30 Best VRBO & Airbnb Gold Coast Stays for your Weekend Escape

Looking for a beautiful VRBO or Airbnb Gold Coast stay? From the Gold Coast Hinterland to Surfers Paradise Beach to the Southern Coast, there are some incredible and unique places that will enhance your Gold Coast experience.

Whether you want to stay in a beachfront apartment with panoramic views, or a luxury yurt in the mountains, we’ve listed the best Gold Coast stays for your next trip!

Please note: there may be Amazon or Accommodation affiliate links in this post. This means that we may get a small commission if you purchase through them.

The Best 15 Gold Coast Airbnb & VRBO Stays by Area

We’ve narrowed down the list to these amazing Gold Coast Airbnb and VRBO stays. They have been separated into general areas around the Gold Coast (a brief synopsis of the areas has been included, so you can get a feel for the area).

While Surfers Paradise Beach is still considered the main attraction for the Gold Coast (as far as tourism), it is mostly hotels. Broadbeach which is the next biggest (and more local) beachfront hub is where our Airbnb Gold Coast list begins.

Pricing structure:

• $ = $50-150
• $$ = $150-300
• $$$ = $300-500
• $$$$ = $500+

Holiday Rentals Broadbeach

Broadbeach is slowly overtaking Surfers Paradise as the beachfront epicentre.

With the development of the Casino, entertainment center, and Pacific Fair (the Gold Coast’s main shopping center) it is somewhere you can get all the action without the “touristy” feel that Surfers Paradise has.

There is the influence of the Gold Coast nighttime scene in Broadbeach, where restaurants close and nightclubs open, but you can also find some great little cafes and have access to the tram/train system (that will take you all the way to Brisbane Airport).

Here are some places to check out and things to do in Broadbeach:

• Visit the Garden Bar at the Casino: It doesn’t feel like you’re at a casino. This bar is lush, with hanging plants everywhere, and a large outdoor area that gets busy on the weekends.
• Go shopping at Pacific Fair: This is the main shopping center on the Gold Coast. There is a cinema, plenty of shops, and some great dining options.
• Eat at the Cardamom Pod: This quirky vegetarian restaurant has some of the most delicious smoothie bowls on the Gold Coast.
• Learn to surf at Broadbeach: This is a great activity for first-timers visiting the gold coast.

1. Savoy House

Broadbeach Waters | 4 Bedrooms | 8 Guests | Plum Guide Property

This mid-century modern style house is Palm Springs-inspired and nestled in the upscale Broadbeach Waters. The luxury home features four bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a sprawling outdoor area with a private pool. Offering both style and privacy, Savoy House is the perfect sanctuary for those looking to indulge in a serene and sophisticated Gold Coast getaway.

2. Air on Broadbeach

Broadbeach Beachfront | 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests | VRBO | $$

The most conventional Gold Coast stay on our list, this apartment has all the amenities you’d expect from a Gold Coast vacation rental, but is styled in a way that gives it that extra ‘edge’.

The apartment has air-conditioning, a washing machine, ocean views, and is walkable to all the main Broadbeach attractions and tram, making it a great central stay.

3. Brimming Bliss

Broadbeach Waters | 14 Guests | 5 Bedrooms | Plum Guide Property

This modern waterfront home in Broadbeach Waters has spectacular views, a private pool, and has recently been renovated. Featuring a cinema room, a pool table, and great indoor/outdoor living spaces its the perfect place for entertaining. Ideally located, you can enjoy easy access to local shopping, dining, and beaches, ensuring a memorable stay filled with relaxation and convenience.

4. Beachside Blues

Broadbeach Waters | 10 Guests | 4 Bedrooms | Plum Guide Property

This canal-front home is located close to all the attractions the Gold Coast has to offer. Accommodating up to 10 guests with four bedrooms and ample living space, it is ideal for family vacations or group stays. Enjoy the convenience of being just a short drive from pac fair and the beach while relaxing in a home celebrated for its comfort and style.

5. Broadbeach house

Broadbeach | 3 bedrooms | 6 guests | VRBO | $$

Bright and airy, this three-bedroom home is perfect for families. It’s just a short walk to Pacific Fair, the restaurant district, and the beach. The home is located on a canal, and it features a swimming pool and a large deck.

Holiday Rentals Mermaid Beach

Mermaid beach is the closest beachfront neighborhood south of Broadbeach (the main “new beach” area). Mermaid Beach is an interesting mix of some of the Gold Coast’s most expensive real estate (along the infamous Hedges Avenue (the city’s only one-way beachfront drive) and weathered old beach shacks.

