Gone are the days when guests arrived in a new country, headed to their five-star resort and only left the grounds for the return journey home.
Statistics show modern travellers want to experience destinations like true locals, discover hidden gems, dine at local restaurants, meet new people and experience local culture when they travel.
Providing the space, comforts of home with the opportunity to have a locally immersive experience, it’s of little wonder then that Airbnb listings in Australia grew from 43,610 to 89,863 in December 2017 according to Inside Airbnb.
With 25,000 properties hosting guests across Sydney in 2017, travellers are spoilt for choice in the harbour city.
Whether it is a single room, private yacht, beach house, luxe harbourside abode, industrial warehouses or a designer apartment in a cool, local neighbourhood, there is something for every taste and budget.
Here are some of the best:
Low impact escape
The Little Black Shack
This original, lovingly restored fisherman’s cottage, which is reached via Myra the old timber ferry from Palm Beach wharf, is the stuff weekend getaway dreams are made of.
Located on the waters’ edge of Mackerel Beach in Pittwater on Sydney’s northern beaches, it’s hard to believe the timber and sandstone Little Black Shack is just under 2kms from the mainland.
Full of character and charm, the cottage has two bedrooms, a private sandstone outdoor terrace with panoramic views over the secluded beach.
From $600 per night. Sleeps four.
Industrial quirk
Warehouse Loft Apartment
Selected by New York photographer and writer Todd Selby as the most interesting Airbnb in Sydney, this loft apartment in the hip inner-west suburb of Marrickville provides the ultimate immersive city break.
The hosts are renowned for being exceptionally hospitable while the space itself, on the first floor of an old warehouse and above a working art studio, is spacious and quirky with bespoke art works, eclectic furniture, a full kitchen and living area.
From $120 per night. Sleeps two.
Northern delight
Avalon Beach Cabin
For a relaxed beach break, Sydney’s Northern Beaches offer natural beauty, quality dining and miles of pristine beaches.
This sweet, light-filled cabin is tucked away at the back of a family home and just a two-minute walk to Avalon Beach and the vibrant village’s cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Surrounded by lush hanging vines, the affordable beachside bungalow has a full kitchenette, luxe linen, a renovated ensuite bathroom and a Nespresso machine for a morning, pre-swim brew.
From $126 per night. Sleeps two guests.
Floating stay
Ephemeral
Imagine falling asleep to the sound of the gentle water lapping the hull with the backdrop of Luna Park and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Such is reality when guests stay on the 2015 Bavaria Cruiser 33 located at Lavender Bay on Sydney’s lower North Shore.
As well as the best views in town, the yacht has two bedrooms and two common spaces and has been given five stars by 100 per cent of guests
From $349 per night. Sleeps four.
Beach chic
Bondi Cloud
It’s not a trip to Sydney without a visit to Bondi.
Live like a hip local at this light-filled, rustic renovated top floor apartment, which has jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the world-famous beach.
Your morning dip is just a two-minute stroll away as are Bondi’s bustling cafes, bars, restaurants boutiques and the iconic Icebergs sea pool.
From $175 per night. Sleeps three.
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