Top 10 private villas in Australia
Australia is home to some of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Think lush rainforests, pristine oceans, verdant hinterlands, spectacular wine and spa regions — there’s definitely plenty of reasons to choose Australia as your next holiday destination. Explore these fantastic locations while enjoying the many comforts of these stunning private villas across the country – guaranteed to offer even more inspiration for your adventure down under.
1200 GOR – Victoria
Along the spectacular Great Ocean Road and only 10 minutes from the quiet bustle of Lorne, 1200 GOR feels like a world away. Sleek, contemporary, and appointed with all the luxuries you can imagine, this secluded 4-bedroom villa invites you to bask in ultimate comfort and leisure. Enjoy the unparalleled views of the rainforest and the ocean. Whip up delicious meals or hire a chef to cook in the fully equipped kitchen. Kick back at the 25-metre indoor pool and rock pool spa where a state-of-the-art sound system can turn the space into a party or a relaxing haven. And with a fully automated control system, 1200 GOR ensures that everything is available at your fingertips.
Picadilly House – New South Wales
Enjoy a quintessential Byron Bay experience at Picadilly House. Situated just 12 minutes from Byron Bay and its spectacular coastline, this gorgeous 6-bedroom holiday home in the hinterlands is the perfect place to rejuvenate in luxury. Designed to cater to a maximum of 12 guests, Picadilly House comes with vast indoor and outdoor spaces. Enjoy the large outdoor patio with a fireplace, barbecue, alfresco dining area, and stunning views. Relax by the saltwater swimming pool and heated spa, or retreat to the spacious living areas of the home. And when you need a change of scenery, just head down to Byron Bay town centre and stroll through the quaint shops and the beach.
Racquet Retreat – Queensland
Nestled between the ocean and a national park, this award-winning holiday home in Noosa Heads eases you into a place of restoration and relaxation. Racquet Retreat fosters family gatherings in the two living areas, by the swimming pool, and the large outdoor barbecue area. The modern, fully equipped kitchen will also be a family favourite to get together. There are six bedrooms in this private villa, all spacious and superbly furnished with plush king and single beds. There’s also a tennis court, pool table, and home theatre to keep everyone entertained. Or you can always explore the trendy boutiques and restaurants of Hastings Street just a few minutes from the villa.
Seidler House – New South Wales
You’ll never get tired of the views at Seidler House. From its perch on a rocky escarpment, you’ll have breathtaking panoramic views over the lush New South Wales Southern Highlands. Gorgeous and luxurious, the villa caters to an exclusive experience for up to eight people, with four bedrooms featuring king beds and a room for the kids. Seidler House boasts an open plan living space with floor to ceiling glass walls that flow seamlessly through to the outdoor elevated viewing decks. Comfortable lounge areas, two stone open fires, a large dining area and a fully equipped modern kitchen complete the indoor space. Outside, you’ll enjoy the barbecue and a beautiful swimming pool set in a courtyard.
Sweven Estate – New South Wales
Leave your cares and the world behind at Sweven Estate. This five-bedroom private villa in the tranquil Hawkesbury Region is where a lotus-filled lake and tree plantations share the landscape with hiking trails and watersports spots. Located amid 141 acres of property, the villa features a tree-house style design with stunning wood and stone interiors and spectacular views. Unwind in the open-air terraces and cabanas, take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, or savour some quiet time in the gardens. Inside, come together in the spacious lounge areas with log fireplaces, or share a meal in the gourmet kitchen as you recount the day’s activities.
Kingsford Homestead – South Australia
Historic, stately and rustic, Kingsford Homestead is a unique luxury retreat in the Barossa Valley. Here you can enjoy the atmosphere & ambience of a bygone era with your every step. Renovated and impressively furnished, this historic 1800s estate showcases six beautifully appointed suites and a separate luxurious Stonemason’s Cottage. Experience outdoor bathing with a ‘bush bath’ in a freestanding tub, or enjoy a picnic by the river. An outdoor pool, campfire pit, and private wine cellar set the tone for fun and good meals shared with friends and family.