It is a great location if you want to be close to the “action” of central Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach and Pacific Fair, but just far enough away that it has its own great options.

It is also home to one of the Gold Coasts great little pockets of cafes and bars called “Nobbys”. Mermaid Beach has some great places to check out:

• BSKT – Trendy cafe by the beach with awesome coffee and breakfast options
• Ally Chow – Asian inspired restaurant/bar with great food and cocktails
• The Cambus Wallace – Dimly lit, nautical-inspired bar with a huge range of rum cocktails and great vinyl record tunes
• Fu Fu – Asian inspired food & cocktails
• Poke Poke – for Poke Bowls!
• Bam Bam Bakehouse – A busy weekend hang for GC locals. Great coffee and croissants
• The Milkman’s Daughter – Great vegetarian food!

6. Mermaid Beach Pad

Mermaid Beach | 4 Bedrooms | 7 Guests | VRBO | $$

The Beach Pad is a stylish four-bedroom condo located on the ground floor of a premium three-story complex. It has a gourmet kitchen, an open plan living space, a cinema room and a private plunge pool.

There is a patrolled beach just one block away, and the Beach Pad is just a few minutes’ walk from the shops and restaurants of Nobby Beach.

7. Island Getaway

Mermaid Beach | 4 Bedrooms | 8 Guests | Plum Guide Property

This modern, newly built home just steps from Mermaid Beach, embodying the quintessential beach vibe of the area. It features four bedrooms, including a master suite with a deluxe ensuite, triple shower, freestanding bath, and private balcony with skyline views. Perfect for families, this home is ideally situated close to Hedges Avenue and the beach, and walking distance to a range of restaurants and bars.

8. Toby’s Beach House

Mermaid Beach | 4 Bedrooms | 12 Guests | VRBO | $$$$

Just 80 meters from the beach and the Surf Club, Toby’s Beach House is within walking distance of all Broadbeach and Nobby Beach have to offer, both in terms of retail and dining options. It has a wide and open living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a magnificent pool, making it ideal for entertaining a large group of friends or family members.

9. Chippewa Cottage

Mermaid Beach | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | Airbnb | $$$$

This quirky 1960’s style cottage is the perfect getaway, whether you are coming to the Gold Coast on a holiday, or you live in the area and want a staycation. It’s got a retro vibe with a clean beach feel. You can easily walk to the restaurant/cafe areas and the beach. It also has a swimming pool!

This Gold Coast Airbnb is part of the “Plus” category, which means that it is always fully equipped with great amenities, has one-of-a-kind details, and exceptional hospitality.

10. Bela Casa

Mermaid Beach | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | Plum Guide Property

This upscale apartment boasts three bedrooms, designer interiors, and panoramic views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta. Just a short 200m stroll to the beach and adjacent to Pacific Fair shopping center, enjoy modern amenities including a pool, spa, gym, and more, ensuring a great beachside holiday.

Burleigh Heads Vacation Rentals

Burleigh Heads has become a great hotspot for young surfer types that also enjoy good food and coffee. You can wander around the headland, taking in stunning viewpoints, or visit the nearby Tallebudgera Creek.

On Sunday afternoons you will see groups of people hanging out on the Burleigh Hill to end the weekend and watch the sunset on picnic blankets.

There are some great options for getting a drink in the area:

• Justin Lane – A rooftop bar with great cocktails and sourdough based pizza
• The Pavillion – This bar/eatery has some of the most amazing views on the Gold Coast as it literally sits on (overhanging) the beach.

Burleigh Village markets are on the first and third Sundays of the month at the local school (only minutes from the beach). There are some great local, boutique fashion, organic produce and music.

Vegan/Vegetarian restaurants to visit:

• BKA Vegan – Cafe and takeaway that caters to most dietary requirements
• Hidden Cherub – Californian inspired vegetarian food
• Govindas – Daily varying menu of amazing vegetarian food with takeaway options in the main Burleigh strip.

11. Harmony Sands

Burleigh Heads | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | Plum Guide Property

Want a beachside luxury experience in Burleigh Heads, designed for relaxation and social gatherings? This apartment features expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, a private heated pool, and panoramic views, creating an ideal setting for entertaining or unwinding. Positioned within walking distance to restaurants and the beach, it provides both convenience and comfort for a memorable stay, with pet-friendly options available upon request.

