The Best Gold Coast Airbnbs For Your Next Staycation

If you’re looking for that next best staycation location, the Gold Coast has it all. Even if you're travelling down from Brisbane or further away from Sydney, you'll be sure to find a perfect spot to relax.

The Gold Coast is a popular destination and famous for its pristine sandy beaches, fantastic surfing spots, endless day trips and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways.

From Surfers Paradise to the Golf Coast Hinterland, this area of Queensland offers so much to both locals and visitors alike.

Spend your time here in one the numerous Gold Coast Airbnbs, and you’ll enrich your visit that little bit more. With local inside knowledge, far cheaper rates, and a truly immersive experience in the Gold Coast ethos, staying in an Airbnb will make your staycation.

1. Best Airbnbs in Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is home to high rises, bustling malls, and a long stretch of beach. The epicentre of entertainment and tourism along the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise will have you enjoying the best of the natural seascapes and sandy beaches, alongside the best of Queensland’s modernity.

Bustling bars and restaurants sprawl across the suburban landscape, making ‘Surfers’, as it is known locally, the place to be if you're looking for a great night out after a day on the beach.

Here are some places and activities not to be missed when in the Surfers Paradise area:

• Relax along Surfers Paradise Beach, or take advantage of its namesake and catch some beginner waves here.
• Head up to the SkyPoint Observation Deck and take in the cityscape views.
• Shop until you drop at the famous Cavill Mall.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Surfers Paradise Airbnbs to stay at when searching for holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast!

Waterfront Villa with a Dock in Surfers Paradise

This waterfront villa in the heart of Surfers Paradise is the perfect place to stay when holidaying in the area. Looking out on to the riverside, the outside decking provides a relaxing space to soak up all that is idyllic about the waterfront.

Home to four bedrooms, there is plenty of room for a large group of friends or even those seeking spacious family accommodation on Gold Coast.

Complete with a heated plunge pool and access to the docks, there will never be a dull moment when you spend your holiday at this waterfront villa. Each room is furnished with A.C, televisions, and smart TV’s equipped with Netflix.

• Location: Surfers Paradise
• Price from: A$348/night
• Sleeps: 8 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? Its riverside location allows occupants to access to the docks. It's also pet friendly!

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Surfers Paradise Modern Apartment with Gorgeous River View

This apartment is a must for anyone searching for an awe-inspiring view across the Gold Coast skyline.

With floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the entire apartment with gorgeous light, you will be truly blessed with one of the most luxurious villas around.

The plush interior design of the apartment blends perfectly with the surrounding decor. Access to a home gym and sauna means you can keep up that gym routine on holiday, or simply relax around the apartment’s outdoor pool and common area, all of which is complete with BBQ facilities.

• Location: Surfers Paradise
• Price from: A$149/night
• Sleeps: 4 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? The unique views of the suburb are unmatched anywhere else

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2. Best Airbnbs in Broadbeach & Mermaid Beach

The Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach area of the Gold Coast encapsulates everything that you could ever want from an eastern Australian beach experience.

Finding those perfect Gold Coast holiday rentals is a breeze when you have the beautiful sight of silky sand and lapping waves in front of you.

From dabbling in all things watersports along one of Queensland's most picturesque beaches to enjoying the joys of the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, there are endless activities to keep you busy here.

Don't miss out on these activities along Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach:

• Relax along the pristine beaches and cool off in the blue waters.
• Take a walk around Kurrawa Pratten Park in Broadbeach or the more hidden Ken Mansbridge Park in Mermaid Beach (make sure you stop in for a coffee at Rafiki).
• Try your hand at miniature golf at the local Mermaid Beach Putt-Putt.

Why don’t we take a look at some of the best Airbnbs in Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach?

Serviced Apartment with Stunning Ocean Views

This serviced apartment, situated along Broadbeach, only a short walk to the Star Casino and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. The Apartment accommodates six guests in three fully furnished bedrooms.

With idyllic views of the beaches below, guests can enjoy the far off reaching sights of Coolangatta and the epic sunrises from the apartment balconies.

A Sonos sound system plus Sony 4K TVs with Netflix will also provide you with all of the modern entertainment you could dream of during your vacation.

• Location: Broadbeach
• Price from: A$266
• Sleeps: 6 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? The bedroom views of Broadbeach and the sunset means this Airbnb rises above the rest in the area.

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1960's Fully Renovated Weekender

This fully renovated 1960s townhouse will bring a spark to the imagination and senses of any guest lucky enough to walk over the threshold.

