8 Fairytale Cottage Airbnbs For a Magical Getaway

Stays straight out of a storybook.

Two things Airbnb and fairy tales have in common? A sense of escape – and an appreciation for a good cottage.

Although seemingly separate ideas, the crossover is clear: both encourage us to leave our reality behind, get cosy and find a little charm in the everyday. And if you’re looking to do just that, consider this guide your go-to for a magical getaway.

From mountainside must-stays to cosy forest retreats, keep reading for eight fairytale cottage Airbnbs in Australia

1. Storybook Cottage, Kenilworth, Queensland

A fitting name for a place that looks like it was plucked from a picture book, this cottage for two is set on a hillside in Queensland’s stunning Mary Valley. A carefully restored space that once belonged to a 100-year-old dairy farm, the light-filled getaway boasts eclectic interiors, an extensive library, a bath with a view and quality linen bedding – a winning combination in our books.

2. Seaforest Cottage, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania

You may recognise this abode from our The Makers series. A charming cottage where the forest meets the sea, Montana Lowe's Tasmanian haven boasts two bedrooms and comfortably sleeps six guests. From the garden made for foraging to the wood fire, stained-glass windows and sunsets that kiss the bay, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy the simpler things in life.

3. Enchanted Cottage, Tamborine Mountain, Queensland

A cottage that lives up to its name, this enchanting escape is tucked away at the top of Tamborine Mountain, a little under an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. The fairytale fun can be found in the hand-crafted stained-glass windows, witchy etchings and stonework, with many hidden details to be discovered in its nooks and crannies. The fragrant herb garden is also a notable highlight – as are the ‘spells’ that are waiting to be uncovered. Curious? You can actually take a virtual tour.

4. The Yurt, Emerald, Victoria

A finalist for ‘Best Unique Stay’ at the 2023 Airbnb Host Awards, The Yurt is one of Australia’s most wish-listed homes on the site for good reason. Situated in the lush Dandenong Ranges, ‘charming’ doesn’t even begin to cover this retreat, with its warm terracotta bedroom, sprawling surrounds and the melodious birdsong of the forest.

5. Fernhill Estate ‘Gingerbread House’, Kallista, Victoria

Although not quite as Hansel and Gretel as its name might suggest, this ‘Gingerbread House’ doesn’t fall short on fairytale charm. Set in the rainforests of the Dandenong Ranges, the Tudor-inspired home will take you back to ‘Once Upon A Time’, thanks to its exposed timber architecture, leadlight windows and lavish bedroom interiors.

6. Bellingen Vintage Farmstay, Brierfield, New South Wales

From the painted sign carving your path, to the hanging lanterns and animal friends that live alongside you, the Bellingen Vintage Farmstay is brimming with storybook appeal. Great for families and easily sleeping up to eight guests, the eco-friendly home is set on a biodynamic farm with friendly horses, goats, sheep and chickens to keep you company (just don’t expect them to help you get dressed in the morning à la Disney).

7. Poet’s Lodge, Daylesford, Victoria

A luxurious escape that hosts up to 14 guests, the Poet’s Lodge strikes the perfect balance between old-world appeal and modern must-haves. Filled with antique trinkets, original paintings, fireplaces and a library that would keep Belle of Beauty and the Beast busy for days, it’s an excellent escape for larger groups looking to unwind.

8. Castle Keep B&B in the Tower, Crafers, South Australia

While technically not a cottage – though it is cosily sized for up to four people – no list of fairytale Airbnbs in Australia would be quite complete without this alluring abode. A multi-storied castle keep complete with Rapunzel-worthy towers, each decadent detail is designed to make you feel like a royal, from the ornate early 19th century English oak beds, to the French tapestries, hand-painted vaulted ceilings and stone spiral staircase.