12. Burleigh Peach Pad

Burleigh Heads | 2 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | VRBO

This stunning Beach Pad, is perfectly positioned just 100 meters from Burleigh Heads Beach. This air-conditioned apartment features a spacious layout and a large private courtyard with an outdoor shower. Within walking distance, you’ll find top-rated restaurants like Burleigh Pavilion and Rick Shores, making it a perfect location for food lovers and beachgoers alike.

13. Heart of Burleigh

Burleigh Heads | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | VRBO | $$

This contemporary Gold Coast property with three bedrooms is ideal for your vacation retreat because of its proximity to beaches, bars, and restaurants. It features a beautiful standalone tub, a huge kitchen that is completely furnished, a large outdoor-covered barbecue area that can be used for socialising, and more.

14. Lumière

Burleigh Waters | 5 Bedrooms | 8 Guests | VRBO | $$$$

Burleigh’s beaches, cafes, restaurants, and shops are all within walking distance of this newly renovated five-bedroom home. An expansive pool deck, a lovely outside area with loungers and sunbeds, an internal fireplace, including several tasteful nooks are all part of this home’s appeal. The central heating and cooling system is installed throughout the whole property. 

15. Talle Creek Tree House

Burleigh Heads | Studio | 2 Guests | Airbnb | $$

This beautiful studio is located right by the Tallebudgera River. Nestled within the canopy, it has a peaceful feel. There is a balcony with views of the river (inner ocean area) and a projector for movies!

From here you can walk through the national park area to the beach and creek for a relaxing day or make your way into the Burleigh area for some great food.

Palm Beach Airbnbs

Palm Beach is the newest ‘up and coming’ area on the Gold Coast. Closer to the southern end, it has been changing over the past few years from old-style motels and weathered beachfront holiday homes into a thriving community of surfers, young creatives, and stylish architecture.

Life is a little more laid back in Palm Beach, and that’s the way they like it. Be sure to check out some of these great venues:

• The Collective – Popular hangout and collection of food types. It has something for everyone.
• Goodness Gracias – A vegetarian hotspot with a wide range of options.

If you’re into sustainable fashion and shopping second hand, Palm Beach has some great Op Shops to choose from too. There are also some great surf spots and a nice sheltered swimming area at the Currumbin Creek entrance to Palm Beach.

16. The Marlin

Palm Beach | 4 Bedrooms | 8 Guests | Plum Guide Property

This luxurious 4-bedroom home is located on the serene Tallebudgera Creek. Step out onto your private jetty or unwind on the sun loungers to bask in the Queensland sun. This home caters to both relaxation and entertainment with an open-plan living area, a cinema room, and a master bedroom featuring a private balcony with breathtaking views, ensuring a memorable holiday experience on the Gold Coast.

17. The Jefferson

Palm Beach | 4 Bedrooms | 8 Guests | Plum Guide Property

One of the best luxury rentals in the Gold Coast, is this beautifully designed three-level home on Jefferson Lane in Palm Beach, Gold Coast. Enjoy ocean glimpses from its South-Easterly facing rooms and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, perfect for relaxing with a stunning glass-bottom pool or stepping out to the beach nearby. This home doesn’t just offer a retreat but an entire experience with its five-star amenities including a walk-in wine cellar, alfresco entertaining area, basement gym, sauna, and home cinema media room, making it an ideal escape on the Gold Coast.

18 . Luxe beachside Villa

Palm Beach | 4 Bedrooms | 8 Guests | VRBO | $$

You’re just feet away from the beaches and surf in this three-story modern beach house. The villa has four oceanview bedrooms, including a master suite with a private balcony and a spa bath. Take advantage of the nearby Palm Beach eateries and cafés, as well as the shopping and dining options abound in the nearby areas of Burleigh Heads.

19. Palm Beach House on the Canal

Palm Beach | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | VRBO | $$

The spacious family home on the canal, which is about 800 meters from Palm Beach, provides the best of both worlds. You can fish, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard on the canal in front of the house, or head to the beach for some relaxation.

The house features a full kitchen with all of the necessary appliances, a huge covered patio with a barbecue and seating space, and a swimming pool with a canopy.

20. Gold Coast Beach Front House

Palm Beach | 3 Bedrooms | 7 Guests | VRBO | $$$

This beach house is beautiful and cozy all at the same time. An undiscovered treasure that combines a modern beach style with the quaint allure of a traditional beach house.

There is a family-sized barbecue for dining in or out, as well as a big front lawn that looks out over the ocean and provides direct access to the beach while also being fenced for the safety of young children.

