place) - Docklands
With more than 50 positive reviews, you know you’re in for a good time when you check into this luxurious boat Airbnb. Located in the heart of Melbourne in the prestigious Melbourne City Marina, this beautiful 32-foot Mustang LE.Sports Cruiser Boat comes with all the luxuries you’d expect from a premium hotel. The coolest part about this Airbnb is how personalizable the booking is – you can order a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, fresh flowers and sumptuous chocolates to greet you on your arrival or a continental breakfast hamper for the following morning. There’s also the option to book the in-house dining experience with meals prepared and brought to you onboard, if you’re looking to experience the full lifestyle of luxury living or a private cruise. This unforgettable experience promises an intimate and romantic weekend away for you and your other half or can also fit up to four guests if you’re traveling as a larger group.
Wangi Wangi Houseboat - Wangi Wangi
Wangi Wangi Houseboat can fit up to 10 guests in total. Although, with its two bedrooms, it’s probably better suited to a group of friends exploring together rather than a family. Either way, this is a houseboat to remember, with no boat license required in advance. Set on Lake Macquarie, you’re free to explore the whole area, except for Swansea Channel and the sand islands. This picturesque boat provides a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing stay on the water, thanks to its cute and cozy bedrooms and spacious top deck. That top deck is probably where you’ll spend most of your time – either soaking up the sunshine or watching the beautiful colors of the sunset at the end of each day. There’s a kitchen, bathroom and multiple communal areas to enjoy together.
Luxury 12 Meter Catamaran With Best Views in Sydney - Rose Bay
Looking to go all out during your time in Australia? Book a stay on this luxury catamaran and you’ll never forget your time here. This three-bedroom boat Airbnb is stylish and modern, with room for four guests and plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. Moored in a private part of Rose Bay, Sydney, this catamaran is spacious and offers all the essentials that living on land has to offer, but with amazing views of Sydney Harbor and the gorgeous water all around. A great spot for families to enjoy together, the master suite has an en-suite and a full queen size bed and there’s another double bed in the back for the kids. Traveling with more people? There’s also a saloon couch that converts to a queen-size bed. If the weather’s warm, you can even sleep on the outdoor bow trampolines!
