Ten of the Best Airbnb Destinations Within Easy Reach of Melbourne

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Melbourne is on track to become Australia’s most populous city by 2030, but it’s still possible to get some quality ‘me-time’ an hour-or-so’s drive from the heart of town.

And for many of us, that means ditching traditional hotels and motels in favour of the myriad of short-stay accommodation options now available on online platforms such as Airbnb. Cramped cookie-cutter-style rooms have given way to architecturally designed luxury homes, chic beach retreats, cosy cottages, rustic barn conversions, tiny houses, glamping tents, ex-tram carriages, and futuristic canvas domes. In fact, you name it, you can probably stay in it!

Here are ten of the best Airbnb destinations close to Melbourne.

Watch our video of ten top things to do in Melbourne:

Top 10 Things to Do in MELBOURNE, Australia, 2026 | Ultimate Melbourne Travel Guide for First Timers

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1. Yarra Valley

It may only be an hour’s drive from the heart of Melbourne, but the sublime Yarra Valley is a world away from the city in terms of its natural beauty and tranquility. Rolling green hills, quaint towns, verdant vineyards, and a cornucopia of gourmet providores are the hallmarks of this destination. If a short break here doesn’t leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised, nothing will. And the region hosts hundreds of short-stay accommodation options of every conceivable description. Winery stays are particularly popular and are offered at Balgownie Estate, Sutherland Estate, and Mount Hope Estate. Once you’ve settled in, there are some 90 cellar doors to tick off, including at Rochford Wines, De Bortoli, and the purveyor of all that sparkles — Domaine Chandon. Leave time between bouts of grape grazing to sample the wares of the famous Yarra Valley Dairy and Chocolaterie.

2. Warburton

Situated in Yarra Ranges National Park, roughly 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, the hidden hamlet of Warburton — fondly known locally at ‘Warby’ — has come into its own as a short break destination on the back of the rise of Airbnb. These days there are myriad short-stay accommodation dotted across the region, shaded by towering gums and framed by the fronds of tree ferns. Time almost seems to stand still here, which bodes well for those seeking to escape the hectic pace of modern life — If only for the weekend. Short bushwalks and scenic hiking routes, a rail trail to cycle, and even the chance to see snow in the winter months (at nearby Mount Donna Buang) are all on offer for lovers of the great outdoors. Warburton also boasts a diverse dining scene; feast on everything from classic pub grub at The Alpine Hotel to authentic South Indian dishes at Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen.

3. Geelong

Heading south-west from the CBD, it will take you just on an hour by car to reach the bustling bayside city of Geelong. It boasts a fabulous waterfront precinct peppered with contemporary Airbnbs, and offers easy access to the beaches and bucolic hills of the wider Bellarine Peninsula. Start your visit with a relaxed stroll along the waterfront and snap some selfies with various characters on the famous Bollard Trail. You may even want to take a romantic ride on the old-time carousel! Hit the Bellarine Taste Trail on day two and visit your choice from 50 food and wine experiences. You’ll generally pay a few dollars for guided tastings as you go, but it’s great value and lots of fun.

4. Apollo Bay (Great Ocean Road)

A 1.5-hour drive beyond Geelong will see you hugging hairpin bends and marvelling at the extraordinary ocean vistas on display along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. It’s a part of the state that will hold you spellbound, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for short-stay accommodation options (estimated to be upwards of 600 properties). The holiday town of Apollo Bay is located roughly halfway along the Great Ocean Road and makes a great base for exploring the area. The famous 12 Apostles sea stacks can be reached by car in an hour, while Great Otway National Park lies just 30 minutes away. A brand-new lookout at the Apostles has recently opened (with a new Visitor Centre to follow), while Otway Fly Treetop Adventures offers amazing views of the Otways forest canopy from its elevated Rainforest and Treetop Walk.

5. Mornington Peninsula

Those in search of a coastal bliss out will also adore the Mornington Peninsula — an hour’s drive south-east of Melbourne. Unsurprisingly, given the exquisite coastal setting, this is another Airbnb hot spot. Hit the beach, drift between wineries, or enjoy the cosmopolitan cafe and dining culture on offer in the towns of Mornington, Mount Martha, Sorrento, and Portsea. One of the highlights of a stay in this area is the opportunity to soothe body and mind at the Peninsula Hot Springs, which features indoor and outdoor bathing pools filled with thermally heated mineral-rich water. Other amenities at the Hot Springs include a hydrotherapy pool, a thermal stream gully, massaging showers, and a sauna.