21. The Palmy Villa

Palm Beach | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | Airbnb | $$

Looking for a stylish but cheap Airbnb Gold Coast stay? This minimalist styled villa is a great place to relax and unwind. You can spend your time in this stylish getaway with all the modern amenities or make your way to the beautiful beach with easy access only steps away.

Airbnb Gold Coast Hinterland Stays

The Gold Coast Hinterland is a beautiful, mountain region only a short drive from the beach and town centers. It is broken up into a couple of areas.

Mount Tamborine has a European feel with its various styles of restaurants, there’s delicious polish food at The Polish Place, a dutch cafe, Sushi, Indian and more. You can stroll along Gallery Walk and sample some delicious fudge, visit the Witches Falls Winery and relax on a picnic blanket in the vineyard, or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls.

Beechmont is a great place to escape away from the crowds, and to chill out in your Airbnb. There are two beautiful Gold Coast waterfalls in the area but check with your Airbnb host whether you’re able to visit as some may be closed to the public.

Currumbin Valley is a rainforest oasis. There are some cute Gold Coast farms to visit in the area, Freeman’s organic farm has live music on the weekends, and Currumbin Valley Harvest has a range of fresh produce to buy.

Springbrook is high up in the mountains with some great hiking trails that go to waterfalls. It is a little bit cooler than the Gold Coast, so make sure you bring enough layers to wear.

Here are the best VRBO & Airbnb gold coast hinterland stays for your vacation:

22. Clouds Safari

Beechmont | 1 Bedroom | 2 Guests | Booking.com | $$

Looking for a glamping Gold Coast experience? Clouds Safari is a stunning and romantic gold coast hinterland stay. This unique glamping tent in the mountains has some great amenities that include an outdoor bathtub that looks over the rolling green hills.

The owners are also very welcoming and might even cook you a meal and leave you a bottle of wine. They also set up an outdoor fireplace (weather permitting) for you, so all you have to do is kick back and relax.

23. Hillview Dairy

Currumbin Valley | 8 Bedrooms | 18 Guests | Plum Guide Property

Everything you could want from a Hinterland getaway. This beautifully designed place makes you want to take photos of everything. With an old farm feel, it has a great, fresh modern feel and the outdoor bathtub to go with it!

24. Stargazer

Beechmont | 2 Bedrooms | 5 Guests | Airbnb | $$

This super-modern container style accommodation is a great place to lay in bed and gaze at the night sky through the glass ceiling.

With an outdoor bathtub that looks into the green valley and the stars above, it is one of the most romantic Airbnb Gold Coast stays. There is also a wood-fired pizza oven available for use.

It truly is a perfect green escape into the Gold Coast Hinterland.

25. Binna Burra Eco Sky Lodge

Beechmont | 1 Bedroom | 5 Guests | VRBO | $$

This property is right by the entrance to Lamington National Park, which has some of the most amazing rainforests in Australia. The rooms also have a bath overlooking the mountain ranges!

26. Luxury Gold Coast Hinterland Villa

Mount Nathan | 6 Beds | 10 Guests | Airbnb | $$$$

If you are looking for a luxury Airbnb Gold Coast stay, this stylish mountain retreat has an infinity pool with beautiful, countryside views. There is also a hot tub and a beautiful garden to explore. Situated on 10 acres of land, horses and dogs are welcome, so it is a great pet friendly airbnb Gold Coast stay.

It’s a great place to spend the afternoon sipping local wine on the deck and taking it all in.

27. The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat

Springbrook | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Guests | Superhost | $$

There are 11 private, wooden chalets set in a world heritage rainforest. Each chalet is named after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and they are fully self-contained, and have spas and wood fireplaces.

The property is around a 50-minute drive from Gold Coast beaches and is also eco-tourism Australia certified.

Southern Gold Coast Airbnbs

The Gold Coast is uniquely placed just above the border of New South Wales (NSW) state. The southern end of the Gold Coast meets Northern NSW with an aesthetically pleasing collection of beaches and farmlands.

It is also home to some of the best surfing found in Australia and a new wave of young, enthusiastic creatives. There are two main areas at the southern end for Airbnb Gold Coast stays; Currumbin and Coolangatta

Currumbin is a quiet neighborhood with the best surf club views at Elephant Rock. It has a stunning crystal clear water creek and a quiet row of shops along the beachfront.

Coolangatta has some beautiful beaches and is home to “some of the world’s best surf”, like Rainbow Beach, Kirra, and Snapper Rocks. If you are looking for things to do in Coolangatta during your stay, there is an annual world championship surf tournament here every year, great cafes, and some seriously beautiful Coolangatta Airbnbs.