The coastal-style decor blends in perfectly with the nearby sand and waves of Mermaid Beach. Surrounded by some of the best Gold Coast restaurants and bars, guests will never be short of a great meal or two.

Two bedrooms welcome five guests into the elegantly decorated house. With an added courtyard and surrounding patio, there’s also plenty of private space for guests too. Those who wish to venture out will be happy to know that it is only a short journey to the Broadbeach dining and shopping precinct as well as the newly renovated Star Casino.

• Location: Mermaid Beach
• Price from: A$175
• Sleeps: 5 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? It's unique combination of 1960s and beach decor.

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New York Style Apartment in Mermaid Beach

This two-bedroom New York-style apartment welcomes four guests to enjoy its arthouse decor and lavish furnishings.

Only minutes from Mermaid Beach's sandy shores, this apartment is perfect for those who want a mix a little American style into their Australian accommodation on the Gold Coast.

Along with the arty style, the calling card of this apartment is the environmentally-friendly space. Only eco-friendly products are used here including all of the free toiletries, towels, beach mats, bodyboards, umbrellas, and rain ponchos.

With your conscience clear, you are free to enjoy this fantastic Airbnb in style. Take a walk to the beach or to the famous Star Casio, which is only a short distance away.

• Location: Mermaid Beach
• Price from: A$165/night
• Sleeps: 4 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? Its unique New York decor and eco-friendly products set this Airbnb apart from the rest.

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3. Best Airbnbs in Burleigh Heads

As one of the most central suburbs on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is famous for its fantastic beaches and Norfolk Island Pines.

Along with these Gold Coast staples, Burleigh Heads is also known for its incredible parks, including Burleigh Head National Park and Justin Park set along the esplanade.

From scenic green spaces, wildlife parks, and local village markets, Burleigh Heads is one of the more underrated destinations along the Gold Coast and should not be overlooked.

While here, be sure not to miss out on these must-see activities:

• See your favourite animals at the David Fleay Wildlife Park.
• Take a scenic trail along the Burleigh Head National Park.
• Shop for some unique items at the local The Village Markets.

Let’s take a look at some of the best holiday homes on the Gold Coast, in the Burleigh Heads area.

Burleigh By The Sea Apartment

This one-bedroom apartment comes fully furnished and is renovated to some of the highest standards that can be found amongst Gold Coast Airbnbs.

Despite having just one bedroom, this Airbnb can accommodate up to four guests. The master room has an inbuilt king-size bed, and the hall and living space is cleverly designed with custom inbuilt single bunk beds – ideal for families or a group of friends.

With a huge living space and fully furnished kitchenette, you will have all you need to enjoy a fantastic holiday experience among the Burleigh Heads.

• Location: Burleigh Heads
• Price from: A$170/night
• Sleeps: 4 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? Balcony views of the beautiful Burleigh Heads Beach framed by its Norfolk Island Pines.

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Talle Creek Tree House Studio with Balcony

Surrounded by nature, this house studio is the perfect blend of the natural world and the rustic urban vibrancy you come to expect from top holiday houses in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.

Surrounded by green hues, floral plants, and a canopy of climbing trees, you are sure to feel one with nature here.

Wooden plank flooring and mod cons bring the property from the jungle into the 21st century and supply you with everything you could wish for a comfortable stay.

Then quaint and idyllic surroundings of the Talle Creek Tree House Studio tops the list for romantic getaways in QLD.

• Location: Burleigh Heads
• Price from: A$200/night
• Sleeps: 2 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? The flora and plant life that surrounds the treehouse studio creates a unique vibe. Plus, it's a little outside of the hustle bustle of Burleigh's main street.

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4. Best Airbnbs in Palm Beach

Judged as Queensland's cleanest beach for several years running, Palm Beach invites both beach babies and nature lovers alike.

On the southern end of the Gold Coast metropolitan area, visitors here seek a little more of the peace and quiet found throughout the parks and spacious beaches. Famous for many great eating establishments, clean beaches, and hark to its Florida namesake with its numbered streets, you are sure to experience some of the best Airbnbs on the Gold Coast in Palm Beach.

Don't leave the Palm Beach area without enjoying one, if not all, of these local activities:

• Take the little ones to the Palm Beach Parklands and their famous pirate ship climbing frame.
• Head out and enjoy one of the local farmer’s markets in Palm Beach.
• Relax, swim or go for a stand-up paddle at the picturesque Tallebudgera Creek.

To be close to these activities, rent an apartment on the Gold Coast and find one of these fantastic Palm Beach Airbnbs.

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The Palmy Villa

If you’re looking for idyllic 3 bedroom apartments on the Gold Coast, look no further than the Palmy Villa.

