Airbnb's must-book, award-winning Australian holiday destinations

Some Australian homeowners have turned their houses and backyards into must-book holiday destinations, and they've become the best Airbnb hosts in the country.

At Alstonvale on in New South Wales' Northern Rivers region, Carla Dawes' cottage just won the Best Airbnb Host of the Year award.

Her 14 acres of rolling hills with stunning views are nice, but it's the personal touches that have made her an award winner.

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She uses produce from the local area, giving her guests a feel for the region.

"I also have a little book of the best cafes and restaurants and as a traveller I appreciate that," Dawes said.

Noosaville homeowner Paul Quincey supplies more than a bed to Airbnb customers – he does tours.

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His Noosaville kayaking adventures on the Sunshine Coast took out the Magical Experience award.

"I think it's one of the best experiences out there because every single time is unique and different because you're dealing with nature," Quincey said.

Airbnb manager and award judge Susan Wheeldon said because so many Aussies are still avoiding overseas travel due to the pandemic, or airport and aircraft chaos, local holidays that provide a stunning home, location and resort-style extras are booming.

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"We have these really clever hosts who are building such beautiful properties," Wheeldon said.

She continued, saying, "you've now got extraordinary accommodation to experience off the beaten path" such as The Winged House in Tasmania, which took out the Most Unique Airbnb award which Wheeldon described "as an art installation".

The home resembles a plane cantilevered over the side of a cliff and it provides dramatic views over the Bass Strait for about the same nightly price as an overseas hotel room.

Then there's Victoria's Best Design Stay winner: The Barn.

"It's actually a 160-year-old American barn," Wheeldon said.

The owners spent three years dismantling it in America and then rebuilding it in Victoria's High Country.

"(It's) incredible to share that with guests," Wheeldon said.