6. Daylesford

Melbourne’s love of ‘taking the waters’ isn’t restricted to the Peninsula. West of the city and within close proximity to the gold rush-era city of Ballarat is what’s known as ‘spa country’ — thanks to the high concentration of mineral springs in the area. Since the late 1800s, world-weary souls have been making their way to the characterful towns of Daylesford and Hepburn to both drink and bathe in the mineral-infused water. Head to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to try the former (although we warn you, the taste is pretty tangy). The latter is best enjoyed at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, which offers a range of public and private bathing options in water heated to a toasty 34 degrees Celsius. You’ll also find a plethora of day spas, massage and yoga studios, and other wellness practitioners clustered in and around Daylesford’s town centre. The many guesthouses of the 19th century have largely been replaced by a booming short-stay accommodation industry, and beautifully appointed period cottages abound.

7. Macedon Ranges

Slightly closer to Melbourne at one hour’s drive, the Macedon Ranges beckon visitors with the promise of gorgeous scenery and intriguing geological features (including mysterious Hanging Rock), a delectable dining culture, and plenty of fizz in the form of a cool climate wine scene. Most of the region’s wineries lie at an altitude of between 600 and 800 metres above sea level, but the altimeter actually taps out at a whopping 1,000+ metres at the top of Mount Macedon (which frequently sees light snow in winter). Take your pick from an estimated 400 short-stay rentals in this neck of the woods, but note that prices spike in peak periods. That includes autumn when visitors flock here to see dramatic displays of seasonal colour. High Street in Romsey, Woodend’s Avenue of Honour, and Honour Avenue in Macedon all turn on a fiery show from mid April.

8. Bendigo

The queen of Victoria’s Goldfields Region, Bendigo is situated just under two hours’ drive north-west of Melbourne. It’s perfect for a short break at any time of the year, surprisingly affordable, and will suit history lovers, foodies, and culture vultures alike. Spend some time admiring the splendid gold rush-era architecture (pick up a free walking tour map from the Visitor Information Centre) before heading underground on a tour of the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Back in the city centre, Wine Bank on View (which occupies an old bank building) champions hard-to-find-wines and serves a diverse menu of tapas-style dishes. Just across the road, acclaimed Bendigo Art Gallery houses an expansive collection of colonial art. Entry is free to see the permanent collection. Please note: Bendigo Art Gallery is currently closed for a renovation. Check their website for updates.

9. Benalla

Colour your world with a visit the rural city of Benalla — 2.5 hours’ drive north of Melbourne. Home to around 50 Airbnbs at last count, Benalla is renowned for its street art scene — and you’ll see works by some of Australia’s best-known street artists, including Jimmy Dvate, Rone, and Adnate. Drop into the excellent Visitor Information Centre to collect a map of the many large-scale art sites scattered across town. Of particular note are Adnate’s stunning mural of a Burmese girl (painted for the Wall to Wall festival), and the Serafina mural by Anton Pulvirenti — a memorial to thousands of Eastern European immigrants who were housed in Benalla’s migrant camps following World War II.

10. Lakes Entrance

At four hour’s drive from Melbourne, the idyllic coastal town of Lakes Entrance is the most far flung of our Airbnb destination recommendations — but is well worth the extra travel time. This is the gateway to the pristine Gippsland Lakes and sandy expanse of Ninety Mile Beach. Once you’ve settled into your choice from more than 200 short-stay properties, switch over to relaxation mode and head out to explore. The Entrance Walk will take you along the edge of Lake Cunningham to the actual Entrance (which links the lakes and open ocean), and you may spot seals and dolphins cavorting near the shoreline.

For a relaxed introduction to the region’s inland waterworld, book a sightseeing cruise with Lonsdale Eco Cruises. They offer a reasonably priced daily departure that takes in all the key sights, and you’ll be treated to a delicious Devonshire tea on board!

This post was published thanks to Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best Airbnb destinations close to Melbourne? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

Cover image: Visit Victoria

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