Spend your Palm Beach holiday in this beautifully furnished house and have the run of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped modern kitchen. This home away from the home will provide you with all the comforts you could wish for, while still retaining that holiday beach-like vibe.

This relaxed vibe is only enhanced by the sands of Palm Beach only being yards away. Alongside this award-winning beach are also a plethora of cafes and bars – all stone’s throw away from the Palmy Villa.

• Location: Palm Beach
• Price from: A$214/night
• Sleeps: 6 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? The unique location of this Airbnb allows you to leave the car behind and walk to many great cafes and restaurants in Palm Beach.

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Indigo Charlee Villa

As Palm Beach villa’s go, Indigo Charlee really does compete as one of the top Airbnbs in the area.

Entirely private with expertly designed decking and a surrounding garden, the villa is perfect for a loved-up couple seeking a private retreat away from home.

Indigo Charlee’s interior decor is one that leans towards a mix of traditional and modern designs, creating a welcoming yet stylish villa.

Complete with your own private driving space and workspace, you may even set up here long term and work in front of the relaxing Palm Beach views.

• Location: Palm Beach
• Price from: A$194/night
• Sleeps: 2 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? Huge efforts are made to keep the outside decking space free from prying eyes, so you can enjoy the villa on your own terms.

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Luxury Oceanfront Studio with Balcony

Located at the top of a boutique eight-level development on Palm Beach’s millionaire street Jefferson Lane, getting any closer to the beach would mean splashing around in the water itself.

This luxury studio apartment has been designed to capture the best in Gold Coast views, from Surfers Paradise in the north, right down to Coolangatta in the south.

The luxury is completed with a balcony hot tub and BBQ. Wall length windows continue the epic beach views even when you venture inside the living space and bedroom.

• Location: Palm Beach
• Price from: A$290/night
• Sleeps: 4 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? The luxurious patio and rooftop area offer 360 views of the whole coastline, a unique feature when it comes to Gold Coast Airbnbs.

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5. Best Airbnbs on the Southern Gold Coast (Currumbin, Bilinga)

At the southernmost point of Queensland’s Gold Coast is the areas of Currumbin and Bilinga. Known for its Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and picturesque green landscapes.

Bilinga, a little further south, is a suburb known for its quieter reputation on the Gold Coast trail and even overlaps into New South Wales.

Though it’s less built-up than other locations along the coast, the Southern Gold Coast has its own unassuming charm and relaxing atmosphere that makes it all the more appealing.

When in the Bilinga and Currumbin area, don't miss the opportunity to:

• Visit the famous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
• See the iconic Elephant Rock, a formation out along the coast.
• Admire the picturesque white sands of Coolangatta Beach.

Avalon Abode

With spacious vaulted ceilings, double glazing, and a minimal palette, this four-bedroomed house welcomes up to nine guests to Currumbin Beach.

Located in the heart of Currumbin, the Avalon Abode house is minutes from the ocean and placed perfectly over the road from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Complete with two spacious sitting rooms, and a winding staircase that takes you to the all-weather balcony, the Avalon Abode is perfect for watching a Currumbin sunset or enjoying a warming drink on a winters night.

Afterwards, you can cook up a storm in the fully furnished kitchen or on the BBQ provided.

• Location: Currumbin
• Price from: A$1000/night
• Sleeps: 9 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? A huge space that can welcome a alrge number of guests and is perfectly situated between the beach and the wildlife sanctuary.

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The Hangar

This studio apartment was once a humble garage and workshop but has now been transformed into a comfortable and charming one-bedroom guest house, one that sits just seconds away from Bilinga Beach.

The Hanger is the perfect place to stay for couples looking for a quaint and cozy corner not too far away from the beach in Bilinga.

Vintage features bring the space alive; these include an old pine propeller and the original workbench, retained to create a breakfast bar for dining. Dog lovers will be pleased to hear that the adjacent house is home to a golden retriever named Asy, who may just come and say hello!

• Location: Bilinga
• Price from: A$116/night
• Sleeps: 2 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? A tiny home with huge charm!

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King Suite – The Pink Hotel

Situated directly along the state border of Queensland and New South Wales, The Pink Hotel is a place of bright colours and neon art. The King Suite plays host to three guests, with two beds.

One of the bedrooms comes with an ensuite, and there is also a sofa that can fold out into a second bed. The suite also includes a lounge room and a bar, perfect for relaxing after a long day sightseeing.

Down below is ‘Eddies Grub House’, known as Coolangatta's best live music dive bar and burger joint. Venture a little further down the road, and you will find some of the best bars, and restaurants Coolangatta has to offer.

