Airbnb shares its best local hosts and stays
Airbnb’s very first Host Awards have been announced, recognising the most welcoming, creative and big-hearted hosts around the country.
Categories include Best Unique Stay, Best Designed Stay and Best Regional Stay, with winners ranging from a luxurious off-the-grid eco hut for two in Mudgee, to an architecturally designed guesthouse in Hobart, and a 100-year-old former grain shed that is wheelchair accessible on the outskirts of Toowoomba, Queensland.
Victoria’s Kate Quinlan took out Australia’s host of the year, with the 70s-style campervan on her family farm near Daylesford attracting 5 star reviews from guests around the world.
Queensland host Adrienne Penny, winner of the Community Contribution Award, won for offering respite to carers by hosting free-of-charge stays at her Sunshine Coast beachside apartment, while Cam O’Beirne, a former helicopter rescue crew member from Western Australia, was recognised for Most Magical Experience. Cam hosted an Airbnb Experience where guests embark on adrenaline-filled simulated rescue missions.
According to News.com.au, Airbnb’s winning hosts were selected based on extensive data, guest scores and reviews, and with oversight from a panel of judges.
Here’s a look at Australia’s standout properties:
Host of the year: Kate Quinlan, Eganstown VIC.
Living on an historic farm once owned by her great-great-grandfather dating back to 1848, she has two listings on the property. These include a rejuvenated 9m Viscount Royal Caravan with a deck overlooking farm and bushland. Some of the highlights include a delicious continental breakfast and homemade jam for guests, but also thoughtful touches like balloons and fresh flowers for couples celebrating anniversaries and birthdays.
Community Contribution Award: Adrienne Penny, Sunshine Beach QLD.
This award recognises those who go above and beyond for both guests and the local community.
Adrienne began hosting on Airbnb in 2015 when her children had left home. Equipped with an empty self-contained apartment downstairs, which had been used to host homestay students, she decided to take her passion for meeting new people from different parts of the world one step further and managed to earn an income as well.
With more than 100 visitors to date and many returning guests, Adrienne has started hosting carers at the apartment for free - giving them a very well deserved few days respite.
Best Designed Stay: Slow Beam, West Hobart TAS.
This award recognises hosts who design their homes in such a way that really reflects personality and passion.
This Airbnb is an architecturally designed, luxurious guesthouse with stunning views of Hobart. Host Lauren set out to build something that would be both comfortable and make the most of the views while also being “mood, glamorous and relaxed”.
The black walls and ceilings were inspired by brutalist architecture. The host said the style reflects confidence and bold choices with the windows being the highlight in the property.
Best unique stay: Gawthorne’s Hut, Buckaroo NSW.
Recognising those who have a unique and amazingly distinctive home.
This gorgeous property is 5km from Mudgee where hosts Rick and Steph used to picnic before deciding to build guest accommodating in the spot. The hut was designed by an architect, which captures the best views but also offers that feeling of complete isolation once you arrive and settle in.
This property is truly off the grid, boasting no TV or internet connection, as to keep nature as the focal point.
Best regional stay: The Grain Shed, Goomburra QLD.
This award recognises hosts who showcase the best that regional Australia has to offer.
Sitting on 335 hectares in the Southern Downs region, this completely wheelchair accessible property is a converted grain shed.
Located in Goomburra, a two-hour drive from Brisbane, between Toowomba and Warwick, the property is home to several sacred sites. Soaking up the view from the verandah you will often be able to spot some beautiful wildlife.