Inspiration on Wedgetail – Western Australia
Seven bedrooms with awesome views, a swimming pool and spa, a two-lane bowling alley, a private cinema, gourmet kitchen, and fully-equipped gym, Inspiration on Wedgetail is truly the ultimate holiday destination. Nestled in Eagle Bay and boasting stunning ocean views, this fabulous property features two large living spaces that feature their own modern kitchens and magnificent alfresco areas, such as a sun deck, dining pavilion with BBQ and pizza oven, and a cocktail bar. Revel in exclusive luxury inside one of the king or queen bedrooms as you contemplate the next day’s activities.
Azure Noosa – Queensland
Bask in the sun on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland at Azure Noosa. This stunning holiday home with four spacious bedrooms is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lakes, and national parks, allowing you to rediscover complete relaxation. The light-filled space and gorgeous interiors seamlessly flow to the outdoors where you’ll find an enticing infinity pool and large deck with multiple seating areas. A cinema room, gourmet kitchen and open-plan living areas provide plenty of space for entertaining and relaxation.
Luxe Haus – South Australia
Delve into South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula at this dramatic four-bedroom holiday home in Moana. Able to sleep eight guests, this extraordinary private villa offers multiple living areas with modern fireplaces, grand piano and leather sofas, an internal glass elevator, three designer kitchens, and outdoor entertaining areas with a relaxing heated spa. Marvel at the modern architecture and lavish interiors, as well as thoughtful touches like underfloor heating and automated blinds.
Sky High – Victoria
Set atop a ridge with dramatic views, your private getaway to the spa country of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs defines luxury. At Sky High, a saltwater plunge pool becomes a relaxing spot with sun loungers that look out to spectacular views. A full wall of glass windows lets in plenty of light illuminating the spacious open plan living area. You’ll enjoy the centrepiece kitchen with its sleek countertops and the large dining room with enough seating for the entire family. Take in the stunning views from every room including the timber deck with al fresco dining. With four bedrooms featuring king beds and three bathrooms, finding a private enclave for your travel companions is easy.
These are some of the best luxury holiday homes and private villas that are available in Australia. So, if you could choose just one to visit, which one would it be?
Mat Lewis is Co-Founder & CEO of View Retreats. View Retreats is a boutique travel agency featuring handpicked, luxury accommodation across Australia & New Zealand. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Mat Lewis
Mat Lewis is a co-founder of View Retreats and has been in the travel and hospitality industry for over two decades. He established View Retreats in 2013 in Australia as a specialist platform for luxury hotels, resorts and one-of-a-kind havens of relaxation where unforgettable travel memories are made. The online travel company now features over 5,000 properties in more than 120 countries worldwide. Mat is a self-confessed travel junkie who has lived in Asia, the UK and Europe, and currently resides in the beautiful Barossa Valley wine region in South Australia. He loves fine wines and local culinary creations that tell the story of the land. His epicurean tastes don’t get in the way of enjoying life’s simpler pleasures though, and he enjoys gardening, bush-walking, and exciting street food flavours too!
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I’ve worked out that GOR stands for Great Ocean Road but where does the 1200 come from? I’m guessing that it might be a mile count but from where?
Hi Neil – correct, GOR stands for Great Ocean Road and 1200 is for the street number. Spectacular property right!?
If these 10 villas are anything to go by then Australia can be proud of its architects. Putting contemporary design into outstanding natural surroundings can be a challenge. Indeed I’ve seen some modern monstrosities that are disastrous. These villas don’t look at all out of place in their environment. My problem would be choosing just one to stay in.
There’s no doubt that all of these properties are high-end. From what I can see, most of them have a pool as a key component of the calm aesthetic. No one loves an infinity pool more than me, it is essential to relax after the constant stresses of corporate life, but I just wonder whether there’s a better way of designing things. Not everybody is a swimmer. Not everybody wants to sun-bathe by water. Just a challenge to the creativity of these architects …
You’ve got to remember that these are villas for rental and usually accommodating quite a number of people. You are always going to find at least a couple of keen swimmers in every group. If you’ve got kids in your group and pools like those in the pictures then the pool will happily keep them occupied for at least a couple of hours a day.
I’ve owned some rental villas in the past and I’d never look at buying a place without a pool.
We do have some stunning homes in Australia, Suzy! I agree with you that there are some outstanding architects in this part of the world.
And I agree with Alex, in this part of the world, especially the coastal properties, all seem to have a pool. And although maybe not everyone loves a pool, having the option is enough for most people to want to stay here. And it’s a great way to keep the kids entertained.
