Australia’s best and most popular holiday home has been named by the annual Stayz Holiday Home Awards. The awards, now in their ninth year, are based on the most booked and best reviewed properties of the past year.
The gold medal in 2020 goes to a renovated cottage in Halls Gap, in the Grampians National Park. Set amongst the gum trees with mountain views to the Pinnacle and Boronia Peak, the cottage sleeps four guests, an outdoor fire pit, and is surrounded by wildlife including kangaroos, red deer, kookaburras and cockatoos. The silver medal also goes to a Victorian holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula, whilst bronze was awarded to a cottage in Berry, NSW.
Over a third of the shortlisted properties this year are from Victoria, the most of any state, so if restrictions could just lift, that’d be ace. Simone Scoppa, Travel Expert for Stayz says the win is a good boost for Victoria’s tourism sector but admits there is some irony in the fact Australians are not yet able to visit the top two holiday homes in the country.
“Victoria is home to some of the country’s best wilderness experiences, beaches, wineries, cities and towns. Now, it’s also home for the third year running, to Australia’s number one holiday home again. Whilst we sadly can’t visit right now, I think I speak for most travellers when I say we can’t wait to return soon,” added Scoppa.
This year’s awards are also a boost for regional Australia with 95 per cent of homes outside of our cities. Scoppa believes regional tourism is set to boom as border restrictions continue to ease and Australians embrace the opportunity to hit the road and explore their own backyards.
Check out the medalists below, with the other incredible houses rounding out the Top 20, and get booking, support locals, and have a well deserved break!
Gold Medal
Algona Views in Halls Gap
This newly renovated self-contained two bedder is proving popular with travellers who explore the Grampians National Park. Sleeping four adults, the holiday home is the quintessential no fuss home that is the setting for relaxation, taking in the local wildlife and just hanging out with the ones you love.
Silver Medal
In the heart of Capel Sound Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, this two bedroom holiday home has also made it to the top 20 national list. Sleeping five people, with a Queen bed, bunks and a fold out bed, the apartment is popular with families who want to explore the Peninsula Hot Springs, Cape Schanck National Park and nearby safe swimming beaches.
Bronze medal
This cosy 100 year old cottage in central Berry is where guests can watch the world go by from the front verandah that looks onto the town. With a fully fenced backyard, the cottage is popular with pet owners and in winter, renters can toast marshmallows on the open fire. The owners, who are dog lovers themselves, say Berry is a pet friendly town and they share tips with guests on where to find off leash areas including the beach at Shoalhaven Heads.
The Other Finalists
