With lockdowns finally starting to ease in some places on the east coast of Australia, thoughts are turning to holidays again.
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All across Australia Airbnb hosts welcome guests daily, and those big-hearted regional hosts have been recognised as part of the platform's first Host Awards.
Offering visitors their very own private bush sanctuary, Grain Shed Retreat, a 100-year-old renovated grain shed on 830 acres of pristine landscape in Goomburra, Queensland was awarded Australia's Best Regional Stay.
Located 90 minutes south-east of Toowoomba and set on over 800 acres, hosts Neil Erskine and Bel de Bois have made the retreat completely wheelchair accessible. The property sits on a landscape called Tarragunda - an Indigenous word for 'chain of ponds' - inspired by the local valley which abounds with spring-fed water holes.
Winning hosts were selected based on extensive Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews, with oversight from a panel of judges that included renowned interior stylist and makeover king Steve Cordony and expert Superhost Merrydith Callegari, who sits on Airbnb's esteemed global Host Advisory Board.
And while the winner came from the Sunshine State, there were finalists from all across the country:
- NSW FINALIST: Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage, Jamberoo NSW
- NSW FINALIST: The Gate House by Yeates Wines, Eurunderee NSW
- SA FINALIST: Pennys Road, Keyneton SA
- SA FINALIST: Bayside Glamping Tiny House, Marion Bay SA
- TAS FINALIST: Paradise Road Farm, Sheffield TAS
- TAS FINALIST: Dovedale at Ravensdale Farm, Little Swanport TAS
- VIC FINALIST: Torquay Farm Stay Blue Studio Truck, Freshwater Creek VIC
- VIC FINALIST: Daylesford Longhouse, Daylesford VIC
- WA FINALIST: Yardup Shearers Quarters, Amelup WA
The awards celebrating the top hosts, listings and experiences on offer across the country, and aim to shine a spotlight on hosts for the incredible work they do for guests and the wider community across six categories: Best Unique Stay, Best Designed Stay, Best Regional Stay, Community Contribution Award, Host of the Year and Most Magical Experience.
Mr Cordony was impressed by the Grain Shed Retreat, noting while the original shed had been renovated into a private bush sanctuary, the interior still celebrated its origins.
"The sheer history and genuine country feel, which is highlighted and celebrated with corrugated iron and timber details, showcases the tradition of country Australia. Grain Shed Retreat offers the ultimate peace and seclusion for guests, including relaxing in their own private waterhole," he said.
"The most special aspect of the Grain Shed Retreat is the ability to immerse yourself in the Australian outback and enjoy special sunsets and hiking trails through the countryside. This is certainly my pick for a true regional stay experience."
IN OTHER NEWS:
National finalists in the Best Regional Stay category range from the architecturally-designed vineyard Gate House in Eurunderee, NSW, to the fully-operational Daylesford Longhouse in Victoria, and the stunning Morning View Cabin on an old dairy farm in Sheffield, Tasmania.
Airbnb's Australia and New Zealand country manager, Susan Wheeldon, said Airbnb was thrilled to have the opportunity to recognise and reward hosts who continued to go above and beyond for guests and their communities.
"Every day, hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.
"Many regional hosts on Airbnb share their own home to help combat rising costs of living and meet mortgage repayments. In turn, these hosts help drive economic growth and job creation in regional Australia and many local businesses rely on the valuable tourism dollars spent by Airbnb guests."