I haven’t played the piano for years. Mainly because my wife tells me not to. In all fairness I am terrible and our piano is badly out of tune too.
Imagine playing that baby grand at Luxe Haus. It would be worth spending a few weeks getting my skills back before we left home.
Of course, the question is – what should I play as I look out over that dramatic landscape?
Maybe a good reason to start playing again Steven. I’m sure your wife wouldn’t mind if in exchange for her listening, you take her out for a stay at Luxe Haus ;)
The views from Azure Noosa would take some beating!
And those ‘floating’ sunbeds…so beautiful
After a long time planning a family trip. We are in total 9 people, including two elderly, 4 kids (between ages from 9 to 1), a nanny, me and, of-course, my wife. So, just wondering which of these villas are the most elderly- as well as kids-friendly. And also have plenty of amazing places of interests or things-to-do in close proximity. As with kids, it becomes difficult to discover long distances (with their endless tantrums, diaper change or washroom sessions and hunger cravings).
Your recommendations or any other suggestions will be highly appreciated!
Hi Mohamed – I hear you! It can indeed be a challenge with kids when travelling to this part of the world. I’d say that Inspiration on Wedgetail in Western Australia is a fantastic place for larger families – it’s right on the beach but the home also has a pool, cinema room, bowling alley and lots of space. It’s located in the South West – there are endless beaches (if you come in winter you can go whale spotting), the country-side is lovely too with lots of nature-based activities such as visiting the caves. Another fantastic option would be Racquet Retreat in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Here you can find beautiful beaches and rainforests. It’s also home to Australia Zoo (set up by the late Steve Irwin). You can visit Brisbane or even drive down a bit more to the Gold Coast – Australia’s theme park capital. There is so much to see and do around Australia that it really depends on how long you have. You can always email us for more information and assistance – info@viewretreats.com. I hope this helps.
Infinity Pool fascinates me a bit too much and a mere mention of them causes an adrenaline rush. God knows how it will feel to actually dive into one. Travelling to Australia coming June is the next thing on my bucketlist! And definitely gonna book Azure Noosa when once there to experience that breath-taking moment. Really wish it isn’t occupied then. Also, is the water temperature bearable in winters? Hope it is so!
Hi Ash – how exciting you’ll be making your way to Australia next year. You’ll love every bit if it, I’m sure. Azure Noosa is just stunning. It’s located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Queensland’s slogan is beautiful one day, perfect the next. The water temperatures around June are approx. 22 degrees. The more north you go, the warmer it gets. Get in touch with us if you need any assistance planning and booking your holiday. Happy to give advice to help you further. Our email is info@viewretreats.com. Happy planning :)
Some of these would be fantastic for a small group or family vacation. I really like a lot of the more daring architecture and contemporary styles, and I’m not surprised there are a few gorgeous outdoor pools and infinity pools, those are very popular and oddly highly Instagrammable. Because getting to Australia from the UK takes so long and there’s so much there to explore, most people go for a few weeks rather than the typical 7 night holiday stay. If I ever get to go, which I’d love to do as I have family there, I’d be keen on a villa for comfort as I’d be there a while. I don’t think I’d ever want to leave any of these places though!
It would be very hard to leave these homes once you settle in Kate! But then when you see what Australia has to offer, you’d be out exploring a lot. It is a long journey but with Qantas’ direct flight from London to Perth, at least there are no lengthy stopovers. My advice to anyone coming to Australia on a holiday with limited time is to focus on a particular region rather than trying to see as much as possible in a short period. Otherwise, all you’ll be doing is travelling around rather than relaxing…which is what holidays are for in my opinion.
These are all perfect for a holiday vacation with the whole family. The villas are completely equipped with more than the essentials needed to make your stay relaxing and fun. My personal favorite is the Picadilly House located at New South Wales because I prefer places with an overlooking view of nature. On the other hand, it is also near local shops where we can look for something that we can bring home to our friends, and the beach where we can spend sunny days cooling down. I also look forward to admiring the night sky as much as I love to look at landscapes. It makes me think that this would be the perfect fit for my family’s upcoming reunion.
That’s one of our favourites too, Kyson! The home is in such a stunning location…and that pool! It’s just perfect for larger families with all the space it offers. And Byron is such a great holiday spot as well with lots to see and do. Looking forward to welcoming you at some stage :)