28. Luxury Self-Contained House

Coolangatta | 4 Bedrooms | 9 Guests | VRBO | $$$

You can walk to the beach from this beautifully designed apartment in Coolangatta. Because of the four bedrooms, access to the pool, and a BBQ, this is an excellent choice for large groups of people.

In a white and tan color scheme, it has a beach-themed, modern, and clean vibe. The main bathroom even features a jacuzzi/hot tub style bathtub.

39. The Coastal Cottage

Bilinga | 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests | VRBO | $

This beachfront cottage has bright and airy rooms that are decorated in a coastal style. Cottage 1 can be hired separately or in conjunction with Cottage 2 to accommodate more guests. Its location is convenient to North Kirra Beach as well as a bike track that leads to Snapper Rocks. You’ll be close to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as the airport.

3. Rainbow Bay Penthouse

Rainbow Bay | 2 Bedrooms | 6 Guests | VRBO

This property features two stories with a 360-degree view of Duranbah Beach and Snapper Rocks surf breaks. Perfect for those who enjoy panoramic views and the convenience of walking to nearby locations. Boasting stunning ocean vistas, a spacious entertaining deck, and available surfboard rentals, this luxurious Coolangatta accommodation is an ideal retreat for your Gold Coast vacation.

Why choose a VRBO or Airbnb Gold Coast stay over a hotel?

Gold Coast City is full of hotels. New ones, old ones, expensive ones, and cheap ones. So why would you want to choose a Gold Coast Airbnb or VRBO?

It wasn’t easy to narrow down this list of accommodation, but here are some of the reasons we love homestays and what attributes we were looking for:

Uniqueness

Airbnbs and VRBO’s are not a standard hotel room, there are so many different types of accommodation – from treehouses to glamping tents, cottages, and more. The available range is outstanding.

They usually have home facilities and utilities, such as a fully equipped kitchen cooking, fridge, blenders, washing machines, etc. It’s easy to find single guest check-in in options (so you can have the place to yourself).

Pet Trips

More and more people are traveling with their pets. And why not? Pets are part of the family. They enjoy an adventure too (dogs mostly…cats often prefer to stay home).

Fortunately, there are some Airbnb pet friendly Gold Coast stays available.

Price

There are lots of different price options available. If you are on a budget you can stay in a room in someone’s house/apartment, or if you want to splurge you can rent a luxury villa. There is usually something for everyone. 

Unlike most hotels, you can save money and have a more customized experience, by bringing your own food.

Sustainability

Gold Coast Airbnbs and VRBO’s are also a more sustainable option than standard hotels.

Hotels use a lot of energy resources whether people are staying there or not. They run air conditioning, minibars are staying cool, corridor/hallways are air-conditioned, etc, whether there are people around or not.

There is also food waste. Many hotels have to be properly stocked to offer their wide range of restaurant and room service food options whether there is one guest or 100 guests.

Personalised Reviews

Reviews can really make or break a destination. Therefore, hosts normally go out of their way to ensure their guests have the best experience possible.

What are the differences between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast?

The Gold Coast, unlike the Sunshine Coast, is a little more developed (but not in a bad way). There are more options on the Gold Coast for shopping, and plenty of great restaurants and bars to visit.

The Gold Coast has easy access to the Hinterland area and is very close to the border of NSW.

While the Sunshine Coast is on the Northern side of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is on the southern side.

Things to do on the Gold Coast

If you find a great Airbnb Gold Coast stay you might want to explore some of what the area has to offer. Here is a brief list of the best things to do on the Gold Coast:

• It’s all about the beaches on the Gold Coast
  • Learn to surf, dive, kitesurf
  • Walk up and down the 30km of beachfront or find a great place to stop and relax/picnic for the day
  • Spend an afternoon in Coolangatta
• The food and drink industry has come along way in the last few years with some fantastic new options, catering to a wide range of tastes.
• For those looking for something a little more “traditionally Gold Coast,” there are the theme parks a short drive towards Brisbane City
• Kick back, it’s a “City” but really it is a series of beach towns
• Take a trip down and check off this list of things to do in Byron Bay. Alternatively, spend the night in one of the unique hinterland Byron Bay Airbnbs

Looking for places to stay around Australia?

There are some amazing accommodation options around Australia, whether you want to go glamping in the hinterland or have a beachfront property. We have listed the best places to stay in the following destinations:

• Camping Byron Bay
• Free Camping on the Great Ocean Road
• Best Airbnb Margaret River Stays
• Beautiful Perth Airbnbs
• Best Brisbane Airbnb Stays

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