• Location: Coolangatta
• Price from: A$233/night
• Sleeps: 3 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? This Airbnb’s unique location inside one of the most eclectic hotels along the Gold Coast.

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6. Best Airbnbs in the Gold Coast Hinterland

The Gold Coast Hinterland covers a vast area of land to the west of the iconic coastline, including rainforests and pristine rolling farmland.

This scenic region offers up a plethora of nature walks for both tourists and locals to enjoy. The vast amount of flora and fauna that is on show here is testament to the fertile nature of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Be sure not to miss these must-do activities when in the Gold Coast Hinterland:

• Take a tour of the beautiful Springbrook National Park.
• Indulge in a Mount Tamborine wine tour.
• Delve into the deeps of the glow worm cave systems.

Opt for something different with an Airbnb in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Cabin Retreat Perched Amongst the Trees

Nestled among the rainforests of Bonogin, this cabin retreat offers a whole new angle on your standard Airbnb. Observe the sights and sounds of the forest as you snuggle in beside the cabin fire.

Home to two bedrooms, both sleeping two guests, this cabin retreat is ideal for couples or families wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the main Gold Coast resorts.

Bathed in an abundance of natural light and harbouring the perfect balance of modernity and rustic design, the cabin will feel like home in no time.

With an outside BBQ and an inside piano, everything is set to create an unforgettable stay in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

• Location: Bonogin
• Price from: A$251/night
• Sleeps: 4 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? A rainforest cabin complete with a piano inside.

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Rainforest Cabin with Private Rock Pools & Spa Bath

This rainforest cabin makes for a perfect romantic getaway in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Surrounded by the lushes forests, guest can admire the local river running through the property grounds and truly immerse themselves among flora and fauna of the surrounding hills.

Freshwater swimming holes pepper the surrounding area, making it a perfect place to cool off during those summer months.

The interior of the cabin contains a small kitchenette, a living area, verandah, a separate bedroom and a bathroom with its own spa bath. The outside fire pit also makes for a cozy place to stargaze during the cool evenings.

• Location: Currumbin Valley
• Price from: A$98/night
• Sleeps: 2 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? The unique surroundings of the cabin make this property what it is – especially with the flowing river so close by.

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Stargazer House

This contemporary two-bedroom house is nestled in the Beechmont area of the Hinterland, surrounded by horse pastures, rolling hills and picturesque ridges.

The huge living space compliments the area perfectly, and the pizza oven, outdoor fireplace and entertainment deck only adds to its appeal. The bedrooms are fitted with glass ceilings, allowing guests to enjoy the celestial canopy above.

Five guests can make the Stargazer house their Gold Coast Hinterland home for a fantastic week or two away from it all. Along with comfy stargazing bedrooms, a stone bath adds that little extra je ne sais quoi.

• Location: Beechmont
• Price from: A$248/night
• Sleeps: 5 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? Bedrooms adorned with glass ceilings to gaze at the stars at night.

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Clouds Serenity

This unusual Airbnb combines the great outdoors seamlessly with an innovative and well thought out design.

Clouds Serenity is an Indian themed safari tent set upon a large deck and overlooking Lamington National Park and the Numinbah Valley. Views from here are arguably unmatched anywhere else in the valley, and it is there that Clouds Serenity shines.

Alongside the spacious decking, this Airbnb is home to a large bathroom, bedroom, and living areas. A large projector and screen are also on hand if the pull of modern technology calls.

If relaxation is the main aim, then Clouds Serenity’s large spring water-filled bath is the place to be. Relax in the natural spring water and enjoy the amazing views of nature below.

• Location: Beechmont
• Price from: A$301/night
• Sleeps: 2 people
• What makes this Airbnb unique? The tent, decking and natural spa combination is found nowhere else.

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Best Gold Coast Airbnbs – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gold Coast best known for?

Recognised as one of Australia's premier holiday destinations, the Gold Coast is mainly known for its beaches, surf, theme parks, shopping, nightlife and nature-filled hinterland.

Which is better Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast?

This all depends on what you want from your holiday; Gold Coast has all the theme parks, busy nightlife and tourist beaches.

The Sunshine Coast is more of a natural rural setting and is perfect for a peaceful break.

Best Gold Coast Airbnbs – Final Words

The Gold Coast has some of the best accommodation in all of Queensland, from the simple beach shacks to the extravagant apartments with ocean views.

So when you’re looking for that next staycation, bypass the same old hotels and set your sights on an Airbnb, you will not be disappointed.